The annual NBA HBCU Classic will tip off this Saturday, Feb. 17, as Virginia Union and Winston-Salem State, two teams with storied histories and bright futures, match up on the All-Star Weekend stage.
The game will be held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis at 2 p.m. ET on TNT, ESPN2 and NBA TV.
Virginia Union, alma mater of Naismith Basketball Hall Of Fame enshrinee Ben Wallace, currently stands at 11-16, with a 6-8 record in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). They’ve won five of their last seven.
Junior Tahj Harding, a native of Lincoln Heights, Ohio, is the main scorer for the Panthers, dropping 19.9 PPG.
“We are very excited about the invitation to participate in the 2024 NBA HBCU Classic,” said Virginia Union University Vice President for intercollegiate athletics Joseph Taylor. “This opportunity given by the NBA truly strengthens both the school’s brand and also highlights our HBCU culture. Virginia Union Athletics thanks the NBA for this opportunity to highlight and showcase our student-athletes and performers.”
Winston-Salem State, which counts Hall of Famers Earl “The Pearl” Monroe and Clarence “Big House” Gaines amongst its luminaries, is currently 16-8 on the year, with a 10-5 record in conference.
Jaylen Alston, the team’s leading scorer, is coming off a career-high 35 points against Fayetteville State.
“Thank you to the CIAA and the NBA for selecting the WSSU Men’s Basketball team under the leadership of Cleo Hill Jr. to represent the Southern Division of the CIAA in this prestigious event,” said Winston-Salem State University Athletic Director Etienne Thomas. “We look forward to painting the City Red with our Championship team, world-renowned Powerhouse Cheerleaders, and the #1 ESPN College band-the Red Sea of Sound (RSOS).”
This is the third annual NBA HBCU Classic. Last year, Grambling defeated Southern 69-64 in overtime.
In the inaugural event, Howard rallied to beat Morgan State 68-66.
The event, presented by AT&T, continues the league’s ongoing, year-round commitment to advancing educational, career and economic opportunities in partnership with HBCU institutions as well as increasing support and awareness for HBCU athletics.
“We are thrilled the CIAA will be represented during this year’s NBA All-Star weekend,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. “This is an amazing opportunity to give expanded exposure for our DII student-athletes, our member institutions and the HBCU Community. We look forward to bringing the talent, culture, and excellence of the CIAA to the grandest stage of the game.”
As part of All-Star Weekend 2024, the NBA has also curated a showcase of young artists attending historically Black colleges and universities.
Check it out and learn more about the league’s commitment to HBCUs here.
