2016 Pac-12 China Game Announced: Date, Preview, More for Harvard vs. Stanford

The Pac-12 announced the next step in its foray into China on Friday by revealing the Stanford and Harvard men's basketball teams will clash in the 2016 Pac-12 China Game.  

According to Pac-12.com, the Cardinal and the Crimson will kick off the 2016-17 college basketball season on Nov. 12, 2016 in Shanghai, which will be Nov. 11 in the United States. Particulars, such as the time and the venue, have yet to be determined.

The 2015 Pac-12 China Game between Washington and Texas will take place Nov. 13, and it will mark the first college or professional basketball game to ever be played in China.

Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott expressed great joy regarding the conference's decision to return to China in 2016, per Pac-12.com: "We are thrilled to announce Stanford and Harvard for next year's game. Both universities represent the very best of academic and athletic excellence, and we anticipate a great reception from the Chinese and global audience."

Stanford head coach Johnny Dawkins echoed that sentiment and had some great things to say about his prior experiences in China, per the release:

"

We are honored to be one of the first teams to play a regular-season game in China and are really looking forward to this tremendous opportunity to represent Stanford and the Pac-12 Conference in Shanghai. I was fortunate to be a part of the coaching staff for the United States Olympic Team that captured the gold medal in 2008 and have very fond memories of China. This event will provide a rewarding cultural experience for our student-athletes, allowing our program to explore the city and play on a global stage against an exceptional school in Harvard.

"

Global expansion has been a hot topic of conversation within the NBA as of late with Commissioner Adam Silver suggesting European NBA franchises are possible at some point down the line.

Staging high-level college basketball games overseas will likely help the NBA in terms of continuing to grow the sport internationally, and there is little doubt it will be an unforgettable life experience for the student-athletes who take part in the 2016 Pac-12 China Game.

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