The University of Hawai'i and ESPN Regional Television, Inc., announced the creation of the Diamond Head Classic, an eight-team men's college basketball tournament to begin in 2009.

The tournament is scheduled for Dec. 22, 23 and 25, at the Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu. Each team will compete in one game per day, advancing through a bracket-tournament format. The two teams that are undefeated after the first two days will face off in the championship game Christmas day.

"This is a great day for our basketball program, our university and the entire state," UH Athletic Director Jim Donovan said. "I believe the significance of this event is enormous — tantamount to our university joining the Western Athletic Conference, and more recently, the formation of the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl. We're grateful to ESPN Regional Television for their efforts in bringing a first-class event to the islands and it's our intent to host a tournament that everyone can be proud of."

ERT expects to release the tournament bracket and ticket information in the spring or summer.

"The Diamond Head Classic allows the University of Hawai'i to once again be a focal point in preseason college basketball and we couldn't be more excited," UH basketball coach Bob Nash said.

UH will continue to host the Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic, one of the nation's longest running preseason tournaments.

No teams have been announced.