The Iowa Hawkeyes make there first appearance at the Jimmy V Classic Tuesday night with a game against 15th ranked Duke in Madison Square Garden.
Iowa coach Fran McCaffery says they were approached about taking part during the offseason.
It begins a tough week that has the Hawkeyes hosting 20th ranked Iowa State Thursday night.
Seven foot freshman Kyle Filipowski leads the Blue Devils by averaging just over 15 points and nine rebounds per game.
McCaffery does not think the Hawkeyes will have a problem handling the atmosphere in Madison Square Garden.
The Hawkeye-Duke game will be the second game of the doubleheader. The opener pits 17th ranked Illinois against number two Texas.