20 Years Strong: The Danny Rumph Classic Returns This August With 18 Games Featuring Top Basketball Talent
The Danny Rumph Classic is going big for its 20th year on Thursday, August 7, 2025, to Monday, August 11, 2025, at Drexel University’s Daskalaki Athletic Center. Presented by the Daniel E. Rumph II Foundation, this premier cause-driven basketball tournament features 18 games aimed at raising awareness of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and funding lifesaving heart screenings and defibrillator access in underserved communities across Philadelphia.
Held annually in Philadelphia, the Classic honors Danny Rumph, who passed away in 2005 from sudden cardiac arrest due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Founded in 2006 by Danny’s Mom, Viola “Candy” Owens, Danny’s Uncle Marcus Owens, Sharif Hanford, Mike Morak, and friends, the event celebrates Danny’s love for basketball and promotes heart health awareness in his memory.
The Danny Rumph Classic is renowned for showcasing top-tier basketball talent, having featured stars like James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, the Morris Twins, Jayson Tatum, Jalen Brunson, and many more over the years.
As the event continues to grow, it now represents the full spectrum of the basketball ecosystem. Featuring a community clinic, middle school and high school showcases, a women’s pro tournament, and the elite men’s games, this event offers something for everyone, reinforcing its place as a premier summer basketball event.
This year, the Classic partners with leading sponsor Nike to support the Daniel E. Rumph II Foundation’s mission of providing free heart screenings and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to communities across Pennsylvania, along with vital CPR/AED education and training for the public.
The Rumph Classic is part of Legendary Summer Hoops Month, a month-long celebration in August that highlights premier basketball events, showcases top talent from across the country, and honors the culture, community, and legacy of the game.
“As we mark the 20th year of the Danny Rumph Classic and the 20th anniversary of Danny’s passing, we reflect on two decades of community, camaraderie, and Philly hoops. There’s nothing more meaningful than coming together with friends and family to keep Danny’s memory alive. This event has always been about more than basketball; it’s about honoring Danny’s legacy and inspiring the next generation of Philly hoopers, both on and off the court,” said Mike Morak, Co-Founder of Danny Rumph Classic.
The 2025 Danny Rumph Classic Schedule:
Thursday, August 7
6:00 PM: Men’s First game
7:00 PM: Men’s Second game
8:00 PM: Men’s Third game
9:00 PM: Men’s Fourth game
Friday, August 8
6:00 PM: Men’s First game
7:00 PM: Men’s Second game
8:00 PM: Men’s Third game
9:00 PM: Men’s Fourth game
Saturday, August 9
1:00 PM: First game
2:00 PM: Second game
3:00 PM: Women’s Pro Game 1
4:00 PM: Women’s Pro Game 2
Sunday, August 10
11:00 AM: NEXT BRIGHT STAR KIDS Clinic Hosted
12:00 PM: Rumph ALUMNI GAME
2:00 PM: Women’s Pro Championship
2:00 PM: Semi-Final Game 1
3:00 PM: Semi-Final Game 2
Monday, August 11
4:00 PM: Outdoor Festival Set Up
7:00 PM: Boys Middle School Showcase Game (20 min Scrimmage)
7:00 PM: Girls Middle School Showcase Game (20 min Scrimmage)
7:30 PM: Championship Game
