The ESPN owned and operated Charleston Classic is an invitational event that began in 2008, which was also the last time the Broncos participated in the event. Western hopes for better results this year as the team went 0-3 in that tournament years ago.
The Broncos have seen substantial success under coach Steve Hawkins, posting winning seasons in eight of the 13 seasons that he has coached the team. WMU has played all five of ESPN’s hosted basketball events under coach Hawkins, the only team to do so: They’ve played in the Wooden Legacy tournament in Anaheim in 2014; the Advocare Invitational in Orlando, at the Walt Disney Resort in 2006; the Puerto Rico Tip-Off, in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 2011; the Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu, Hawaii in 2009; and of course the very first Charleston Classic in Charleston, South Carolina.