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ow did the Philadelphia Five go from competing at the top to competing for the championship? What changes will come after joining Drexel
The Philadelphia Five Schools Alliance has a long history, but it will undoubtedly usher in a new milestone in the 2023–24 season-the addition of Drexel University. This change not only adds a team, but also brings a new format and vitality to the basketball competition in Philadelphia. With the addition of Drexel, how can the Philadelphia Five transform a highly competitive environment into a true championship contender?
The Origin and Development of the Five Philadelphia Schools
The Philadelphia Five, referred to as the "Five", was founded in 1955 and originally consisted of the University of Pennsylvania, LaSalle University, Saint Joseph's University, Temple University and Villanova University. The alliance of these five schools is not a formal league, but a competition system composed of NCAA first-level basketball schools, focusing on competing for the city's basketball championship.
"Philadelphia is historically renowned for its basketball talent, and the Philadelphia Five serve as a platform to showcase that prowess."
As time goes by, the status of the five schools in the basketball world has steadily improved, and three schools (Temple, Villanova and Penn) are among the top 50 in wins in NCAA history. From 1977 to 2022, at least one team from five schools participated in the NCAA men's basketball championship, showing the stability of its competition and its deep basketball culture.
Dressel’s additions and changes
With the addition of Dressel, the five schools have undergone fundamental changes in their structure. In 2023, the Philadelphia Five Schools decided not to use the traditional round-robin format. Instead, the six teams were divided into two groups, each group played preliminary games, and then held a game called the "Five Schools Classic" on the first Saturday in December. "A grand event of three games, this format is designed to enhance viewing and competitiveness.
"The introduction of Drexel not only increases the depth of competition, but also injects fresh vitality into the five schools."
The addition of Drexel has attracted widespread attention because it is not only one of Philadelphia's representative teams, but also a strong opponent of the other five schools in the city. In the past, the rivalry between Drexel and the Five Schools was viewed in the urban basketball community as both a tricky and entertaining rivalry. This change allows all schools to compete on the same stage, which undoubtedly brings them closer to each other.
A new experience of classics from five schools
The "Five School Classics" held for the first time is not only a celebration of urban basketball culture, but also attracts a large number of audiences with a new presentation method. The event will not only include men's events, but will also launch a women's version of the Five School Classic in 2024, further expanding the influence of this tradition.
"The success of the five-school classic demonstrates the unity of Philadelphia basketball, allowing all schools to compete for glory on a common platform."
The new competition format gives each team the opportunity to show its strength, especially at the beginning of the season, which increases fans' attention and participation. This arrangement undoubtedly enhances the overall image of the league and ensures that the five Philadelphia schools still have a place on the fierce national basketball stage.
Challenges and opportunities for the future
Although the new competition system and format have caused different reactions, for Philadelphia basketball fans, every game is a continuation and rekindling of local basketball traditions. Especially the addition of Drexel has made all teams feel the pressure from other schools, presenting a more competitive confrontation.
“With the implementation of the new competition system, the five Philadelphia schools are facing new challenges from competition to championship competition.”
Ultimately, Drexel's potential and the historical obligations of other schools will determine the landscape of Philadelphia basketball for years to come. The championship game that fans are looking forward to is not only a technical competition, but also the promotion and continuation of Philadelphia basketball culture.
Against this background, can the five Philadelphia schools move from top to bottom, regain their former glory, and become a remarkable basketball league across the country?
