NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The 3rd annual HBCU Basketball Game will be held at the Grand Canyon University Arena in Phoenix, Arizona between April 3rd and April 7th. The annual event celebrates and honors the rich history, tradition, and contributions of HBCUs to college basketball, providing a national stage to showcase the best HBCU student-athletes and coaches on a national stage during college basketball’s biggest weekend.
The All-Star showcase will feature the top 24 players from the four Historically Black Athletic Conferences, showcasing their skills and talents for professional scouts and millions to witness HBCU culture, legacy, and excellence. the two coaches who were picked are household names not only to the black community but also to the NBA community.
Where Is The HBCU All-Star Game
NBA champion Ben Wallace will coach one team while his opposition will be another NBA champion, Rick Mahorn. Wallace played college ball at Virginia Union University and Mahorn starred at Hampton University. Both won championships for the Detroit Pistons in their playing days.
But it doesn’t just start and end with basketball. Founder and CEO, Travis L. Williams takes that HBCU pride and makes it bigger than just what happens in the court. Like any HBCU event, the festivities are just as important as the main event. Before the games begin, Williams makes sure that players, fans, and coaches will do their part for the community.
There will be visits to the local YMCA so players can share experiences with the youth. Another community stop will have the players and coaches head to Transition/Homeless facilities. They will also hold a Scholarship Fair at Phoenix College on Friday. A joint press conference with Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, and hold a court dedication for Social Injustice at Grant Park.
HBCUs have taken a backseat to the bigger-name schools for decades but it does not mean that the talent pool is any less. What Travis L. Williams is doing, is bringing the players to the masses. He’s providing them a place to showcase their skills for scouts and fans while still instilling in them the sense of community that HBCUs were built on.
While the spotlight will shine bright for players from Michigan, Duke, UNC, and other top schools, Williams is doing his best to shine the same light on the lesser-known conferences. HBCUs have had players make it to the NBA but yet, they are still being ignored. Talent is talent no matter where they attend college. But what the HBCU All-Star game provides is an opportunity. Not just for the players but for fans and families to take part in and remember the rich history of HBCU Basketball.
