Despite the recent passing of legendary basketball coach John Wooden, the college basketball showcase that carries his name will be held as scheduled this year, it was announced today.

The 17th annual John R. Wooden Classic will be held on December 18, 2010 as UCLA faces BYU and St. Mary’s challenges Long Beach State.

For the 49ers, the game is significant because it is a rare chance for the team to be seen in a high-profile game. Even with a string of tough road games against Top 25 teams last season, Long Beach State is fighting to be held in the same regard as other more established programs.

Some point to St. Mary’s as a team for the 49ers to aspire to, as the Gaels frequently pose the greatest risk to Gonzaga in the mid-major West Coast Conference and the squad even advanced to the Sweet Sixteen last season. They went 28-6 last year and have an .802 winning percentage over the last three seasons.

“The Wooden family is proud to continue the Wooden Classic in honor of our father, grandfather and great grandfather,” said Jim Wooden and Nancy Muehlhausen, son and daughter of the legendary coach. “We are so pleased the event will continue to celebrate his life and the legacy he leaves behind. Our thanks go out to Pantheon International, Honda Center and the thousands of fans that have made this event possible.”

Today’s announcement that the Classic will continue as planned was not exactly shocking, as the games were already scheduled and set for the date. Tickets are available at WoodenClassic.com.

In their matchup, the 49ers will have to contend with three returning starters from last year’s St. Mary’s team, including their starting backcourt of Mickey McConnell and Matthew Dellavedova.

But Long Beach State returns its own lineup of promising players, as the foursome recruiting class of 2008 returns for their junior year after a season that saw the 49ers nearly qualify for the NCAA Tournament. Another difficult season schedule lies ahead and many will look to Long Beach to win the Big West and possibly make noise against high profile opponents like North Carolina on December 11.