The Diamond Head Classic is expected to announce a title sponsor this morning at a press conference on the University of Hawai'i campus.

The eight-team men's basketball tournament, to be hosted by UH, debuts Dec. 22, 23 and 25 at the Stan Sheriff Center. The Christmas eve slot is for the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl, which is also owned and operated by North Carolina-based ESPN Regional Television.

ERT has been seeking a title sponsor for the tournament since the event was announced nine months ago.

ERT vice president Pete Derzis was not immediately available for comment yesterday and David A. K. Matlin, executive director of the tournament and bowl game, declined comment.

A UH spokesman would only say the announcement involved UH men's basketball. Head coach Bob Nash and some assistants were out of town and not expected to be back in time for the press conference.

The Diamond Head Classic takes the holiday slot held by the Rainbow Classic for 45 years. The Rainbow Classic, once an elite eight-team tournament, has been become a four-team event and will be held Nov. 13 to 16.

The field for the Diamond Head Classic is composed of Southern California, Nevada-Las Vegas, Southern Methodist, College of Charleston, Western Michigan, Northeastern and UH.

Pairings have yet to be released.

Ten of the 12 tournament games are scheduled to be shown on ESPN properties.