Baltimore can finally crown its college basketball champion. The men’s and women’s basketball teams from Loyola, Morgan State, UMBC, and Towson will compete in the 410 Invitational tournament the weekend of Thursday, Nov. 12.

​This Under Armour-hosted inaugural tournament has been years in the making. Under Armour aims to highlight Baltimore basketball through its 410 Invitational and create a wonderful experience for college athletes.

Men’s Head Coach Josh Loeffler and women’s Head Coach Danielle O’Banion spoke alongside other coaches about the significance of the tournament for the city, especially during a time when most college basketball attention is funneled to the largest programs.​

“We are all doing our best to keep Baltimore players in Baltimore. Under Armour, kudos to you for taking care of your Baltimore programs and making us feel seen and giving us a platform to elevate our individual brands and our collective brands,” O’Banion said.

Both Loyola coaches agree the 410 Invitational is a testament to the Baltimore community. Although the tournament features friendly local rivalries, they are rivalries nonetheless.

​“There is no question the intensity in the gym is going to be palpable,” O’Banion said.

​Coach Loeffler moved to Baltimore 13 years ago and has been touched by the community within the city that makes it home. He said he cares deeply about the sport of basketball in Baltimore.

​“In the background, if you’re not trying to be a caretaker for the sport and do what’s right for the game of basketball, and the game of basketball in Baltimore, then you’re losing sight of the big picture,” Loeffler said.

​The 410 Invitational launches during an emerging era of NIL deals, where student-athletes can now get reimbursed for their talents. Smaller programs like Loyola may struggle to compete with the flashiness of larger programs, and athletes can miss out on some fun opportunities as a result. The tournament provides athletes with a unique chance to enjoy their experience.

​“The timing couldn’t be better. Under Armour has made this a first-class experience for student-athletes. Our players don’t usually sign NIL deals. They have an opportunity to have a tunnel [out]fit, and a contract they get to sign. That’s a big deal for us,” O’Banion said.

​Players were also provided small gift cards to the Under Armour global headquarters store at Baltimore Peninsula (Port Covington). They were able to explore the waterfront retail space at Baltimore Peninsula.

Ryan Butts

Coach O’Banion and Coach Loeffler have been working tirelessly this offseason to help their players grow on and off the court as individuals and as a team. Coach Loeffler is happy with how his young players have grown ahead of the season and the 410 Invitational.

​“It’s been fun to see people take steps to improve. It’s a good group to work with every day. They try to do what we ask them to do, and get better every day we are on the floor. Seeing that improvement and seeing guys grow into roles, and grow into the players they can become is rewarding,” Loeffler said.

​Loyola men’s basketball will play at Towson on Thursday, Nov. 12. Loyola women’s basketball will face Towson at Reitz Arena on Friday, Nov. 13, at 11:00 a.m. The men’s and women’s teams from Morgan State and UMBC will play each other in their own first bracket.

​The winners of each first bracket will play each other in the Championship Game, and the losers will participate in a consolation game. The men’s championship is Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m., and the women’s is Nov. 15 at 3:30 p.m. The men’s consolation game is Nov. 14 at 5:00 pm, and the women’s is Nov. 15 at 1:00 p.m. All of these final games will take place at Towson.

​Loyola basketball begins on Nov. 2. The men’s team will play Georgetown away at 6:30 p.m. The women’s team will play Notre Dame of Maryland at 7:00 p.m. at Reitz Arena.