The Bison walked into Alumni Hall and handed Providence a 68–56 loss. They used veteran poise, newcomer energy, and relentless defense to grab their first win of the year. Although Howard lost three starters from last season, the MEAC preseason favorite still looked ready to compete with anyone.

Thomas Sets the Tone

Senior forward Zennia Thomas wasted no time. She scored the first five points of the game and immediately created separation. The Kentucky native finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and three blocks on 7-of-14 shooting. Her presence helped Howard take a 14–13 lead after the first quarter. Because the Bison have a revamped lineup, her stability mattered.

Bison Depth Takes Over

Howard’s depth changed the game. Freshman Ariella Henigan shook off a slow start and delivered nine points, three assists, and three steals. Her three-pointer before halftime pushed the lead to 34–26. Junior forward Sa’lah Hemingway, one of four returning players, added six points and four rebounds in only 16 minutes.

Meanwhile, April Edwards gave the Bison a steady scoring punch with 11 points. And with Zoe Stewart adding eight more, the bench contributed 25 points. As a result, the Bison controlled the middle quarters.

Defense Closes the Door

Howard’s defense took over late. The Bison forced 20 turnovers and converted them into 26 points against the Big East squad. Providence tried to answer from deep, but Howard shut down the perimeter. The Friars shot just 2-of-19 from three. Because of that pressure, the Bison created separation in the fourth.

Howard University then ripped off a 10–0 run over three minutes. The surge pushed the lead to 58–44 and ended the comeback hopes.

Providence’s Top Performers

Providence had bright spots. Sabou Gueye scored a game-high 16 points, and Payton Dunbar added 12. However, the Friars never found a rhythm due to Howard’s pace and pressure.

What’s Next

Howard women’s basketball (1–0) returns home on Saturday, Nov. 8, to face Florida A&M in its Burr Gymnasium opener. It will be another early HBCU matchup with plenty of intrigue. If the Bison bring this same mix of defensive pressure, depth and star power, the MEAC favorites might be even scarier than advertised.

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Williams, now in his fourth season leading Jackson State, is no stranger to the spotlight. As a player, he carved out a long NBA career highlighted by an All-Star appearance with the Cleveland Cavaliers and a stint as a teammate of LeBron James. His sideline demeanor and fashion flair have now become part of his coaching identity, blending the confidence of a former pro with the energy of an HBCU head coach guiding a proud program.

Though Jackson State struggled against a nationally ranked Illinois squad, there were still positives—Devin Ree’s 19 points and Daeshun Ruffin’s 12 kept the Tigers competing through stretches of the game. But as cameras panned to Williams, the conversation shifted. Viewers and analysts alike had their opinions about whether or not he should be wearing a suit — or at least something different.

Next up, Jackson State travels to face No. 11 Louisville on Thursday, Nov. 6—another major stage for both the team and its fashion-forward coach. Win or lose, expect Mo Williams and his NBA-caliber style to keep turning heads as the Tigers continue their early-season road stretch.

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Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Paul A. Bryant praised Thornton’s transformative impact on The Hill. “Coach Dawn Thornton has brought a new era of excellence to Alabama A&M women’s basketball,” Bryant said. “Her commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court, her strategic acumen, and her passion for HBCU athletics have made an immediate impact.”

In just one season, Thornton guided the Bulldogs to a 21-11 overall record and a 14-4 mark in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), earning a berth in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT). The 21 victories marked Alabama A&M’s first 20-win campaign since joining NCAA Division I in 1999 — and only the fifth in the history of the program. It also represented Thornton’s first 20-win season as a head coach, cementing her reputation as both a program builder and culture shifter in HBCU basketball.

For Thornton, who has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most fashionable figures in college hoops, the extension is about more than appearances or wins. “This extension is bigger than basketball,” she said. “It’s about impact, legacy, and purpose. Every day I’m reminded that coaching is about more than winning games. It’s about shaping women into leaders, dreamers, and world changers.”

That mindset has resonated deeply within the HBCU community, where Thornton’s blend of style and substance has made her a rising icon. Her “BIG ENERGY” mantra — as she calls it — reflects a fearless confidence that’s redefining what leadership looks like on the sidelines.

With her new deal in place, Dawn Thornton will lead Alabama A&M into the 2025-26 campaign with even greater expectations. The Bulldogs open the season against Talladega before hosting Ole Miss inside the AAMU Event Center, both streamed live on SWAC TV. If her first year was any indication, Thornton’s tenure promises to be a powerful era — one that continues to elevate HBCU basketball on and off the court.

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Free Throws Make the Difference

Auburn’s margin came largely from the stripe, where it outscored the Wildcats 27–8. Keyshawn Hall was nearly automatic, going 16-for-18 from the line en route to a game-high 28 points. Tahaad Pettiford and Kevin Overton combined for 24 more, and both were steady late as Auburn survived a furious Bethune-Cookman rally that forced overtime.

The HBCU squad from Daytona Beach shot nearly 51 percent from the field and an impressive 54.5 percent from beyond the arc, but the foul disparity proved too much to overcome. Auburn attempted 38 free throws to Bethune-Cookman’s nine, a gap that loomed large as the game wore on.

HBCU squad came to play

Bethune-Cookman, representing the SWAC, refused to be intimidated by the nationally ranked Tigers. Guard Arterio Morris led the HBCU effort with 20 points and five three-pointers, while forward Daniel Rouzan added 16 points and six rebounds inside. Quentin Heady was the heart of the Wildcats’ attack, scoring 21 points with several key plays down the stretch, including the free throws that tied the game at 81–81 and forced overtime.

The Wildcats actually led 83–81 early in the extra period after an Ariel Bland put-back, but Auburn responded with an 11–5 run sparked by Hall and Overton. The Tigers’ depth and ability to draw contact ultimately decided it.

Auburn’s Frontcourt Answers the Call

While Hall and Pettiford carried the scoring load, Auburn’s frontcourt was crucial in the second half. Freshman forward KeShawn Murphy delivered 17 points and eight rebounds off the bench, while Elyjah Freeman added eight points and two key dunks to shift momentum late.

A Wake-Up Call for Auburn

For Auburn, this season opener was far from routine. The Tigers entered the night as heavy favorites against the HBCU visitors but needed all 45 minutes to prevail. The close call served as both a warning and a reminder that early-season chemistry can be fragile.

Meanwhile, Bethune-Cookman walked away with national respect — an HBCU program that outshot and outplayed a Top 25 SEC team for long stretches, proving it can compete on college basketball’s biggest stage.

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Golden Lions Rally Past Tigers

Down nine entering the fourth quarter, the Golden Lions erupted for 25 points in the final frame while holding Memphis to just 10. Guard Indiya Bowen led the charge with 29 points, nine rebounds, and three triples, while fellow guard Jailah Pelly added 23 points and a team-high 10 rebounds — giving UAPB a pair of double-doubles in the backcourt.

It was the first time Pine Bluff topped Memphis since 2007, when the Golden Lions pulled out a 99–97 overtime thriller. In their last meeting back in 2013, Memphis dominated 91–45 — a gap that underscores how big Monday’s result truly was for UAPB.

Historic Context

The win was more than just an upset — it was a program-defining moment for a young head coach looking to build a winner. Memphis entered after a 7–23 season in 2024–25 and was aiming to reclaim its footing in the American Athletic Conference. UAPB, meanwhile, was coming off a 3–25 campaign that included just one conference win in the SWAC.

For second-year head coach Erika Leak, named Arkansas Coach of the Year after taking West Memphis High to the state finals in 2023, an opening-season win like this could spark the turnaround that the UAPB faithful are hoping for. A year into the rebuild, her Golden Lions showed the poise and fight of a team ready to rewrite its story.

Defense and Poise Down the Stretch

The Golden Lions outscored Memphis 25–10 in the fourth, turning a deficit into a defining road win. UAPB’s defense forced eight lead changes and five ties, while limiting Memphis to just 20% shooting in the final quarter.

Despite Memphis holding a 45–30 edge in points in the paint, UAPB’s backcourt speed flipped the script, generating 20 points off turnovers and 15 fast-break points. Forward Tyra Taylor and center Briontanay Marshall combined for 13 points and 15 rebounds inside, providing the interior balance needed to close it out.

Setting the Tone for HBCU Hoops

The win not only gives UAPB women’s basketball a 1–0 start, but the HBCU program puts the region on notice with the big win. Against a Memphis team that had won 11 of its last 14 season openers, the Golden Lions’ upset serves as both validation and motivation for a group looking to climb the SWAC ladder this winter.

With three Memphis-area natives — Briah Hampton, Kristyna Boyd, and Tyra Taylor — on the roster, the victory carried extra weight for the Golden Lions, who now return home with both bragging rights and early-season momentum.

Next Up: Razorbacks Await

Next up for UAPB is a marquee in-state matchup against SEC powerhouse Arkansas, which suddenly carries even greater intrigue. The Golden Lions enter with momentum, confidence, and the chance to make an even bigger statement that could echo far beyond the SWAC if they can challenge their Power Five neighbors from Fayetteville.

Top Performers:

• Indiya Bowen (UAPB): 29 pts, nine reb, three ast, 3-5 3PT
• Jailah Pelly (UAPB): 23 pts, 10 reb, three ast
• Emani Jefferson (Memphis): 17 pts, six reb

Up Next:
UAPB at Arkansas — a high-stakes in-state women’s basketball showdown that could further cement the Golden Lions’ rise if they can follow up on one of the biggest early-season HBCU wins of the year.

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The Eagles gathered in the gym expecting a team meeting. Instead, a video from Tatum appeared on the screen.

“Best of luck to the season starting up,” Tatum said with a grin. “I got a special gift from myself to y’all—new JT 4s for everybody on the team. Just wanted to show some love to the squad. I’ma check y’all out this year, best of luck.”

When his message ended, the shoes were wheeled in on a cart. Players shouted, clapped, and jumped as they ripped open boxes, revealing their fresh kicks.

For a program built on pride and tradition, this moment meant more than shoes. It was about recognition—from one of basketball’s biggest names—to an HBCU program just miles from where his own college journey began.

Durham Ties Run Deep

Before winning an NBA Championship with the Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum made his name at Duke University, only a short drive from NCCU’s campus. His connection to the city of Durham, though, runs even deeper—thanks to NCCU head coach LeVelle Moton.

Their bond started in 2015, when Moton served as an assistant coach for USA Basketball’s U16 National Team. Tatum stood out from the jump. Moton challenged him daily, and when the young star responded, Moton said, “They want to be coached.”

That was the beginning of a relationship built on mutual respect.

Since then, the two have stayed close. Tatum still checks in with Moton after major playoff games, and Moton proudly calls him “nephew.” Their connection shows the lasting power of mentorship in the basketball community—especially within the HBCU circle that Moton represents so strongly.

Full Circle Moment for Coach Moton and His Eagles

Moton has built his reputation on developing men, not just athletes. His message has always been about building relationships that last beyond basketball. Seeing one of his former players give back to his current program proved that point again.

Tatum’s gift arrived just in time for NCCU’s season opener against NC State, a game that will test the Eagles early. But now they’ll take the floor with an extra spark—and a reminder that their hard work gets noticed by the best in the game.

Bigger Than Basketball

Whether they wear the JT 4s tonight or save them for later, the moment itself lights a huge spark for NCCU. Although it’s only a pair of shoes, it captures what makes the HBCU experience powerful: community, legacy, and love beyond wins and losses.

From Duke to Durham to the NBA Finals—and now back to NCCU—Jayson Tatum’s journey continues to inspire. For Coach Moton and his Eagles, the message is clear: greatness recognizes greatness.

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As someone who’s been waiting for this day since the nets were cut in March and the season ended, I am ready. Whether it’s a buzzer-beater, a player on a heater or the bench celebrations, the start of college hoops season brings energy and unmatched excitement.. And this year, HBCU programs are looking real strong. 

We’ve seen teams take down P4 ones, handle mid-majors and make headlines. Now it’s time to run it back, hopefully better than last season. The non-conference season is where statements are made and oftentimes, stars are born.. And this year’s opening slate is loaded.

From 10 AM to 10 PM (CT), there is HBCU Basketball to tune into. So grab your snacks, charge your devices, and get ready for a full day of buckets. 

HBCU Women’s Basketball Opening Day Schedule

13 Division I teams. Big-time matchups. Let’s support HBCU women’s hoops!

Double check school sites, as changes may happen.

Whether they’re battling top-25 teams or playing fellow mid-majors, HBCU women’s basketball teams have opportunities to start the season off right.

HBCU Men’s Basketball Opening Day Schedule

18 games. One full day of action. Let’s go!

Double check school sites, as changes may happen.

Don’t Just Watch—Liv For Hoops

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just stepping into the world of HBCU basketball, there’s never been a better time to tune in. From tip-off to buzzer, every game is a celebration of culture, talent, and the heart that defines the game.

Keep up with the games, scoreboards, standout performances and more by following @ livforhoops on Twitter/X and Instragram. 

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This year marks a reset across the conference. Every single player who earned a spot on the 2024–25 All-MEAC First, Second, and Third Team has either graduated or transferred — leaving no returning All-Conference players from last season. The result? A league full of new faces, fresh rosters, and programs looking to either reload or rebuild.

Yet amid all this change, there’s a striking constant: the coaches remain the same. The MEAC’s sideline generals are back to guide their retooled squads into one of the most unpredictable seasons.

With the 2025–26 campaign approaching, here’s a team-by-team breakdown and the predicted order of finish, as voted by head coaches and SIDs across the conference.

Predicted Order of Finish: 2025–26 MEAC Men’s Basketball

1. Norfolk State (118 pts)
   
2. Howard University (97 pts)
   
3. South Carolina State (90 pts)
   
4. Morgan State (73 pts)
   
5. North Carolina Central (70 pts)
   
6. Delaware State (70 pts)
   
7. Maryland Eastern Shore (31 pts)
   
8. Coppin State (27 pts)

Norfolk State: The HBCU Gold Standard Faces a True Test

Dominance has become synonymous with Norfolk State basketball. The Spartans have been the regular-season champs four times in the last five years (2020–21, 2021–22, 2023–24, 2024–25) and tournament champions three times (2021, 2022, 2025). They’ve appeared in five straight MEAC Championship games — a dynasty by any definition.

Head coach Robert Jones has established himself as not only the face of MEAC and HBCU basketball but also one of the most respected coaches in all of mid-major hoops. But this year, we’ll find out what he’s truly made of. Norfolk is entering the season with a completely new core — four returners who barely cracked the rotation last season (My’kel Jenkins, Melo Baines, Jordan Leaks, and Dramane Camara).

To fill the void, Jones went shopping in the transfer portal and landed experience and size.

• Anthony McComb III (New Hampshire) – 6’3″ guard, Preseason Third Team All-MEAC
  
• Keyontae Lewis (Wagner) – 6’9″ forward, Preseason Third Team All-MEAC
  
• Yel Deeng (Casper CC) and Devon Ellis (Valparaiso) round out a reloaded frontcourt.
  

Jones has built a winning culture that transcends rosters. If anyone can turn a brand-new team into a contender, it’s him. The question isn’t whether Norfolk State will compete — it’s whether they’ll stay atop the throne.

Howard University: A Rebound Season in the Making

Howard’s 2024–25 campaign was a stumble compared to its back-to-back MEAC Tournament titles (2023, 2024). The Bison finished just 12–20 overall and 7–7 in league play, struggling to find rhythm after injuries derailed their chemistry.

Now, the Bison are reloaded with 12 newcomers and a healthy Bryce Harris, the Preseason First Team All-MEAC selection who returns as the heart and soul of this team. Harris’s leadership will be crucial as Howard integrates transfers from programs like Lehigh, North Texas, Penn, and Morehouse College.

Among them, Cedric Taylor III (Morehouse) might be the most impactful newcomer in the conference. The 6’7” forward averaged 15.6 points and 6.7 boards last year and brings a versatile scoring punch that could elevate Howard back to championship form.

Add in Cam Gillus (Lehigh) – Preseason Second Team All-MEAC – and Alex Cotton (North Texas), and the Bison suddenly look deep, athletic, and dangerous again.

Expect Howard to reclaim its place in the top two, with an offense built to run and stretch the floor.

South Carolina State: Staying Hungry at the Top

South Carolina State enters the 2025–26 season determined to finish what it started. The Bulldogs shared the MEAC regular-season title last year, going 20–13 overall and 11–3 in conference play, before falling just one point short of the championship crown to Norfolk State. It was a breakthrough season that proved SCSU could go toe-to-toe with the league’s best — but this year’s team will have to do it with a new cast.

Gone are most of the team’s key scorers from last season, leaving Jayden Johnson, the Preseason MEAC Player of the Year, to lead a retooled roster. Johnson’s versatility and leadership give the Bulldogs a strong foundation as they integrate several new faces, including 7’1” JUCO transfer Tim Okojie, who brings rim protection and rebounding, and 6’9” freshman Dewin Hodge, a promising frontcourt talent.

While the chemistry will take time to develop, South Carolina State has the athleticism, size, and confidence to remain in the MEAC’s top tier. If Johnson can elevate his teammates and the new additions adapt quickly, the Bulldogs could once again find themselves playing deep into March — and maybe this time, cutting down the nets.

Morgan State: Searching for a New Identity

For years, Morgan State basketball has lived and died by its guards — quick, aggressive, and capable of creating offense out of chaos. But heading into the 2025–26 season, that familiar identity is in flux. The Bears are older, transfer-heavy, and still figuring out who they are offensively.

Losing Kameron Hobbs, last year’s leading scorer and floor general, to graduation leaves a massive hole. Nearly everything Morgan State did on offense flowed through Hobbs — his scoring, his playmaking, his poise. Without him, the Bears return only a handful of players from last year’s roster, meaning this is essentially a brand-new team.

The good news? There’s talent — and size. Head coach Kevin Broadus hit the transfer portal hard, adding 7’1” center Dallas James (Indiana) and 6’9” forward Manok Lual (Frostburg State) to bring much-needed length and presence in the paint. In the backcourt, the Bears add Alfred Worrell Jr., a 6’4” transfer from Southern Miss, and Elijah Davis, a 6’1” guard from Bowie State — both of whom bring experience and scoring ability.

Walter Peggs Jr., a Preseason Third Team All-MEAC selection.

But the question remains: can Morgan State rediscover the guard-led spark that’s defined its success in the past, or will this new mix of size and experience steer the Bears in a different direction? 

North Carolina Central: Rebuilding the Nest

North Carolina Central enters the 2025–26 season in unfamiliar territory. Once on of the most consistent HBCU and mid-major programs now finds itself in the midst of a full rebuild. The Eagles finished sixth last year (6–8 MEAC), a noticeable drop from their strong 2023–24 campaign, and they lost their top six scorers from that roster.

Only four players return, led by Dionte Johnson (Preseason Second Team All-MEAC). While this team may lack the veteran firepower we’ve come to expect from NCCU, the reset could prove beneficial in the long run. New opportunities, new roles, and a chance to redefine who they are.

The Eagles might not strike fear across the conference right now, but they’re laying the groundwork for what could be the next chapter in NCCU basketball’s proud tradition.

Delaware State: Searching for a New Backcourt Identity

Delaware State enters the season without its dynamic guard combo of Martaz Robinson and Robert Smith, along with the departure of Kaseem Watson — three players who powered much of the Hornets’ offense last year. That leaves big shoes to fill and a new question to answer: what will this team’s offensive identity look like now?

The spotlight turns to Ponce James (Preseason First Team All-MEAC), who’s poised for a breakout season after learning behind those veterans. Alongside him, Zion Bethea and Camian Shell — both named to the Preseason Second Team — will anchor a backcourt loaded with potential but short on proven chemistry.

If this new trio can establish rhythm early, Delaware State could surprise people and compete near the top of the conference. If not, it might be another year of growing pains as the Hornets work to reestablish their offensive flow.

Maryland Eastern Shore: HBCU basketball’s longest rebuild

For the second straight year, Maryland Eastern Shore enters the season in full rebuild mode. After finishing at the bottom of the MEAC standings last season with just two conference wins, the Hawks once again pressed reset on their roster. Only two players return from 2024–25, as head coach Cleo Hill Jr. overhauled nearly the entire team — bringing in 13 newcomers through the transfer portal, JUCO ranks, and freshman signings.

Hill, now entering his second season at the helm, is no stranger to roster reconstruction. But this year’s rebuild looks different. Instead of relying solely on young prospects, UMES has opted for experience. The 2025–26 Hawks are an older group — featuring just three underclassmen — with a mix of Division I, Division II, and JUCO transfers who bring maturity and physicality, even if they lack continuity.

Leading the way are Chris Flippin, a versatile guard-forward hybrid named to the Preseason All-MEAC First Team, and Michael Teal, a Third Team selection who provides much-needed scoring punch and energy on both ends. The duo will be the focal point for a team still learning to play together but eager to prove that the rebuild can yield results faster than expected.

UMES also added size and depth across the board, with transfers from programs such as UNC Asheville, Columbia University, and South Carolina State — players who may not have been primary options at their previous schools but now have the opportunity to shine in bigger roles.

Still, chemistry remains the biggest unknown. But there’s reason for optimism: if this new group can buy in early, Maryland Eastern Shore could quietly climb out of the MEAC basement and lay the foundation for long-term stability.

Coppin State: Searching for Stability

Coppin State enters year three under head coach Larry Stewart with a sense of cautious optimism. After back-to-back seasons of incremental improvement, the Eagles are showing small signs of growth. Last year’s 6–24 record (4–10 MEAC) doesn’t tell the full story — Coppin competed harder, played with more structure, and showed flashes of the identity Stewart is building in West Baltimore.

This year’s team is once again almost entirely new; it features Khalil Horton and Taj Thweatt, both named to the Preseason All-MEAC Teams. Horton is a versatile wing, while Thweatt’s athleticism and size give Coppin much-needed interior strength. Stewart has also added transfer depth to surround that duo with more scoring and defensive versatility.

If Coppin State can be competitive throughout entire games and have late-game execution, the Eagles could surprise some teams this season. They may not be ready to contend just yet, but the foundation is being laid for a program trending in the right direction.

Final Thoughts: A Season of Change and Opportunity

The 2025–26 MEAC men’s basketball season is shaping up to be unpredictable. With every All-MEAC player from last year gone, the slate has been wiped clean in this HBCU league. Rosters have been rebuilt, transfers have reshaped programs, and every team — from perennial powers like Norfolk State and Howard to rebuilding squads like Coppin and UMES — is searching for its new identity.

While Norfolk State and Howard remain the favorites on paper, the margin for error feels slimmer than ever. South Carolina State is hungry to finish the job it nearly completed last season, Delaware State and Morgan State have plans to disrupt the standings, and even the programs at the bottom are loading up with new energy and purpose. It’s a conference in transition — but also one bursting with opportunity.

As the season unfolds, one thing’s certain: the MEAC will continue to showcase some of the best stories, coaches, and players in all of HBCU basketball.

Follow @livforhoops for all HBCU basketball content, updates, and behind-the-scenes coverage throughout the season.

The post HBCU Basketball: New era, same expectations in MEAC appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

It’s that time again. The nets are going up, and the sound of basketballs echoing through gyms signals basketball season is here. If there’s one thing we know, women’s basketball has been here, it’s rising and it’s surging. From packed college arenas to WNBA playoff viewership climbing every year, the women’s game is commanding attention and respect. 

In the CIAA, the momentum is no different. 

This year’s CIAA Women’s Basketball Media Day gave us a front-row seat to what’s shaping up to be an exciting 2025-26 season. With six new head coaches – some familiar names returning, others stepping into the CIAA for the first time – and a strong cast of returning talent, the competition is as deep as ever. But make no mistake: Fayetteville State still holds the crown.. And it’s hungry to keep it. 

An HBCU/D2 Powerhouse: The Reign of Fayetteville State

Fayetteville State has ruled the CIAA for two straight seasons, and now the question looms: can they pull off the three-peat? 

“I recruit those types of players that love that type of pressure,” said FSU head coach Tyreece Brown. “We’re the hunted, but we still have to hunt.”

Coach Brown, who is 2-for-2 in CIAA titles since taking over, isn’t satisfied with just winning, he is building a dynasty. Despite being the team everyone is chasing, FSU is focused on staying sharp. 

“We are starting over fresh like we haven’t won everything… every one is hungry.” 

With three players on the All-CIAA Preseason team – Talia Trotter, KaNyah O’Neal, and Nyah Wilkins – FSU has the firepower and the defensive DNA (top 2 defense in the league the past two seasons) to do it again. Pressure builds with success, and every team in the CIAA has them circled. FSU is looking to become the first CIAA women’s basketball program to win three consecutive titles since Shaw did it from 2011-2014.

Six New Coaches, Endless Possibilities

This season brings a fresh wave of leadership across the league with six new head coaches at Winston-Salem State, Shaw, Johnson C. Smith, Virginia State, Virginia Union and Lincoln (PA). 

Here’s how each is approaching the moment:

Winston-Salem State: Old Blood, New Tricks

WSSU turns to one of its own, Tierra Terry, a former player and assistant who’s back to lead her alma mater. 

“I don’t let anyone wear my jersey,” she said. “I have a very BIG passion for Winston-Salem State and what we are trying to do.” 

Terry brings with her last season’s CIAA Rookie of the Year, Maia Charles, and a fiery vision to climb up from a middle of the pack preseason ranking.

“The preseason rankings don’t matter as much.. It matters how you finish.” 

Virginia State: Keep Competing

Millette Green isn’t interested in predictions. The new coach at VSU takes over a talented squad.

“I try to not talk about the past. I don’t get caught in preseason rankings. We just want to be a better team each and every day.”

While uncertainty surrounds how the new squad will gel, expect competitiveness from a program that’s used to winning. 

Virginia Union: Experience Returns

Alico Dunk is back coaching in the CIAA, this time leading VUU after a successful stint elsewhere. 

“Biggest key for us is to be consistent. We need to be consistent on both ends of the floor… I’m leaning on returners to give us what we need.” 

With Dunk’s track record and championship experience, don’t sleep on VUU making noise in a Northern Division full of new blood. 

Shaw: Interim, But Intentional

Shaw’s interim coach Lou Hamilton knows the system, he’s been here as associate head coach, and he’s focused on accountability. 

“We are preparing every day for the tournament… if we push each other, we can be great.”

Returning the nation’s top shot blocker certainly does not hurt. 

Johnson C. Smith: New Era, Steady Work

Vanessa Taylor is already a legend in CIAA. Now JCSU’s third head coach in two seasons, she is all about building something lasting. 

“We have just been working every day. The proof will be in our work.. Win the day each day.”

They may be picked near the bottom, but Taylor’s message is clear: this team is buying in. 

Lincoln (PA): Identity Reset

With a new coach at the helm, Lincoln has the chance to reset its identity. It’s a clean slate, a change to building something powerful from the ground up in a crowded Northern Division. 

The Rest of the League:

Bowie State: Blueprint to Win

After a 19-10 season and returning 9 players, Shade Swan knows what it takes to stay apace in the league. 

“We have a core group returning… Everyone who returns knows the expectations.”

But losing a nearly 20 ppg scorer hurts. The question is: who steps up?

Livingstone: Building Momentum

“I am liking my roster,” said Queen Smith. “We have a great nucleus of 8 returners.”

They had the top offense last year in the conference and went 7-3 in the division. If their returners and newbies lock in defensively, this could be the Lady Blue Bear’s season to make the jump to the top.

Claflin: Steady Growth

Jenkins has taken Claflin from sub .500 to back-to-back winning seasons. With seven returners and key portal pickups, they could challenge FSU for that top spot. 

Defense is their identity, not it’s about multiple players scoring consistently for them: inside and out.

Elizabeth City State: Total Reset

12 new players. Yes, twelve.

“They don’t know my roster at all.. Meet us in Vaughan, how bout that?” Ebony Tanner said.

It’s a full rebuild, but with many fresh faces, anything can happen. 

Bluefield State: Find Balance

Paul Davis has a 3-heavy team that fired up 650+ threes last season, but defense let him down. “This isn’t our first time being picked last… we’re excited about the year.”

With Jasmine Jenkins (All-CIAA preseason pick) returning, BSU is looking for momentum, and stops.

HBCU basketball’s toughest conference?

The CIAA has always been a competitive conference in Division II hoops. But this year? The stakes feel higher. With new coaches, experienced returners, and programs hungry for that top spot, the road to the championship will be anything but easy.

Fayetteville State may have the target on its back, but this historic HBCU league is far from predictable. Will the Broncos complete the 3-peat? Or will a new queen rise to the throne?

One time, and tip-offs, will tell.

Follow @LivForHoops for more coverage, interviews, and HBCU breakdowns all season long.

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Both programs enter the 2025-26 season in the national spotlight, as the Langston men and women each earned spots in the NAIA Coaches’ Top 25 Preseason Poll. The men open the year ranked #4 in the nation (receiving one first place vote), while the women come in at #11 – making Langston the only HBCU program with both teams ranked in the Top 15 nationally.

Langston Women: A New Era of Excellence Under Chris Vincent

On the women’s side, the rise has been just as impressive and just as dominant. Under first year head coach Chris Vincent, who previously served on LU men’s staff, the Langston women’s basketball team turned heads nationwide in 2024-25. The Lady Lions went 31-3 overall and 22-2 in conference play, capturing both the SAC Regular Season and Postseason Championships.

The historic run carried them to NAIA Round of 16, where they narrowly fell to the #1 team in the nation by just four points. Now, with experience, depth, and new talent, they’re ready to build on that momentum.

Langston’s women open the year as the outright #1 team in the SAC Preseason Poll, earning 121 points and 11 of 12 first place votes. Vincent and his staff reloaded the roster with an impressive mix of transfers from schools like Tulsa and D1 HBCUs in Jackson State, Alabama A&M, UAPB, and JUCO players from across the country. It’s clear that Langston isn’t just competing, they’re dominating.

Langston Men: Built for Greatness Under Chris Wright

Despite what some called a “down year” in 2024-25, the term feels almost disrespectful when you look at the numbers. The Langston men’s basketball team, under Head Coach Chris Wright, finished the season 26-8 overall and 17-7 in SAC play, captured the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament Championship, and advanced to the NAIA Round of 16. That came just one season after getting about as close as you can get to a national championship. 

For most programs, that would be considered an amazing season. For Langston, it was simply business as usual. That’s what happens when you’ve built a true powerhouse in college basketball. Wright, now entering his fourth season at the helm, has established a culture of winning and player development that continues to attract top talent out of the transfer portal year after year.

Heading into this season, the Lions are tied for first in the SAC Preseason Poll with Nelson, each receiving 113 total points. While Nelson edged Langston in first-place votes (6 to 5), there’s little doubt that Wright’s team remains the program to beat. They’ve consistently recruited high-level talent and maintained national recognition across multiple seasons. A true testament to the culture and program Coach Wright has built at the only HBCU in Oklahoma.

Carrying the HBCU Torch in the SAC and beyond

As the only HBCU in the Sooner Athletic Conference, Langston carries more than just its own pride into each game. It also carries the culture of and represents HBCUs on a national stage.

Both Wright and Vincent understand the weight and responsibility of that platform. They’ve built programs that not only win but also uplift. And the basketball programs are setting a standard for what HBCU athletics can look like when tradition meets ambition.

Follow @LivForHoops for more HBCU Hoops coverage all season long.

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This month, several HBCUs showed they can hold their own. Arkansas–Pine Bluff topped Arkansas–Little Rock 77-69 in a secret scrimmage that later surfaced online. Transfer forward Jaquan Scott led the Golden Lions with 24 points, while guards Alex Mirhosseini and Quion Williams added 19 and 11, respectively—all three newcomers making strong first impressions.

Meanwhile, Alabama A&M notched a 74-73 win over Samford in a public matchup, displaying balance and experience. Alcorn State also earned a 64-59 victory over North Alabama in its own secret scrimmage, paced by returner Tycen McDaniels (20 points) and transfer Jameel Morris from FDU.

For HBCUs, these preseason contests—whether secret scrimmages or public exhibitions—offer a valuable measuring stick before the real games begin. They also showcase the depth, talent, and transfer power many HBCUs are bringing into the 2025 season. If these early results are any indication, expect more than a few surprises once the wins start counting.

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October is in full bloom, which means college basketball, HBCU basketball and CIAA basketball are all right around the corner. Virginia State is predicted to win the northern division and the league. But if you’ve watched the oldest HBCU basketball league for more than a minute, you know these rankings don’t mean a thing once the ball is tipped. The only thing they do is give you a target on your back or a cute little graphic to post on social media.

So, let’s break it down, raw and unfiltered. The CIAA North is up for grabs: who is hungry enough to take it?

Virginia State: Heavy is the head that wears the CIAA crown

Now, Virginia State is a clear frontrunner to repeat as the CIAA champions, but no team is invincible. Which means we’re going to find out very quickly who’s ready to battle night in and night out. Who can take punches and throw ‘em back? Who has the culture, the coaching and the killer instinct?

Heading into his 12th season at VSU, Lonnie Blow has one of the most secure cultures in the CIAA and HBCU basketball. Coming off of a CIAA Tournament Championship and D2 National Tournament Appearance and an opening round double digit win. Returning key players like Jacob Cooper and incoming weapons makes this team dangerous: with the skill and experience to run it back.

“You can have all the talent in the world, but it comes down to playing together, sacrificing, being on the same page as a team,” Blow said at CIAA media day.

VSU is the hunted. They’ve been there. But now they have to prove they can do it again.

Virginia Union likes winning ugly

No team in the CIAA mucks it up and plays uglier — and I mean that as a compliment — than Virginia Union. They drag you into the mud and make you fight for every inch. That has been the blueprint for forever at the HBCU that has three national championships and head Jay Butler follows it to the letter.

Bringing CIAA 24-25 Rookie of the Year Bobby Gardner could take a huge leap and that is truly expected heading into his sophomore season. The coaching staff has high expectations for Gardner, and us as fans should as well.

“We come in and preach defense from day one,” Butler said at CIAA media day. “We’re gonna make the game look ugly.”

Pretty wins. Ugly wins. They all count the same and VUU plans to stack them.

Julius Hodge puts his stamp on Lincoln

Year Two of the Julius Hodge era is here and we can fully see his vision, his culture and what he is expecting for Lincoln. The Lions were picked 5th overall and Hodge is using that as rocket fuel.

“Us being picked 5th in the preseason polls is like Christmas,” Hodge said. “I get to go to my guys in practice and let them know what the rest of the league thinks of us.”

Lincoln has reloaded with the departure of graduates and transfers. Hodge was able to go out and recruit exactly what he wanted to fit his system and who will buy into what he has planned at one of the rising programs in HBCU and D2 basketball.

A New Day At Bluefield State

Luke D’Alessio departed from winning CIAA Coach of the Year at Fayetteville State and took over at Bluefield State in what amounted to a coaching swap.

“Things I like about this team is we are really deep,” D’Alessio said. “This is one of the deepest teams I’ve ever had. We have 12 players that can really play .”

Many people may look at Bluefield State, see the location, see some of the resources and may think D’Alessio can’t get it done. Well, doubt him if you want, but the man builds a winner. He’s won championships in all of his HBCU stops. Will his success at Bluefield State determine if he can actually coach or if being in an ideal location like Fayetteville State was the catalyst to his recent success in the league?

Bowie State has a chemistry test

BSU has 12 new players. That is not a typo.

“We have 12 new players… I’m really excited about the group,” says Darrell Brooks. “They have tremendous work ethic, they are together.. As a coach those things are really really exciting.”

The Bulldogs are a mystery. How fast can they gel and build chemistry to get early wins and stay competitive? If they can’t? It could get ugly this season.

ECSU trying to get out of the cellar

Last season was a disappointment, and head coach John Richardson III admits it. But this year? He’s locked in. A team that on paper was talented, just couldn’t get it done on a nightly basis. With the CIAA selected DPOY and an All-CIAA Back Court selection. What was the issue?

“For me, last season was a come to Jesus for me… I was able to study the teams and coaches in this league.” – Richardson III

How will ECSU bounce back and rise within the Northern Division and the conference?

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Shaw University adds to HBCU legacy

Curtis departs as the most successful coach in Shaw women’s basketball history. During his tenure, he compiled more than 400 victories, won nine CIAA Championships, guided the program to 11 NCAA Tournament appearances, and delivered Shaw’s greatest triumph — the 2012 NCAA Division II National Championship. That title was the first in school history and remains a landmark moment not only for Shaw but for HBCU basketball at large.

The appointment of Hamilton provides the program with a veteran leader. He brings a deep résumé of experience across both Division I and Division II, particularly within HBCU circles. Hamilton has previously served on the sidelines at Norfolk State, Grambling State, Delaware State, and North Carolina A&T. His hiring ensures Shaw has a steady hand guiding the Lady Bears while the university prepares to launch a national search for a permanent head coach following the upcoming season.

Allegations levied against program

The leadership change follows months of public attention on the program after allegations of mistreatment were raised by former players. In April, Shaw senior guard Kiara Shepherd posted a TikTok video describing experiences she characterized as mental, physical, and inappropriate behavior during her time with the team. Shepherd, who has more than 80,000 social media followers, said she had filed a complaint with the Raleigh-based HBCU earlier this year.

Her video quickly gained traction, prompting other former players to come forward. Among them was Alliyah Chaplin, who told WRAL News that she also faced verbal abuse and inappropriate behavior during her time with the Lady Bears in the 2023–24 season. Both Shepherd and Chaplin indicated that they had connected with former Shaw players from as far back as 2013 who described similar experiences.

The university acknowledged that Shepherd is scheduled to meet with Shaw officials to further discuss her concerns. Shaw has not issued public comments linking Curtis’ retirement to the allegations. The school’s official release emphasized his contributions to the program and confirmed that Hamilton will lead the team through the 2025–26 campaign.

Curtis leaves behind a coaching legacy that stretches well beyond Raleigh. His name is synonymous with Shaw women’s basketball dominance in the CIAA and represents a standard of success in HBCU athletics. While his sudden retirement marks the end of a historic chapter, Shaw officials say their focus now is on both addressing the concerns raised by former players and ensuring the stability of the women’s basketball program moving forward.

With Hamilton at the helm, Shaw enters a new season with a combination of uncertainty and opportunity. The Lady Bears will continue their pursuit of success on the court while the university undertakes a national search to define the next era of leadership in one of the most decorated programs in HBCU women’s basketball.

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“Scheduling is hard”

This season, South Carolina’s non-conference slate features seven Power 5 matchups in 15 games, including clashes against Clemson, Duke, Louisville, and a potential showdown with UCLA or Texas. But Staley has made sure to carve out space for two games that mean just as much to her: matchups against North Carolina Central and Coppin State, two HBCU programs representing the MEAC.

“Scheduling is hard. People don’t wanna play us,” Staley admitted during a recent media session. “Even having lost what we lost, it’s really, really a hard thing. So instead of the big competitive games, we’ve added some HBCUs. Just to lift up every aspect of our sport. Not every team will go and play an HBCU on their home court. And we feel like [it’s a] great game, great competition, great coaching. And if we can give some notoriety to the HBCUs, then we’ll do that.”

The Lady Gamecocks will host North Carolina Central on December 7 before traveling to Baltimore on January 18 to face Coppin State. This will mark one of the rare times a national contender visits an HBCU campus.

More than a game

Coppin State already has a history with the Gamecocks. The Eagles faced South Carolina last season, reaching out themselves to schedule the matchup. Dawn Staley recalled that Coppin “moved some things around” to make it happen, and in return, South Carolina promised a return trip to Baltimore.

For Coppin, those kinds of games are pivotal. Despite losing 92–60 to South Carolina last season, the Eagles finished with a strong 19–15 record and earned a spot in the WNIT, where they notched a win over Colgate before falling narrowly to Cleveland State. Playing programs like South Carolina boosts exposure and sharpens competition for MEAC teams chasing postseason runs.

A balancing act

Critics might point to the Gamecocks’ lighter non-conference slate compared to previous years—nine Power 5 opponents in 2024-25, down to seven this season. But Staley has made it clear that this isn’t about ducking competition. Last March, South Carolina was passed over for the No. 1 overall NCAA Tournament seed despite leading the nation with 16 Quad 1 wins. UCLA grabbed the top seed after beating the Gamecocks head-to-head in November.

Staley’s takeaway wasn’t to overload her schedule but to balance it more intentionally. “If that’s the standard, we can play any schedule and get the No. 1 seed,” she said. “We manufactured a schedule that should’ve produced it. If it didn’t, then we need to rethink.”

That rethinking now includes investing in HBCUs.

Why it matters

Big-time programs rarely travel to play HBCUs on their home courts. By doing so, South Carolina sends a clear message that visibility and respect for women’s basketball programs at HBCUs matter. It’s about lifting up the entire ecosystem of the sport, not just maintaining dominance at the top.

For Dawn Staley, it’s not charity—it’s competition and community. “Great game, great competition, great coaching,” she said of her HBCU opponents. “If we can lift, because we play the game and give some notoriety to the HBCUs, then we’ll do that.”

With a schedule that blends heavyweight showdowns and culturally significant matchups, Staley is once again proving that South Carolina women’s basketball is bigger than basketball.

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A Historic Career Comes Full Circle

King is more than a familiar face. She is the face of NCCU women’s basketball history. From 2003 to 2007, the 6-foot forward rewrote the record books at her HBCU. She became the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,150 points and its second-leading rebounder with 1,076 boards.

She also ranks among the CIAA’s elite. King is one of only two players in conference history—and just the 15th in NCAA Division II—to surpass 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. In addition, she earned three All-CIAA honors, four CIAA All-Tournament nods, and the 2007 Tournament MVP.

Her HBCU hoops résumé includes some unforgettable moments. For example, in 2005, she scored 59 points against Bowie State, which is still a school and tournament record. Two years later, she helped lead the Eagles to their first CIAA title in 23 years. In 2017, NCCU honored her with induction into the Alex M. Rivera Athletic Hall of Fame, and in 2021, she was inducted into the CIAA Hall of Fame.

From Player to Mentor

After graduation, King stayed close to the game. Before joining the college ranks, she spent 15 years coaching at East Wake High School, her high school alma mater. Now, she returns to McDougald-McLendon Arena to develop the next generation of Eagles.

“Cassie comes back home to help develop our post players and reconnect with the alumni,” Baxter said. “She is a proven champion.”

For King, the move is personal as well as professional. Few coaches can point to a championship banner they helped raise or a Hall of Fame plaque with their name etched on it. As a result, her presence immediately boosts the locker room’s credibility and culture.

Building a Championship Staff

Baxter isn’t just bringing King back but also building a staff full of basketball pedigree. Veteran coach Tim Valentine and former WNBA guard Paris Kea will join him this season. Together, they bring a balance of experience, local ties, and pro-level insight.

“I believe this is the right staff to lead NCCU women’s basketball to long-term success,” Baxter said. “Our championship staff will assist in our ultimate goals of being champions on the court and leaders in the classroom and community.”

With five recruits already committed for the Class of 2026, momentum is on the Eagles’ side. Moreover, with Cassie King back on the bench, NCCU isn’t just chasing wins—it’s chasing a legacy.

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Allegations Against Former Players

According to the NCAA enforcement staff, the cases involve a range of serious allegations. Some athletes are accused of betting on their own teams or against them. Others allegedly shared inside information with outside parties, manipulated game outcomes, or refused to cooperate with investigators.

“The NCAA enforcement staff is in the process of alleging violations of sports betting rules and/or related failure-to-cooperate violations for 13 former men’s basketball student-athletes who competed at six schools at the time the conduct in question occurred,” the organization said in its release.

Schools Not Facing Penalties

The NCAA has stressed that the institutions themselves are not under suspicion. “As with the previously resolved cases, the schools and respective school staffs in the ongoing cases are not alleged to have been involved in the violations by student-athletes, and the enforcement staff is not seeking penalties for the schools themselves for the student-athletes’ conduct.”

The schools connected to the current investigations are Eastern Michigan, Temple, Arizona State, New Orleans, North Carolina A&T, and Mississippi Valley State.

NCAA Explains Why Information Went Public

The association decided to release the details now because of what it described as “extensive public reporting regarding these cases.” None of the 13 athletes are currently enrolled at their former schools. Their names will not be released until the infractions process concludes.

Baker on Protecting Game Integrity

NCAA President Charlie Baker issued a clear statement on the organization’s position. “The NCAA monitors over 22,000 contests every year and will continue to aggressively pursue competition integrity risks such as these,” Baker said. “I am grateful for the NCAA enforcement team’s relentless work and for the schools’ cooperation in these matters.”

The NCAA said it became aware of the gambling activity through its integrity monitoring system. Investigators found evidence that included text messages and direct messages on social media.

Education and Prevention Efforts

The NCAA says its approach is “layered.” It monitors contests, pushes for limits on high-risk bets, works to reduce student-athlete abuse from angry bettors, and aims to bring more transparency to investigations.

The NCAA also continues to focus on education. Since 2022, its gambling harm program with EPIC Global Solutions has reached more than 100,000 student-athletes, coaches, and administrators. In 2024, the “Draw the Line” campaign was launched to help schools address sports betting risks locally.

Rules and Penalties Remain Firm

NCAA rules prohibit athletes, as well as school or conference staff, from betting on any sport that has an NCAA championship. The rules were adjusted in 2023 to focus on harm reduction, but the NCAA remains strict on one point. Any athlete who bets on their own team permanently loses eligibility.

The Division I Administrative Committee may review changes related to betting on professional sports later this year. Still, the NCAA said those possible changes “are not expected to impact rules or penalties for betting on collegiate sports.”

Why HBCUs Are in the Spotlight

The inclusion of North Carolina A&T and Mississippi Valley State underscores how deeply the rise of legalized sports betting has penetrated college sports. HBCU programs are already battling for resources and exposure, and they will now face the challenge of keeping their athletes away from growing gambling temptations.

While neither HBCU athletic staff has been implicated in wrongdoing, the potential damage to reputation and recruiting is real. For HBCU institutions, where basketball often serves as both a cultural touchstone and a key revenue generator, the integrity of the game is central to maintaining trust with alumni, fans, and prospective players.

NCAA’s Broader Gambling Strategy

Even with those efforts, penalties remain severe. Any student-athlete who bets on their own team faces permanent loss of eligibility. A hard line, the NCAA says, is necessary to protect the integrity of competition.

The Division I Board of Directors is reviewing potential changes to rules surrounding professional sports betting, but no relief is expected for those who wager on college games.

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A Rivalry Stopped in Its Tracks

The last matchup between the Rattlers and Seminoles ended abruptly when a heated altercation between the teams escalated into a full-scale melee. At the center of the fray were both squads’ marquee players—Doug Edwards for Florida State and Reginald Finney for FAMU. What began as an on-court disagreement spilled into the stands, where even fans became involved. The incident between two schools literally separated by train tracks, brought an abrupt end to the series.

The game itself had been arranged by then-State Representative Al Lawson Jr., a standout Rattler basketball player in the 1960s. Lawson later served as an assistant coach at FSU during its historic 1972 Final Four run, before a loss to John Wooden’s UCLA dynasty. Ironically, FAMU’s 9,000-seat arena now bears Lawson’s name, making his legacy a symbolic bridge between the two programs.

Florida State star to return to alma mater

The timing of this renewal carries added significance with Charlie Ward stepping in as FAMU’s new head coach. Ward, a Tallahassee native with deep family ties to FAMU, was a two-sport star at FSU. He quarterbacked Bobby Bowden’s 1993 national championship team, won the Heisman Trophy, and was also a four-year letterman in basketball.

Though undrafted by the NFL, Ward was selected in the first round of the 1994 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, where he enjoyed a decade-long career before finishing with stints at Houston and San Antonio. After retiring, Ward turned to coaching, guiding Florida State University School (K-12) to a 2022 state basketball championship and another state final appearance. His name was even floated as a potential successor to longtime FSU head coach Leonard Hamilton upon his retirement.

Ward also has a personal connection to the rivalry’s stormy past. He was a member of the 1991 Seminoles team involved in the brawl that halted the series. Now, more than 30 years later, his steady presence is viewed as a unifying factor in helping restart the long-dormant matchup.

Looking Ahead

With Ward leading FAMU and Luke Loucks recently appointed as FSU’s head coach, both sides see this as the right moment to restore the cross-town rivalry. For the city of Tallahassee, the game represents not just a renewal of competition, but also an opportunity to mend history and showcase the region’s rich basketball tradition.

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Event Lineup

The Classic tips off Thursday, December 18, with Clark Atlanta facing Lincoln (PA) (the 2024 Challenge Winner) at 11 a.m., followed by Fayetteville State vs. Morehouse at 1:30 p.m. Later that evening, Jackson State takes on Hampton at 5 p.m., and Grambling State battles Norfolk State at 7:30 p.m.

The competition continues Friday, December 19, with Lincoln (PA) squaring off against Morehouse, Clark Atlanta meeting Fayetteville State, Hampton clashing with Grambling State, and a marquee nightcap between Jackson State and Norfolk State.

NBA veteran Chris Paul’s Vision

“Chris Paul’s dedication to elevating HBCU student-athletes is both inspiring and impactful,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “We look forward to bringing all eight teams and their fans together under one roof at the Gateway Center in Atlanta.”

Paul, a Winston-Salem State graduate, has consistently invested in HBCU initiatives. Beyond the Classic, he has produced HBCU-centered docuseries, partnered with Harvard Business School to expand opportunities for HBCU students, and launched scholarship and voting initiatives. “As the support for HBCU basketball continues to grow, I’m excited to provide this year’s teams an opportunity to showcase their talent,” said Paul.

HBCU Coaches Embrace the Stage

Participating coaches praised both Chris Paul and the event. Hampton’s Ivan Thomas called it “a celebration of our culture, our history, and our future.” Jackson State’s Mo Williams emphasized the national exposure, while Norfolk State’s Robert Jones highlighted the level of competition. Fayetteville State’s Devin Hoehn said the Classic “shines a light on HBCU talent.”

NBA legend continues to help

Known as the “Point God,” Chris Paul’s NBA career has been matched by his off-the-court impact. Through his foundation, Paul continues to provide resources for underserved communities and opportunities for HBCU students. His efforts have earned him honors such as the ESPYs Humanitarian of the Year and the NBA Community Assist Award.

Tickets for the 2025 Chris Paul HBCU Classic will go on sale later this year, with broadcast details to follow.

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What Happened

According to recruiting insider Dushawn London, Morris is set to join BCU after a rollercoaster journey through some of the nation’s top programs.

Morris spent last season at South Plains College, averaging 11.9 points per game and flashing the high-level skill that once made him a McDonald’s All-American out of Kimball High School in Dallas, Texas.

Before that, he had stints at both Texas and Kansas, where his career was marred by off-the-court issues.

The Rocky Road So Far

• Texas Longhorns: Morris earned playing time as a freshman but faced a misdemeanor assault charge involving his ex-girlfriend. Soon after, he entered the transfer portal.
• Kansas Jayhawks: His time in Lawrence never truly got started. He was dismissed from the team after being accused in an alleged felony rape case. That case was ultimately dropped due to insufficient evidence.
• South Plains College: Seeking a reset, Morris landed at the JUCO powerhouse. At times, his five-star talent reemerged, like a 25-point explosion against Midland College and a 23-point showing against North Idaho.

Why This Move Matters for HBCU Basketball

For HBCU basketball, Morris’ decision is a headline-making move. Bethune-Cookman isn’t typically in the national spotlight, but landing a player with Morris’ pedigree shows that HBCUs can attract top-tier talent looking for a second (or third) chance.

This move could also change how other high-profile transfers view historically Black colleges and universities. With the right support system, Morris has the chance to remind fans why he was once considered one of the best players in the 2022 recruiting class.

What’s Next for Morris at Bethune-Cookman

The big question: Can Morris stay focused and maximize this opportunity?

On the court, his skillset—scoring, playmaking, and athleticism—fits perfectly in the Wildcats’ system. Off the court, this may be his last real shot to prove that he can balance maturity with his basketball future.

If he buys in, Morris could elevate BCU into a contender in the SWAC and turn into one of the most talked-about players in HBCU basketball this season.

Final Takeaway

Arterio Morris’ path has been anything but smooth, but his next chapter at Bethune-Cookman could be the redemption story both he and HBCU hoops have been waiting for.

? Question for Fans: Do you think Arterio Morris will thrive at Bethune-Cookman and spark a new wave of HBCU basketball recruiting power?

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Head coach Darrell Mosley revealed that Coppin will face the Buckeyes on November 9 at Value City Arena in Columbus. The Eagles also tacked on a road game at SMU on December 10, rounding out a schedule that’s quickly becoming one of the most ambitious in all of HBCU hoops.

A Heavyweight Slate

Coppin’s four Power Conference opponents read like a who’s who of women’s college basketball royalty. The Eagles will open with Big Ten champion Ohio State on November 9 in Columbus, then travel to Knoxville on November 23 to face eight-time national champion Tennessee. On January 18, Coppin will welcome the 2024 national champion South Carolina Gamecocks to Baltimore, before closing the stretch with a December 10 trip to Dallas to battle AAC contender SMU.

The matchup with Ohio State will mark the first-ever meeting between the two programs. The Buckeyes finished 26-7 last season, reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament, and brought back Jaloni Cambridge, a unanimous All-Big Ten First Team pick and Co-Freshman of the Year. Guard Chance Gray returns after starting all 33 games and scoring over 1,000 career points, while Boston College transfer T’yana Todd adds one of the nation’s top three-point strokes.

In short, Coppin is stepping directly into the fire.

No Stranger to the Spotlight

For Coppin State, this isn’t unfamiliar territory. Just two years ago, the Eagles hosted Angel Reese and LSU inside PEC Arena, giving Baltimore fans a courtside look at the eventual national champions and one of the most recognizable names in women’s basketball. That willingness to challenge the sport’s elite has become a calling card for the program.

And now, under a new head coach, the Eagles are doubling down on that identity.

The Mosley Era Begins

The Mosley era at Coppin State is officially underway after a major coaching change this offseason. Longtime coach Jermaine Woods stepped away, and in stepped Darrell Mosley, a Chester, PA native. Mosley spent the last three seasons at Arizona State—two as the Sun Devils’ associate head coach.

Mosley previously turned Lincoln (Pa.) into a perennial contender in the CIAA and brings 15 years of experience at the college level. Athletic Director Derek Carter called him “a leader ready to take Coppin to new heights,” while Mosley himself vowed to build “a culture of excellence both on and off the court.”

Scheduling Ohio State, Tennessee, and South Carolina in Year One? That’s a statement.

For HBCU women’s basketball, these types of games are more than just paydays—they’re platforms. Coppin State players will test themselves against some of the best talent in the country, from WNBA prospects at Tennessee to one of the deepest Big Ten lineups at Ohio State.

Win or lose, it’s visibility that strengthens recruiting, energizes alumni, and shows that HBCU programs aren’t afraid to swing big.

And with Mosley at the helm, Coppin State is swinging harder than ever.

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A Big-Time Addition for TSU

Johnson, a 6-foot-9 Washington, D.C. native, isn’t just another name in the coaching carousel—he’s a former lottery pick, a 16-year pro, and a player who once defined versatility before “unicorn” became a buzzword. He logged seven seasons in the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, and San Antonio Spurs before extending his career overseas in nearly a dozen countries.

Now, he brings that wealth of experience to an HBCU program eager to rise under Smith, the former Duke standout and national champion.

“He comes here with a hunger to be a part of something big,” Smith said. “At 6-foot-9, Coach was one of the original unicorns. He has the blueprint to now teach it to the current and future Tigers.”

From High School Phenom to NBA Lottery Pick

Johnson’s story started with hype few could match. At Maine Central Institute, he was named Parade National High School Player of the Year in 1999. He then starred at Cincinnati under Hall of Fame coach Bob Huggins. In his lone season with the Bearcats, Johnson averaged 13 points per game, earned Conference USA Freshman of the Year, and helped lead a team ranked No. 1 nationally for 12 weeks alongside Kenyon Martin.

That spring, Johnson declared for the NBA Draft and went sixth overall to the Hawks. His pro career was nearly derailed after a devastating car accident fractured four vertebrae in his neck. But Johnson battled back, carving out 344 NBA appearances before taking his game around the globe.

Building His Coaching Resume

When the playing days ended, DerMarr Johnson transitioned into coaching. He returned to Cincinnati in 2017 as a student assistant while completing his degree, then moved into player development. His stops included Cincinnati, where he ran individual growth plans for the Bearcats, and West Virginia, where he spent two seasons on Bob Huggins’ staff.

That mix of playing pedigree, international experience, and developmental chops is exactly what excites Nolan Smith about adding Johnson to Tennessee State’s bench.

What It Means for TSU and HBCU Hoops

For Tennessee State University, the move is more than just filling a coaching seat. It’s a statement. Smith, who’s still building his coaching identity after years in the ACC spotlight, now has a trusted friend and proven basketball mind beside him. Together, the duo blends blue-blood basketball DNA with NBA and international credentials—an attractive combination for recruits who want to see a clear path from HBCU gyms to the pros.

HBCU basketball is already riding momentum, with more players earning pro looks and more programs investing in top-tier staffs. Adding an NBA vet like Johnson to TSU’s sideline is another sign that the gap is closing.

For Smith and Johnson, though, the goal is simple: build a culture of winning in Nashville. And the Tigers’ journey just got a serious shot of credibility.

The post NBA Vet Joins Former Duke Star on HBCU Coaching Staff appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

Building a Winner

Washington took over at Lincoln with high expectations, and she didn’t just meet them—she shattered them. She compiled a 64-50 overall record, highlighted by the 2021-22 CIAA Championship, the program’s first in nearly a decade. That title run was punctuated by a decisive 67-52 victory over Elizabeth City State, a moment that cemented her name in Lincoln lore.

Her Lions also locked down back-to-back CIAA Northern Division titles in 2022 and 2023, proving the championship wasn’t a one-hit wonder. In 2023, she was rewarded with the CIAA Coach of the Year award, solidifying her reputation as one of the premier coaching minds in HBCU basketball.

Developing Stars, On and Off the Court

Washington’s impact wasn’t limited to banners and rings. She molded players into stars, most notably Bryanna Brown, who earned both CIAA Player of the Year and CIAA Tournament MVP honors in 2022. Then there’s Kania Pollock, a former guard who transitioned into coaching and played a pivotal role on the 2024 CIAA Men’s Tournament Championship Team before returning to Washington’s staff.

Her players shined just as bright in the classroom, posting a 3.4 cumulative GPA and maintaining an 80% graduation rate during her tenure. For Washington, it was always about more than basketball. It was about building women ready to succeed beyond the hardwood.

A Bittersweet Goodbye

Lincoln’s Vice President of Advancement and Athletic Director Harry Stinson III summed up the moment perfectly:

“This is a bittersweet moment for the university. We are losing a dynamic leader, an outstanding coach, and someone who truly continued laying the foundation for our program to thrive and succeed. However, we are excited for this opportunity for Janice. When you do amazing things, you are rewarded with amazing opportunities.”

The words echo the larger sentiment within the Lincoln community—that they are sad to see her go but proud of the path she’s blazing.

Legacy Locked In

For Lincoln University, Washington’s four seasons reshaped what success looks like in women’s hoops. Championships, individual accolades, academic excellence—she checked every box.

As she steps into the professional ranks, she leaves behind a program positioned to keep winning. Her culture of accountability, discipline, and growth has built a foundation that will outlast her tenure.

Janice Washington’s departure is more than a coaching change. It’s a reminder of a leader’s impact on an HBCU program—one that reaches far beyond the court.

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A Familiar Face in the Preseason

The Tigers open the preseason with two exhibition games, including an October 30 contest against Langston University. Based in Oklahoma, Langston is an NAIA HBCU program. While the result won’t affect LSU’s record, it provides a valuable test and a spotlight moment for Langston.

Alcorn State Returns to Baton Rouge

LSU’s first official HBCU opponent arrives November 20 when Alcorn State visits the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The Lady Braves, members of the SWAC, finished the 2024-25 season with a 14-18 record. This game is part of a key home stretch designed to prepare LSU for SEC competition.

Morgan State Comes South

On December 16, LSU will host Morgan State, a proud MEAC program. The Bears ended last season with a 13-17 mark. Known for their toughness and physical style, Morgan State could provide LSU with one of its more gritty non-conference tests.

Alabama State Closes the 2025 Calendar

The Tigers’ final non-conference home game takes place December 28 against Alabama State. The Hornets, another SWAC opponent, finished last season 6-24. The matchup offers a final tune-up before LSU opens SEC play.

More Than Just Games

By scheduling four HBCUs, LSU deepens its ties to Black college basketball history and culture. These games provide HBCU student-athletes with greater exposure while offering fans a blend of tradition and talent. LSU continues to set an example among Power Five programs in fostering these cross-institutional matchups.

Ready for the SEC Grind

Coach Kim Mulkey enters her fifth season with high expectations. Returning stars Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams lead a roster stacked with top freshmen and key transfers. The early-season HBCU matchups will help build momentum heading into a challenging SEC slate that opens January 1 against Kentucky.

From tip-off in October to the postseason in March, LSU’s path will cross the country. But it will host four HBCUs at home just one year after Grambling State head coach Courtney Simmons de-cried having to play money games after a 46-point loss to LSU.

“Nothing about getting the snot beat out of us helps us for league play,” she said.

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A Full Day of Action and Culture

Starting at 12:00 PM (EDT), the All-Star Dream Classic blends competitive basketball with live music, culture, and community celebration. Here’s what you can expect:

• Women’s 3v3 Tournament: HBCU vs CITY at 1:30 PM
• Food Truck Village: Opens at 2:00 PM on Frederick Douglass Blvd
• Women’s All-Star Game: Tips off at 4:30 PM
• Live Performances: Music and entertainment between games
• Men’s All-Star Game: Main event begins at 6:30 PM

Top HBCU Talent in the Spotlight

Athletes from the MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, SIAC, Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, NAIA, and independent HBCUs will compete. Scouts from the NBA G League, WNBA, ABA, and overseas leagues will be in attendance.

Free Admission, Live Stream, and More

Admission is free with registration via Eventbrite. Fans can also watch the event online at hbcuallstardreamclassic.com.

This isn’t just a basketball showcase. Expect:

• DJ sets and live music
• HBCU and high school marching bands
• Step shows and cheer performances
• Free school supplies and scholarship giveaways
• Post game after-party at Harlem Tavern

The HBCU All-Star Dream Classic is where legacy, community, and culture meet the court. Don’t miss your chance to witness the future of HBCU basketball—live in Harlem or online.

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Leadership Stability at Delaware State

Waterman took over the Hornets in 2021 and has been focused on changing the program’s culture. He’s helped the Hornets become more competitive while also prioritizing academics and player development. “I am excited and honored to continue leading the men’s basketball program at Delaware State University,” Waterman said in the press release. “We’ve made significant progress, and I’m committed to building a championship culture our students, alumni, and fans can be proud of.”

From High School Legend to HBCU Team Builder

Before his college debut, Waterman led Sanford School in Delaware to eight state championships. That success has translated into a clear vision at Delaware State. Athletic Director Tony Tucker praised Waterman’s impact. “Coach Waterman is a tremendous leader and mentor,” Tucker said in the release. “He exemplifies what it means to be a Hornet and a champion in the HBCU community.”

Delaware State Basketball’s Strategic Direction

The extension comes at a critical time. HBCU basketball programs are investing in coaches who bring both experience and community connection. Waterman fits that mold. His presence brings stability and signals that Delaware State is serious about winning in the MEAC and on the national stage. After winning just two games in his first season, Waterman has steadily improved the program’s competitiveness, more than tripling the team’s win total by year three and earning respect across the MEAC.

Momentum Builds for 2025–26 HBCU Season

The Hornets made strides in the 2024–25 season despite having a rebuilding roster. Stan Waterman’s defensive focus and player-first culture are beginning to show results. With the contract now extended, expectations for 2025–26 will only grow. The Hornets may be one of the HBCU teams to watch this season.

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A Rising Coaching Resume

Smith has steadily climbed the coaching ranks since retiring from professional basketball. He joined the Memphis staff in September 2024 after two seasons at Louisville under Kenny Payne. Before his time at Louisville, he spent six years at Duke University in multiple roles. These included director of basketball operations, player development, and assistant coach during the 2021–22 season.

Decorated Playing Career at Duke

As a player, Smith was one of the most decorated in Duke University history. He earned consensus first-team All-American honors and was named ACC Player of the Year in 2011. That season, he led the conference in scoring (20.6 points per game) and served as team captain. He also won MVP honors in the ACC Tournament.

Smith played a key role in Duke’s 2010 national championship run. He earned Most Outstanding Player honors in the NCAA South Regional and was named to the All-Final Four Team. Over his four-year college career, he scored 1,911 points, ranking 17th in Duke history. His teams went 121-22 overall, including an incredible 65-2 at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Potential New Chapter at an HBCU

If hired, the position at Tennessee State would be Smith’s first head coaching job. It would also represent a significant moment for the Nashville-based HBCU, which continues to seek national recognition. Smith brings not only high-level basketball experience but also a strong record of community involvement. He’s been honored by Points of Light and The News & Observer for his work in social justice and cancer awareness.

The potential hire could signal a turning point for Tennessee State. The HBCU had success with the high profile hire of Eddie George who led the program to the FCS playoffs.

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A New Chapter in an HBCU Tradition

Traditionally, the NBA HBCU Classic has featured games between historic HBCU conference rivals: Morgan State vs. Howard (MEAC), Southern vs. Grambling State (SWAC), Winston-Salem State vs. Virginia Union (CIAA), and Tuskegee vs. Morehouse (SIAC). Hampton and North Carolina A&T now continue that legacy while introducing a new chapter under the CAA banner.

“We are overjoyed to have North Carolina A&T State University and Hampton University competing in the NBA HBCU Classic,” said Amber Scott, Director of Social Impact and Inclusion at the NBA. “Yes, it’s about the on-court play. It’s about the rivalries, right? But the thing that’s so special to me is all of the off-court development.”

Increased Exposure for HBCUs in the CAA

This year’s Classic, set for Los Angeles during NBA All-Star Weekend, offers more than a basketball showcase. It highlights how North Carolina A&T and Hampton have expanded the visibility and reach of HBCUs within the CAA. Since joining the conference, both schools have tapped into national TV deals and elevated their brands in ways that were previously out of reach.

North Carolina A&T recently launched a regional linear TV deal, bringing its football and basketball programs into more homes.

“The local linear is a big deal for us,” said A&T Director of Athletics Earl Hilton. “It’s been a fantastic arrangement for us to be able to broadcast football and basketball games, men’s and women’s… We got three or four opportunities with CBS and national CBS brand. And certainly this opportunity would be, I think, Peacock, who will be running this game.”

A Cultural Shift in the CAA

CAA Commissioner Joe D’Antonio emphasized the value that North Carolina A&T and Hampton have added to the conference—on and off the court.

“We were focused on institutions that are committed at the highest level of academics… institutions that are committed to overall well-being of the student-athletes,” D’Antonio said. “And I couldn’t be happier with what we found with North Carolina A&T and Hampton.”

The HBCU cultural experience has also enriched the CAA. “Layer that on top of the unbelievable HBCU tradition that they’ve brought to the conference—whether it be through their cheer and spirit squad, whether it be through their bands,” D’Antonio added. “CAA had not had an opportunity to experience those type of things, and those have also been an extremely well-received addition.”

A Long-Term Vision Realized

The opportunity for North Carolina A&T to participate in the NBA HBCU Classic didn’t materialize overnight.

“If my memory serves, this is something we’ve been working on for about 18 months,” Hilton said. “We had some conversations last year and then couldn’t make it work with our schedule… so excited to be able to work on it and get things lined out in a way that it’s going to line up perfectly for us and for Hampton.”

Preparing Student-Athletes for More Than the Game

Beyond competition, the NBA HBCU Classic includes a full week of career development and networking for participating players. Students from North Carolina A&T and Hampton will attend workshops, meet NBA All-Stars, and build skills to strengthen their off-court futures.

“Our hope is that we’re pouring into the students off the court in addition to helping them with their on-court development,” Scott said.

A New Rivalry, A National Stage

As the CAA continues to expand and evolve, North Carolina A&T and Hampton are not just participating—they are setting the pace. With national platforms like CBS and Peacock and events like the NBA HBCU Classic, these two HBCUs are helping redefine what it means to thrive in a new era of college athletics.

And with the spotlight of NBA All-Star Weekend shining on this rising rivalry, both programs aim to raise their visibility—and the visibility of all HBCUs—on the national stage.

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The official date, tip-off time, and broadcast details will be announced in the coming months, but the significance of this CAA showdown is already crystal clear.

“The CAA is excited to partner with the NBA in showcasing the Hampton and North Carolina A&T men’s basketball programs in a conference matchup set to take place in the NBA HBCU Classic,” said CAA Commissioner Joe D’Antonio. “The NBA has been a consistent supporter in bringing elevated exposure to HBCUs. We are eager to see two of our institutions shine at NBA All-Star 2026 in February.”

The NBA HBCU Classic is the league’s flagship showcase for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the 2026 edition promises star power, history, and plenty of pride.

A Rivalry With Roots

Hampton and North Carolina A&T boast decades of competition, championship pedigree, and cultural impact.  “Both schools have produced quality student-athletes from Al Attles to Rick Mahorn and have shaped American history with such prominent figures as the A&T Four and Booker T. Washington, said A&T Athletic Director Earl M. Hilton III.

Hampton is just as excited.

 “This is not only a tremendous opportunity for two historic institutions to showcase the talent, tradition, and excellence of our student-athletes on a national stage. But also a celebration of the rich legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Added Hampton AD Anthony D. Henderson, Sr. “Thank you to the NBA and the CAA for this unbelievable opportunity. We look forward to bringing Pirate pride to the West Coast and providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our student-athletes.”

HBCU Hoops in the Spotlight

Since its inception, the NBA HBCU Classic has been a key pillar in the league’s broader commitment to amplify Black institutions and athletes. It’s not just about basketball—it’s about opportunity, visibility, and legacy.

For Hampton and A&T, this is more than a game. It’s a platform.

With NBA All-Star Weekend drawing global media attention and celebrity buzz. The 2026 HBCU Classic will elevate the programs, the players, and the powerful stories behind these two institutions.

The lights of Los Angeles will be bright, but for two proud HBCUs, it’ll feel just like home.

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ACC Legend off to a solid start

In his first year as head coach, Hodge led Lincoln University to an impressive 18–12 overall record and an 11–5 conference finish to keep Lincoln amongst the top teams in the CIAA. Now, the former NC State star and NBA player is amplifying that success with recruits who reflect the growing reach of HBCU programs.

For decades, HBCUs have empowered Black athletes across America. Now, Lincoln University is extending that mission globally. It is providing opportunities for student-athletes from Dominica and Canada to thrive within an HBCU environment.

Ginuwine Tropnas: Canadian Forward Joins Lincoln

Ginuwine Tropnas, a 6-foot-10 forward from Montreal, Canada, transfers to Lincoln University from Lake Region State College. At JUCO, he averaged 13.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, showcasing his dominance in the paint.

Before he got to Lincoln

• Played high school basketball at Dynastie Prep in Montreal.
• Set Lake Region’s all-time program record for career blocks (96).
• Earned a spot on the President’s List with a 4.0 GPA.

Tropnas brings rebounding, shot-blocking, and an international perspective that will strengthen Lincoln’s frontcourt. Fans eager to see defensive intensity under Hodge will be excited.

Kesean Shillingford: Dominica’s First DI Player

Joining Tropnas is Kesean Shillingford, a 7-foot center from Dominica. He made history as his nation’s first NCAA DI basketball player at Stonehill College.

Before he got to Lincoln

• Attended Christ the King (NY) and The Newman School (MA), earning a 4.2 GPA and ranking among the top-75 recruits in New England for 2024.
• Appeared in DI games at Stonehill College while majoring in Finance.
• Selected to the NEC Winter Academic Honor Roll.

Shillingford is known for his imposing size, length, and defensive presence. He embodies the student-athlete ideal that HBCUs champion.

A New Era for Lincoln Basketball

These recruits are not just about size. They represent a vision of HBCU basketball that is global, diverse, and championship-focused. The 2004 ACC Player of The Year is attempting to build a culture at Lincoln University where international talent merges with HBCU pride as it competes for CIAA titles and elevate the program to national recognition. He’s also brought in some talented pieces from North Carolina and California as well.

Final Thoughts

With Tropnas and Shillingford anchoring the frontcourt, Lincoln University continues to evolve under Julius Hodge. Their arrivals signal that HBCUs are not only preserving their legacy but also embracing a future of global excellence and opportunity for both the former ACC star and his players.

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SWAC Roots

Hunter, a Mississippi native and HBCU star, made his name at Jackson State University. There, he torched Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) opponents. He began his collegiate career at Alcorn State, earning SWAC Freshman of the Year honors in 1989. Hunter transferred to Jackson State and never looked back. He averaged 26.7 points per game as a senior, earning SWAC Player of the Year in 1993. That same year, he led JSU to an NIT upset over UConn. Leading to him being selected 10th overall by the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Draft.

Detroit became his second home — and now it’s his coaching battleground.

Hunter spent 12 of his 17 NBA seasons with the Pistons, earning a reputation as one of the league’s toughest on-ball defenders. A gritty, tenacious guard, he helped anchor the Pistons’ defensive identity during their early-2000s championship run, earning his second ring in 2004 when Detroit stunned the star-studded Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. Ironically, Hunter also earned his first ring with the Lakers in 2002 — a rare feat of being a champion on both sides of that iconic rivalry.

But for all the bright lights of the NBA, Hunter has always had a heart for mentoring.

Natural Mentor

After playing, Hunter transitioned into coaching, including stints with the Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, and Phoenix Suns. He served as interim head coach of the Suns during the 2012–13 season. In 2019, he returned to his HBCU roots, becoming head coach at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU). He led MVSU for three seasons and helped rebuild the program’s foundation with the same toughness he brought as a player.

Now, he’s bringing that HBCU pedigree and NBA grind to the high school hardwood in Sparta, Michigan—a town just outside Grand Rapids.

His connection to Michigan runs deep. His son, Lindsey Hunter IV, was a standout guard at Southfield Christian School near Detroit. The younger Hunter won three state championships before college. And even more recently, Hunter helped launch a youth basketball initiative through his foundation after meeting Griffin Gullekson, a Sparta student battling cancer. Moved by the teen’s resilience, Hunter helped create a program through the Lindsey Hunter Foundation that supports young athletes facing illness or adversity.

For Sparta High School, bringing in Hunter isn’t just a flashy hire — it’s a cultural moment. Here’s a coach who’s played with Hall of Famers, coached at every level, and dominated the HBCU landscape. He’s bringing all of that to a small-town team with big dreams.

The Pistons faithful know Lindsey Hunter as the dogged defender who never backed down. The HBCU community knows him as one of their greatest guards and a proud standard-bearer of SWAC excellence. A new generation of Michigan ballers will now know him as Coach Hunter.

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Alabama A&M begins new era

Alabama A&M opens Indiana’s season on November 5. The Bulldogs are entering a new chapter under head coach Dontae Jackson, who takes over after a successful stint at Grambling State. Last season, A&M finished 10–22, but Jackson brings a reputation for building tough, defensive teams. He aims to inject a winning culture and boost recruiting through his SWAC connections and national network.

Bethune-Cookman closes out November

Bethune-Cookman faces Indiana on November 29. The Wildcats are coming off a 17–16 campaign under head coach Reggie Theus, a former NBA All-Star with deep coaching experience. Theus has steadily elevated the program’s credibility and competitiveness. With several key players returning, BCU looks to continue its momentum and won’t shy away from the Big Ten spotlight.

Why These Matchups Matter

For both HBCUs, these games offer more than just competition—they bring visibility, financial support, and a chance to measure up against top-tier talent. Facing Big Ten teams helps prepare HBCU programs for their conference slates while giving players national exposure.

These games also highlight a growing trend. Big Ten schools increasingly schedule HBCUs in non-conference play, often providing much-needed financial boosts for smaller programs through guarantee game payouts.

Embracing the Challenge

With proven coaches like Jackson and Theus leading the way, Alabama A&M and Bethune-Cookman are ready to represent the HBCU community with pride. Expect both teams to compete hard and make the most of their national stage this season.

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The games continue a meaningful tradition of North Carolina engaging with HBCUs, highlighting the state’s rich basketball history and cultural connections. The Tar Heels last played Winston-Salem State to open the 2019–2020 season, earning a 96–61 win. That WSSU team would go on to win the CIAA championship under head coach Cleo Hill Jr., proving itself as one of the top programs in Division II HBCU basketball.

North Carolina’s last contest against North Carolina Central came during the pandemic-impacted 2020–2021 season. Despite being heavily favored, UNC had to battle for a 73–69 win over the Eagles, showcasing the competitive edge of HBCU programs even against traditional basketball powerhouses.

This year’s matchups hold special resonance for UNC head coach Hubert Davis. A native of Winston-Salem, Davis has personal ties to HBCUs — his father played at Johnson C. Smith University, a fellow CIAA member alongside WSSU. In 2022, Davis received the Clarence “Big House” Gaines Coach of the Year award, named in honor of the legendary WSSU head coach and Naismith Hall of Famer.

These games provide valuable exposure and experience for HBCUs while giving North Carolina a chance to honor its connections to Black college basketball culture. For WSSU and NCCU, the opportunity to compete in Chapel Hill adds another layer of visibility and challenge for their respective programs.

As UNC prepares for another season with national expectations, these early-season contests against HBCUs will serve as both a competitive tune-up and a celebration of North Carolina’s deep basketball roots across all divisions.

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First-Ever Matchup Between Howard and Duke

Howard University will play Duke on Sunday, November 23, marking the first meeting between the HBCU and the ACC program. Before that, Howard will face Niagara on Saturday, November 22. The event tips off with Duke vs. Niagara on Friday, November 21. Game times and television details will be shared at a later date.

The spotlight continues to grow for Howard University, which has experienced a resurgence under Blakeney. The former Duke captain has led the Bison to back-to-back MEAC Tournament titles and NCAA Tournament appearances in 2023 and 2024. Notably, Blakeney earned MEAC Coach of the Year honors in 2022–23 after guiding Howard to its first 20-win season in more than 30 years.

A National Stage for HBCU Basketball

Howard’s participation in the Brotherhood Run reflects the expanding national platform for HBCU basketball. Playing against at Cameron Indoor offers a symbolic and strategic milestone.

Duke’s Role in the Brotherhood Run

This marks the second time Duke will host the Brotherhood Run. The event honors the legacy of former Blue Devils now leading their own programs. By welcoming back Blakeney and Paulus, Duke deepens the meaning behind the games and celebrates the enduring bond among its alumni.

This November, Howard University will step into the national spotlight on one of the sport’s grandest stages. For Kenneth Blakeney, it’s more than a homecoming—it’s a testament to the transformation of a once-underacheiving HBCU basketball program into a rising power ready for primetime.

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A Wolfpack at a crossroads

NC State enters the Will Wade era hoping to recharge a program that has seen both meteoric highs and painful lows. After a magical Final Four run in the 2023-24 season, the Pack came crashing back to earth with a disappointing 2024-25 campaign that cost then-coach Kevin Keatts his job. Hired to steady the ship, Wade now inherits a volatile roster, heightened expectations, and a challenge to reignite fan optimism.

Moton’s masterpiece: 2013 upset still resonates

The Wolfpack likely haven’t forgotten the last time they met NCCU in the 919: November 20, 2013, in front of nearly 10,000 fans at PNC Arena, LeVelle Moton’s Eagles pulled off a historic 82–72 overtime upset, earning their first-ever win over an ACC opponent since joining Division I.

Jeremy Ingram dropped a game-high 29 points, including a school-record 19 made free throws, as NCCU outshot, out-rebounded, and out-toughed the Wolfpack in their own building.

The Eagles were nearly flawless at the line, hitting 41-of-45 free throws (91.1%)—including a perfect 12-for-12 in OT—to silence the crowd and stun the red and white. The win was more than just an upset—it was a program-shifting moment.

Moton’s 2013 squad didn’t stop there. They went on to dominate the MEAC with a 28–6 overall record and 15–1 in league play, sweeping both the regular season and conference tournament championships—and earning the school’s first-ever NCAA Tournament berth at the Division I level. Moton himself earned multiple national coaching accolades, including MEAC Coach of the Year and finalist honors for the Hugh Durham and Ben Jobe Awards.

And if the rumored 2025–26 season opener against NC State comes to fruition, it won’t just be a warm-up game—it’ll be a high-stakes rematch built on history, pride, and unfinished business.

NCCU Upsets NC State in 2013

The HBCU hierarchy: NCCU in context

While NC Central has long stood tall in the MEAC, recent seasons have been dominated by Howard and Norfolk State, both of which have taken conference titles in the past few years.

Visiting the Wolfpack for the first time since the upset would renew a rivalry rooted in regional pride and legacy. A win for NCCU could signal an even larger shift: that not only is the HBCU hoops scene competitive, but it also has the talent, coaching, and swagger to challenge ACC programs in the big money NIL era.

The modern rivalry

Between 2008 and 2013, NC State faced NCCU five times, racking up four wins—including blowouts in ’09 and ’11—but that 2013 loss remains fresh in the memory.

If the report comes to fruition, the Will Wade era kicks off with more than just a standard ACC opener: a test in proximity, pride, and perspective. It’s a chance to revisit LeVelle Moton and NC Central’s upset legacy, shine a spotlight on HBCU basketball, and throw a litmus test at a newly hired coach.

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The former Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) standout spent the 2024–25 season battling a torn labrum in her hip. Despite the pain, she led her team through adversity and capped the year with a postseason tournament title. Now, she’s taking her talents to Mississippi Valley State—one of the toughest HBCU programs in Division I.

“I didn’t think I was gonna get picked up by any D1 schools,” Smith admits. “I was playing injured the whole season. It wasn’t even my best.”

Yet, talent always finds a way. Through grit, discipline, and unshakable determination, she earned her next shot.

Fighting Through the Pain

Smith didn’t just lace up while injured—she battled through one of the most painful conditions in basketball: a torn hip labrum.

“I had no labrum in my right hip. It was detached,” she explains. “I just got steroid shots to manage the pain.”

The injury disrupted her rhythm and limited her explosiveness. Even so, Smith refused to let her team down. With a shallow frontcourt, she embraced the role of the lone post presence and anchored the paint night after night.

“I was the only true big. So I had no choice but to push through.”

That mindset didn’t just keep her on the floor—it fueled a run few expected.

Surviving a Season of Chaos

Even with a capable roster, Johnson C. Smith’s season swung wildly. Practices lacked structure, and players struggled with fatigue.

“We’d practice for hours, just running pickup. No warmups, no individual workouts,” Smith recalls. “It wasn’t like the other schools I’d been to.”

Despite the disarray, the team’s chemistry found room to grow. Connections formed naturally, even as systems faltered.

Midseason, everything shifted. Assistant coach Taisha Murphy—known as Coach Tay—took the reins. Her approach transformed the team.

“She was hands-on. We watched more film, fixed our transition defense. It made a difference,” says Smith.

Under Murphy’s leadership, Johnson C. Smith rallied from the bottom of the CIAA to clinch the inaugural BCIC tournament title, despite entering as the final team selected.

“We weren’t even in the tournament at first. We got called last. But we proved we belonged.”

Betting on Valley, Betting on Herself

Desiree Smith’s transfer announcement caught some off guard. Mississippi Valley State’s women’s program is chronically underfunded and under the radar. Still, that’s precisely what drew her in.

“I’m a dog,” she says. “Valley needs dogs. I felt like I fit.”

Her decision wasn’t about luxury—it was about legacy. For Smith, Valley offers more than a scholarship; it provides a challenge worth taking.

“If they need someone to go out and compete, I’m that player.”

Eyes on the Pros, Mind on the Mission

After Valley, Smith has big plans. She hopes to continue her basketball career overseas, using her HBCU platform as a springboard.

If that doesn’t materialize, she’s already carving a future in performance therapy—with the U.S. Navy as a potential next step.

“I’m majoring in physical therapy,” she explains. “If I go into the Navy, I’ll go in as an officer. The plan is to work with athletes long-term.”

Her passion for injury prevention stems from her own lived experience. Through nerve pain, hip issues, and off-season grind sessions, she’s built a toolbox she’s ready to share.

“I dealt with all that and still trained every summer. I want to help athletes train smarter.”

A Legacy That Runs in the Family

Basketball runs deep in the Smith household. Desiree Smith is the younger sister of Dennis Smith Jr., a North Carolina basketball icon and NBA veteran known for his athleticism and creativity. The former McDonald’s All-American starred at NC State before being selected 9th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft.

“We’re close,” she says. “He watches my games, gives me feedback. He always tells me not to be afraid to ask for help.”

While she values her independence, her brother’s support adds motivation and perspective.

From Highlight Reels to National Spotlight

Stats didn’t just drive Smith’s breakout. She became a central figure in the Brick by Brick docuseries, which showcased her grit and game.

“That show helped me a lot,” she says. “I couldn’t really make my own highlight reels. But the footage they got—it showed what I could do.”

For players at smaller HBCUs, visibility can be the difference between being overlooked and being recruited. Smith seized the moment.

Ready to Lead, Ready to Prove It

Let’s be honest—winning at Mississippi Valley State won’t be easy. But Smith isn’t chasing easy. She’s built for the hard route.

From injury setbacks to HBCU championships, from being counted out to making believers, her journey reflects everything that defines HBCU basketball: heart, hustle, and hunger.

With one season left, Desiree Smith is ready to write her final chapter—and it’s going to be loud.

“I know what I’m signing up for,” she says. “And I’m ready for it.”

The post DII Star, Sister of NBA Vet, Prepared for Toughest Test in DI Hoops appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

This move isn’t just a hire—it’s a full-circle moment.

Dillard, a Texas basketball legend in her own right, spent nearly a decade at the University of Houston building one of the American Athletic Conference’s most competitive squads. While serving as the Cougars’ associate head coach and recruiting coordinator, she scouted and mentored standout players. Including a gritty guard from DeSoto High School named Bria Patterson.

Now, Dillard and Patterson are teaming up again in women’s basketball—this time at one of the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s (SWAC) most tradition-rich HBCU institutions.

From Court General to Behind-the-Scenes Leader

Patterson, who starred at Houston from 2019 to 2023, was known for doing the dirty work. She made 29 starts in her senior year and set a school record for most minutes in a single game. Logging 54 in a triple-overtime classic against East Carolina. She routinely ranked among the team’s leaders in rebounds, steals, and defensive stops, often guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter scorer.

While her box score stats were impressive—nearly 300 points and 66 steals her senior year—her true value came in her intangibles. Patterson led by example, grinded through adversity, and never backed down from a challenge. All of that will now carry over to her role at Prairie View A&M.

The Director of Basketball Operations gig is more than just logistics. It’s about setting a culture. Patterson will coordinate team travel, manage schedules, oversee day-to-day program operations, and serve as a liaison between coaches and players.

For someone who lived the student-athlete grind under Dillard’s demanding style, it’s a role tailor-made for her.

Coach Dillard’s Texas Roots Run Deep

The hiring of Patterson also signals something deeper: Tai Dillard is building her program with loyalty and trust.

A San Antonio native and former WNBA player, Dillard is one of the most respected basketball minds in Texas. She played for legendary coach Jody Conradt at the University of Texas, where she helped lead the team to a Final Four appearance in 2003. She later played for the San Antonio Silver Stars and the Houston Comets (now known as the Houston Stealth). Her coaching stops include stints at Ole Miss, USC, UTSA, and, most recently, the University of Houston, where she became one of the most respected recruiters in the country.

At Houston, she helped guide the Cougars to multiple WNIT appearances and mentored record-setting guard Laila Blair. Dillard was also selected for the NCAA Champion Forum, a premier leadership development program for rising head coaches.

Now at Prairie View A&M, she’s not just trying to win games. She’s trying to build an HBCU program with staying power. And that starts with bringing in people who share her vision.

Building the PVAMU Blueprint

In Patterson, Dillard has someone who knows the system, understands the standards, and can help bridge the gap between past success and future dominance.

Patterson’s journey from a three-time First Team All-District selection at DeSoto High to key contributor at Houston—and now to Prairie View A&M’s operations team—embodies the values of grit and growth.

With Tai Dillard steering the ship and Bria Patterson helping run the engine room, HBCU women’s basketball just got a serious upgrade.

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Reed, whose coaching stops include Cal, Washington, and Long Beach State, steps into the Bulldogs’ program with a clear mandate. To elevate the team’s culture and competitiveness in the SWAC.

“We are thrilled to welcome Paul Reed as our Associate Head Coach,” said Thornton. “Paul brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of developing talent and building winning programs. His dedication to fostering strong relationships with players and his commitment to excellence on and off the court make him an invaluable addition to our team.”

This is more than a résumé hire—it’s a statement of intent. A&M is aiming higher.

From the Pac-12 to the Hill

Reed spent last season in a support role at St. Mary’s. Still, his most impactful recent work came at the University of Washington. He helped steer the Huskies to a Pac-12 Tournament quarterfinal appearance. That run included a decisive 68–54 upset of No. 6-seed Colorado. At UW, Reed didn’t just collect wins—he developed stars. Three Huskies earned All-Pac-12 honors under his watch, and an impressive 11 players landed spots on the Pac-12 All-Academic Team.

Before Washington, Reed was part of a resurgent Long Beach State program that tallied 69 wins in three seasons, racked up three straight 20-win campaigns, and earned a Big West Tournament title in 2017 to punch their ticket to the NCAA Tournament. The years prior brought back-to-back WNIT berths, showcasing his consistency in keeping programs competitive deep into March.

A True Builder

Before his collegiate coaching climb, Reed dominated the Arizona high school basketball scene. At Cienega High School, he went 45–13 in two seasons and was named Southern Arizona Coach of the Year after leading the Bobcats to a regional title and state runner-up finish in 2014.

Go further back, and the trail continues at Tucson High, where Reed stacked four state tournament appearances, three regional championships, and a 129–63 record across six seasons. He’s been building programs from the grassroots up for decades, mentoring McDonald’s All-American nominees and directing offseason player development for top high school and college athletes in the Tucson area.

And while most know him for his basketball mind, Reed is also a former USA Today Small College All-American defensive back at Langston University, an HBCU in Oklahoma, where he earned his degree in psychology before adding a master’s in education from the University of Phoenix.

Chess Move

This is a high-level chess move for Alabama A&M women’s basketball. Reed isn’t just a sideline veteran—he’s a culture shifter. He’s walked the halls of Power 4 programs, coached in packed March Madness arenas, and still has the recruiting chops to bring top-tier talent into the fold. For an HBCU program looking to make noise in the SWAC and beyond, Paul Reed might be the X-factor.

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The decision, made by the CIAA Board of Directors, comes after a competitive bid process that included an effort by Charlotte, North Carolina — the tournament’s former long-term host — to bring the event back to the Queen City. But in the end, Baltimore’s momentum, economic impact, and community embrace proved too strong to ignore.

Baltimore Secures the Bag — and the Culture

Since officially relocating the tournament to Baltimore in 2021, the CIAA has found a new groove. What began with a virtual event due to the pandemic has grown into a full-fledged celebration of Black excellence, generating a staggering $109 million in total economic impact for the city between 2022 and 2025. The 2025 tournament alone pumped $27.4 million into Baltimore’s economy, created nearly 1,500 jobs, and pulled in $2.4 million in state and local tax revenue.

But this isn’t just about dollars and cents. It’s about legacy.

“This tournament isn’t just basketball games,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott. “It’s a celebration of Black culture, Black history, and Black excellence.”

From Education Day and the Career Expo to Fan Fest and a scholarship fund that’s infused $1.6 million into CIAA member institutions — all HBCUs — the event has become a centerpiece of both economic and cultural vitality in Baltimore.

A Historic Shift from Charlotte

The CIAA tournament had long been synonymous with Charlotte. For 15 years, the North Carolina city hosted what became more than an HBCU basketball event — it was the gathering place for HBCU alumni, fans, and families every February.

The energy was electric, the nightlife unmatched, and the impact undeniable. But over time, tensions grew. Local officials and business leaders questioned whether they were getting a sufficient return on their investment. In 2020, after the CIAA opted not to renew Charlotte’s contract, the tournament packed its bags for Baltimore, marking a seismic shift in HBCU athletics.

Since then, Charlotte has made it no secret that it wants the tournament back. Its 2024 bid, though strong, ultimately fell short.

Charm City Delivers — On and Off the Court

Baltimore, led by Governor Wes Moore, Mayor Scott, Visit Baltimore, and a fired-up host committee, made a compelling case not just with money, but with mission.

“The CIAA is more than a basketball tournament; it’s a cultural institution that celebrates excellence in education, community, and athletics,” said Gov. Moore. “Its continued presence will not only boost our economy but also advance our shared commitment to equity and opportunity.”

Adding even more hometown pride to the mix is Under Armour, the Baltimore-based athletic apparel giant. The company has renewed its partnership with the CIAA through 2029, pledging continued support for student-athletes.

“This collaboration goes far beyond apparel,” said Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank. “It represents shared values, community impact, and a commitment to excellence through athletics.”

DMV Roots and a New Era

Baltimore’s location in the heart of the DMV offers easy access to the CIAA’s fan base, especially alumni from schools like Bowie State University, just a short drive away. As the only CIAA member institution in Maryland, Bowie State has been front and center during the tournament’s tenure in the city.

Dr. Aminta Breaux, CIAA Board Chair and president of Bowie State, emphasized the significance: “We are building a new legacy of Black excellence in Baltimore. The partnership has been exceptional — from the economic impact to the cultural celebration.”

Even more impressive: from 2022 to 2025, the tournament generated $4.8 million in direct spending with minority-owned businesses — an intentional commitment to equity that reflects the conference’s values.

What’s Next?

The CIAA will tip off its next Baltimore-based HBCU basketball tournament from February 24 to March 1, 2026, inside the renovated CFG Bank Arena. Thousands of fans, students, alumni, and families are expected to descend on the city once again, not just for basketball, but for everything the week has come to represent: pride, power, and presence.

And while Charlotte might have lost the bid this time, it’s clear the competition for HBCU sports’ premier event isn’t cooling down.

For now, though, Baltimore wears the crown — and it’s holding tight.

The post CIAA Officially Extends Baltimore Partnership Through 2029 appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

Premium Prices for HBCU Rivals

Fans will notice a clear pricing difference depending on the opponent. The Aggies are charging noticeably more for their three home games against fellow HBCUs than for matchups against Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) opponents.

The “Premium Home Games” include Hampton (Sept. 13), North Carolina Central (Sept. 20), and South Carolina State (Oct. 11). These schools are all HBCUs with strong fan followings and deep-rooted rivalries with A&T. Reserved tickets for these games are $65. General admission costs $50. Non-A&T student tickets are $32, while children’s tickets are $22.

Lower Prices for CAA Opponents

In contrast, the three “Regular Home Games” feature CAA members Campbell (Oct. 25), Towson (Nov. 1), and Monmouth (Nov. 15). Reserved tickets for these matchups are $50. General admission is $40, student tickets are $22, and children’s tickets are just $13. Group rates—$19 for adults and $8 for children—are also available for these games but not for the higher-priced HBCU contests.

Tradition and Demand Drive Pricing

The pricing reflects more than just the opponent’s name—it highlights tradition and fan interest. A&T’s rivalry with NCCU is one of the most storied in HBCU football. The games against Hampton and South Carolina State also draw large crowds. These matchups typically feature larger traveling fan bases, intense tailgating, and a cultural energy that can’t be replicated.

HBCU Games Still Reign in the CAA Era

Although North Carolina A&T has left the MEAC and now plays in a predominantly white conference, HBCU matchups still drive demand. Last season’s game against Division II rival Winston-Salem State—another HBCU—was a sellout. It marked just the fourth non-homecoming sellout at Truist Stadium this century.

Tickets Go On Sale August 4

Individual game tickets go on sale August 4 at NCATAggies.com. A $1.50 fee applies to web and mobile orders. Whether viewed as strategic or controversial, A&T’s pricing reinforces that HBCU games remain the most anticipated events on the schedule.

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Surrounded by Winners

“When you surround yourself with winners, the conversations are just different,” said Grambling head coach Courtney Simmons. “Coach Quianna brings experience, a wealth of knowledge, and an edge I’ve been missing. GSU Women’s Basketball definitely got better today.”

That’s not just talk. Quianna Chaney comes to Grambling after a dominant seven-year run at Southern University Lab School. There she built one of Louisiana’s top high school girls basketball programs. Her teams claimed the 2022 Louisiana State Championship, finished as 2023 State Runner-Up, and secured back-to-back district titles. Along the way, she racked up Coach of the Year honors — including District Coach of the Year in 2022 and 2023, and the 2022 Stars of Stars Coach of the Year.

But her legacy started long before the sidelines.

As a player, Chaney was a certified bucket at LSU from 2004 to 2008. Guiding the Tigers to make four straight NCAA Final Four runs. She left Baton Rouge second in school history in three-pointers made and attempted, tallying 1,345 career points. Her list of accolades includes All-SEC and All-Louisiana honors, Academic All-SEC selections, and a reputation as one of the most lethal shooters in program history.

After college, Chaney was drafted 19th overall in the 2008 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky before taking her talents overseas to play for Bota? SK in Turkey.

Now, she’s bringing that championship DNA back to the college ranks — this time at a proud HBCU.

“I am truly excited and blessed to join the Grambling State University Women’s Basketball coaching staff,” Chaney said. “When God opens new doors, I walk through them with faith and purpose. I look forward to contributing to the continued success of this historic program — it’s all about the SWAC now!”

The post Former LSU hoops star joins HBCU coaching staff appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

Still just a rising sophomore at Madison-Ridgeland Academy (Miss.), Dampier Jr. is already turning heads. He’s ranked No. 3 in ESPN’s national rankings for the 2028 class. With early offers from Purdue and San Diego, the HBCU bid from Jackson State shows that Mo Williams is aiming high—and local.

Production That Matches the Hype

Dampier Jr. isn’t just a name with a legacy—he’s producing at a high level. As a freshman at MRA, he averaged 13.5 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. He used his size, strength, and athleticism to control the paint.

He’s known for rim protection, second-jump quickness, and nonstop energy. The 6’10” prospect is often the most physically dominant player on the court. And he’s still growing.

With each game, he shows flashes of a big man who could one day dominate college—and maybe the pros.

International Success and National Recognition

Dampier Jr. isn’t just shining in Mississippi. He’s also shown his talent on the international stage. A key member of the USA Basketball U16 National Team, he started every game in the FIBA U16 AmeriCup. He helped Team USA bring home a gold medal.

A Mississippi Hoops Moment: Williams vs. Dampier

Mo Williams and Erick Dampier Sr. never shared a team during their NBA careers. But they share a connection through Mississippi—and now through their sons.

Back in February 2024, their sons squared off in a high-profile high school game. Dampier Jr., then a 13-year-old eighth grader, took the floor for MRA. He faced off against Mike and Mason Williams, sons of Jackson State’s head coach.

The Williams brothers combined for 40 points, 25 rebounds, and seven assists. They led Jackson Academy to victory. Mike, a junior, dropped 29 points. Many of those came from assists by Mason, a sophomore, who added 11 points of his own.

But Dampier Jr. wasn’t fazed. Already 6’9″ and playing varsity as a middle schooler, he held his own. He posted 18 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks in the loss.

“He was the top-ranked seventh grader in the country last year,” said MRA head coach Richard Duease to Rick Cleveland. “He’ll be the top-ranked eighth grader this year, too.”

“You ought to see him play kids his own age—it’s not fair,” Duease added.

Why Jackson State’s Offer Means More

That game may have planted a seed in Mo Williams’ mind. Why not keep Mississippi’s next elite big man at home at an HBCU?

Dampier Jr.’s profile is as complete as they come for a player of his age. He’s a gold medalist. A top-three national recruit in his class. He’s the son of an NBA veteran. He already has one P4 offer, and now, some DI HBCU interest from Jackson State University—led by a coach who’s been to the league.

The Bigger Picture: HBCU Basketball and the Homegrown Dream

There’s still a lot of basketball left for him to play. Many more offers will come. But Jackson State is in early. And it’s easy to picture a homegrown Mississippi big man, shaped by NBA pedigree, staying home to rep an HBCU.

The post HBCU Basketball in Play for Son of NBA Veteran appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

The university will introduce Dunk at a press conference on Friday, June 13, at 12:00 p.m. The event will be held at Barco-Stevens Hall on Virginia Union’s campus in Richmond, Virginia.

Dunk brings more than 20 years of coaching experience at HBCUs. He most recently spent eight seasons as the head coach at Stillman College. In 2025, he led the Lady Tigers to a 26-6 record, the best in school history. That season included an HBCU Athletic Conference regular-season title and the school’s first win in the NAIA National Tournament. Dunk won 112 games at Stillman—more than any women’s coach there in the past 40 years.

Before that, he coached the women’s team at Elizabeth City State University. Over five seasons, he led the Lady Vikings to an 83-56 record. They won two CIAA Northern Division titles during his tenure. In 2013, he was named CIAA Coach of the Year after a 24-4 season and a 15-1 mark in league play.

Dunk also coached the ECSU men’s team and served as an assistant during their 2007 CIAA Championship run.

A native of Ayden, North Carolina, Dunk was a standout in football and basketball at Ayden-Grifton High School. He began his college career at Tennessee, then transferred to East Carolina University. He was a two-year captain at ECU and earned a degree in Exercise and Sports Science in 1999.

After graduation, he taught and coached high school basketball before playing professionally in Asia. He later earned a master’s degree in Sports Management from Virginia State University.

[/Dunk’s return to the CIAA adds another seasoned voice to HBCU women’s basketball.

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King wants to continue her basketball evolution with dreams of playing in the WNBA after college. With the departure of MSU’s guards Jerkaila Jordan and Eniya Russell to graduation, and Denim DeShields taking her talents to Mississippi (Ole Miss), the Bulldogs needed another collection of elite point guards. King is what Purcell needs while also believing the Bulldogs’ coach and his staff will help her fulfill her hoops dream.

“My main goal [for entering the transfer portal] was development,” King told HBCU Gameday. “I know [Mississippi State] is going to help me become the best version of myself.”

Things will look extremely different for King this fall. She spent her entire life in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region with her mother, Stacey Pettiford. However, Pettiford — an HBCU alum from Howard University — tried to get the 5’7” point guard to leave the DMV to explore her basketball dreams elsewhere. “I wanted her to go away,” Pettiford said. “It’s a big world out there, and she’d experienced the DMV all of her life.” King wasn’t ready to take her talents from the big city to a new hoops terrain. But now, as she transitions to Starkville, Mississippi, the sophomore floor general is ready to embrace her next chapter, one that will include some “peace and quiet.” 

 “I wanted to slow my life down,” King said. “I don’t know what life is like without hearing trains, ambulances, and cars constantly passing by. I wanted new scenery. That helps me feel at peace now.”

King’s choice and determination to ditch familiarity for the Magnolia State would not be possible without confidence in her dream, faith in God, and the lessons learned at “The Mecca” of HBCU culture.

How King’s work ethic steered her hoop dream

King, who at 10 years old did not have experience hooping with an elite club team, strolled into a DMV gym for a tryout with the Lady Prime AAU basketball team, coached by then-Washington D.C. street hoops legend Lonnie Harrell. Tons of budding, young female basketball players graced the court. 

After a couple of drills and some intense 5-on-5 action, Harrell walked over to Pettiford and did not waste any time in his desire for King to join the team. “I remember [her tryout] like it was yesterday,” Pettiford said. “Harrell was like, ‘we need her’ and asked ‘how long had she [Saniyah] been playing?’”

King’s genesis in basketball began with playing with boys at the park during recess in elementary school and running a few houses down the street in her Bowie, Maryland, neighborhood to play pickup games during the week. “I didn’t think I was good,” King said with a laugh. Her talent reached new heights when she joined Lady Prime. That season, King and her teammates didn’t lose a game. 

As her skills grew with Lady Prime, it later opened the door for success at Bishop Ireton — a private Catholic high school in Alexandria, Virginia — as well as on the AAU circuit playing for Team Durant EYBL, named after 15-time NBA All-Star and DMV native Kevin Durant. However, a “turning point” in her personal development came during the height of the coronavirus pandemic when she completed workout sessions three times per day with Joshua Morgan-Green, the founder of the Triple Threat training regimen based in Annapolis Junction, Maryland.

“I was probably there from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.,” King said. “When I was younger, I was always stronger and a little faster than my peers. That summer, I really got skilled. My ball handling went to a different level, I perfected my shot, and learned how to work. He [Green] changed my life.”

How HBCU prepared King for the ‘real world’

King entered the Washington, D.C.-based HBCU after excelling in the classroom as an AP scholar and becoming one of the top 15 point guards in Virginia for assists per game. She held a long lineage of Howard pride in her family. Pettiford, one of King’s 11 family members to attend HU, played a key part in her daughter’s interest in attending Howard after many years of taking King to basketball games and events on the HBCU campus. 

King, who had spent all of 18 years of her life living with her mom prior to attending HU, saw Pettiford depart the DMV to move to Atlanta during her freshman year. “When I was at home with her [Pettiford] every day, I would spend most of my time in my room,” King said with a laugh. “Seeing her leave helped me mature emotionally.” 

With a 10-hour trek separating the two, King began to realize the lessons Pettiford shared with her about life, time management, and avoiding worldly distractions in pursuit of her dreams, both on and off the court.  

However, when she entered the gates of the renowned Main Quadrangle, walked across The Yard or stepped inside Frederick Douglas Memorial Hall and Burr Gymnasium for the first time, she quickly found out that Howard was the epitome of “Black excellence” but also a place where she had to grow up and balance a myriad of priorities as a student athlete. “I underestimated college,” King said. “Howard helped me come to that realization very fast. It wasn’t the normal college experience. … Howard really prepares you for the real world.”

While pursuing a degree in psychology, King navigated her way as the only freshman on a veteran HBCU women’s basketball program — coached by Ty Grace — that featured a combined dozen seniors and grad transfer players, including her friend and teammate, Destiny Howell, the Bison’s leading scorer in 2024.

“Saniyah is just the player you enjoy and want to play with,” Howell previously told Howard Athletics consultant Rob Knox in December. “The first thing I noticed about her is that she is not scared of work, she does not duck no smoke. …She is a good person, making it easier to be a good teammate.”

King shared similar sentiments about Howell and also credited her leadership. “Destiny [Howell] always sat and watched game film with me and offered encouraging words,” King said. “She would tell me that I’m “HER” and to walk like it.”

But with Pettiford away and a surplus of daily college life distractions around her, it forced King to find herself while remaining focused on her goals in the classroom as well as becoming the best point guard on the hardwood. King leaned into her faith in God to navigate her challenges. Each day, she logged into Instagram, swiped to her bio section and visited one of her highlights named Daily Words of Encouragement (DWOE), which listed her favorite Bible verses and quotes. One of her go-to scriptures comes from Matthew 19:26, which reads, “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”

As her freshman season progressed, when she wasn’t in class, at practice, or lifting weights with her teammates, she watched sermons and read the Bible, drawing closer to God when she was unable to attend Sunday services at Kingdom Fellowship AME Church in Silver Springs, Maryland.

“I was in a place where I had to find and put God at the forefront of my life,” King said. “His presence in my life strengthened my mindset and my vision to conquer my goals.” 

As King embraced her walk with God, she matured in the face of adversity.

King’s grit tested on the hardwood with untimely injury

King, who became a force for Howard in HBCU women’s basketball, captured Rookie of the Week honors 11 times. With three games remaining against North Carolina Central, South Carolina State, and the defending MEAC champions Norfolk State, Howard sat in second place (17-9) in the MEAC standings.

The Bison entered their clash with NCCU, winners of seven consecutive contests and 10 of their last 11 games since league play began on Jan. 4. And for King, her focus remained on finishing the season strong and getting another chance to face the Spartans. However, things took a twist for the Bison point guard. King injured her left foot in Howard’s 74-51 victory against the Eagles, sidelining her for the final games of the regular season.

She wasn’t a stranger to foot injuries. King struggled with bone bruises over the years due to the absence of an arch in her feet. But with the MEAC tournament around the corner, her shot at helping Howard dethrone the Spartans and securing an automatic bid in the women’s NCAA tournament remained in motion.

However, with an injury comes a wave of emotions and physical challenges. When she returned to the court for the league tourney — specifically in Howard’s matchup against Maryland Eastern Shore in the MEAC semifinals — King didn’t feel like herself on the court. 

“I played a little scared,” King said. “I wasn’t trying to land a certain way [on my foot] and I kept thinking about that. That’s not my usual mindset.” 

HU’s win set up the MEAC title against the Spartans and future 2025 WNBA signee Diamond Johnson, a player whom King respected, studied, and watched from afar throughout her college career in the Big Ten and HBCU hoops. But like the first two contests, NSU defeated Howard 68-56, ending the Bison’s NCAA tourney hopes. 

“This was supposed to be the time that I shined [on the court],” King said. “It was almost like they [Spartans] had every single play we tried to run rehearsed.”

Still, the Bison received an automatic qualifying bid to the Women’s National Invitational Tournament (WNIT), defeating Siena at home in the first round before losing to Charleston in the second round. Despite the loss, King felt like she took a step forward in her progression after the injury. “My shot was falling, it was like I had woken back up,” she said.

King invests in her future, family during offseason

As King transitions to Starkville, she’s embracing the progression of her game. Her daily 7 a.m. workouts include weight lifting, watching film, listening to basketball podcasts as well as improving her technique and feel for reading ball screens and elevating her shooting percentage from beyond the arc.

“I hate waking up early,” King said. “But since the season ended, I continued that habit. … Losing in the [MEAC] tournament and heading to a new school has inspired me to work even harder this summer. I want to improve my vision to open up the floor more for my teammates.”

King will have the opportunity to upgrade those skills and more as one of the Bulldogs’ floor generals, in addition to pursuing a business degree at MSU. As she navigates her process, King is catching up on family time with her grandfather — who never missed her home games — and spending time with her four little brothers all under the age of 12. She’s also going on nail appointments, along with brunch and dinner dates with Pettiford. And when the two aren’t tasting new foods at a restaurant, King is whipping up delightful meals in the kitchen, featuring entrées like whole fish, alfredo, roasted Branzino, along with an occasional sweet potato casserole. 

“She’s really a whole chef,” Pettiford said with a laugh. “Cooking in the kitchen and on the court.”

For King, Howard University and her time in HBCU basketball symbolized family on multiple fronts. While she won’t walk across The Yard every day this fall, she will take the memories of her teammates and a stronger relationship with Pettiford to Mississippi for a new beginning. “God gave me the older sisters I always wanted but I never had when he brought me to Howard,” King said. I love and will miss them all.

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A Surprise Turn in the HBCU Coaching Carousel

This spring, Allen University proudly announced Payne as its new head men’s basketball coach. It looked like a fresh chapter for the former Mississippi Valley State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff head coach — an opportunity to bring his SWAC-tested experience to a new Division II stage.

But that rebuild never began.

Fast forward to June, and Payne is back at Talladega College, where he previously coached the women’s team for one season. Only this time, he’s pulling double duty: returning as head coach of the women’s basketball program and stepping into the role of athletic director. A comeback story with a plot twist no one saw coming.

“I am thankful and excited about returning to Talladega College,” said Payne. “My previous experience at Dega was truly special. It is a great opportunity to reunite with Dr. Todd, who truly understands the importance of athletics on an HBCU campus.”

Talladega Sees a Leader Return

Dr. Willie L. Todd Jr., president-elect of Talladega College, didn’t hold back his praise for Payne’s return.

“I am thrilled to welcome Coach Andre Payne back as our head women’s basketball coach and new athletic director,” said Dr. Todd. “He is highly respected, not only by his fellow coaches, but also by the entire college community.”

This move brings Payne full circle in record time. While the college sports world is used to coaching changes, it’s rare to see one undone so quickly. And with a promotion baked into the return.

“One of my main goals is to ensure that our student-athletes will grow holistically,” he said. “We want to develop them academically, athletically, professionally, and socially.”

A Big Win for Talladega, a Pivot for Allen

For Talladega, this is a major coup. For Allen, it’s back to the drawing board. And for Payne, it’s a second chance to build something special at an HBCU that believes in his vision.

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Thornton joined Howard’s men’s basketball program in 2019 and played a pivotal role in the Bison’s resurgence. During his tenure, Howard achieved back-to-back MEAC tournament championships in 2023 and 2024, marking their first NCAA tournament appearances since 1992 . In the 2022–23 season, the Bison finished with a 22–13 overall record and an 11–3 mark in conference play, clinching the MEAC regular-season title . They secured the tournament championship with a gritty 65–64 victory over Norfolk State.

Thornton’s impact at Howard extended beyond team achievements. In his first season, he coached Charles Williams, the MEAC’s all-time leading scorer, to All-MEAC honors. He also guided Wayne Bristol Jr. to the 2019–20 MEAC Rookie of the Year award. In the 2020–21 season, Thornton was instrumental in the recruitment and development of Makur Maker, who became the first five-star recruit to commit to an HBCU since ESPN began ranking prospects in 2007.

Thornton’s return to Duke basketball brings valuable experience from his time at an HBCU, where he contributed to significant program milestones. His coaching journey, marked by player development and championship success, positions him as a promising addition to Scheyer’s staff.

As Duke basketball continues to evolve under Scheyer’s leadership, the inclusion of coaches like Thornton, who have demonstrated success at HBCUs, underscores the program’s commitment to excellence.

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For Howard, this isn’t just another game. Led by head coach Kenneth Blakeney, the Bison finished the 2024-25 season with a 12-20 overall record and 7-7 in MEAC play. The team showed resilience, making a spirited run to the MEAC Tournament semifinals. Now, hosting Mizzou offers a chance to build momentum and prove that HBCU programs can win on a national stage.

On the other hand, Mizzou, coached by Dennis Gates, ended last season with a 22-12 overall record and a 10-8 SEC mark. They reached the NCAA Tournament but were upset in the first round by Drake. Returning players like Mark Mitchell and Anthony Robinson II, who scored 16 and 13 points against Howard last year, will make the Tigers tough competition.

This matchup reflects a broader trend. Power Five programs are scheduling more games against Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Howard University faced Kansas in the NCAA Tournament last year and showed grit despite the loss. Recent HBCU vs. SEC clashes, like Texas Southern’s upset of Florida and Norfolk State’s near-win over South Carolina, have highlighted the growing depth of HBCU programs.

Burr Gymnasium, with its 2,700-seat capacity, promises an electric atmosphere. Unlike Mizzou’s 2024-25 opener at FedExForum, which drew over 11,700 fans, Burr’s intimate setting will create a home-court edge. The energy from the HBCU fans is sure to echo through the gym with every play.

For Howard fans, this is a chance to pack the house, wear blue and white, and make some noise. For HBCU basketball, it’s a statement about earning respect and recognition.

Stay tuned for updates on this game and other HBCU basketball news at HBCUGameday.com.

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A Long-Awaited Return

The series begins in the 2025–26 season with ODU hosting the first game at Chartway Arena. The rivalry continues the following year when NSU hosts at Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall.

These are not just games but a celebration of basketball heritage in Norfolk, VA.

Excitement from Both Sides

NSU Director of Athletics Dr. Melody Webb expressed the significance of the series:

“This is tremendous news not only for Norfolk State and Old Dominion fans, but all basketball fans in the Hampton Roads community… I am confident that our fanbase’s presence will be heard loud and clear in both arenas.”

NSU Head Coach Robert Jones added:

“Two storied basketball programs will now compete for the next two years… at least. We are excited about this crosstown rivalry.”

From ODU, Head Coach Jeff Jones shared his enthusiasm:

“This is a great opportunity to compete in front of our fans in the 757… GAME ON! GO MONARCHS!!!”

A Historic HBCU Rivalry Renewed

The rivalry began in 1965 and has been marked by periods of intense competition. ODU currently leads the series 15–6, but the last game was played in 2017. The renewed matchups offer a fresh chapter in the long-standing series. Over the years, the series has seen periods of dominance by both programs. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Norfolk State University held the upper hand, while Old Dominion University took control in the late 1970s through the 1980s. Since 1981, however, the teams have met only four times, with the most recent encounter occurring at the neutral-site Norfolk Scope in 2017.

More importantly, they spotlight HBCUs like Norfolk State’s critical role in shaping college athletics and community identity.

What It Means for the Community

This rivalry does more than just put two local teams on the court. It brings together fanbases, showcases regional talent, and celebrates a shared sports culture in Norfolk.

With the return of this historic HBCU vs PWI rivalry, excitement is building across Hampton Roads — and basketball fans won’t want to miss a moment.

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This exciting matchup marks the Hall of Fame’s return to Charm City after its successful debut in 2024. Hosted in partnership with Position Sports, the event showcases top-tier college basketball programs in premier non-conference games across the country.

Renewing a Local Rivalry

Maryland currently leads the all-time series 2–1. However, Coppin State fans still remember the Eagles’ dominant 70–53 victory in the first meeting in 1989. That game featured none other than current Coppin State head coach Larry Stewart, who was a standout forward at the time.

Since then, the Terrapins have claimed victories in 2022 and 2023. The upcoming contest offers Coppin State a chance to even the series and make a national statement.

“It’s a great opportunity for our program and institution to be part of the HOF Series in Baltimore to kick off the season,” said Stewart. “We’re excited to play a top-tier program like Maryland. I expect a packed house full of Eagle and Terrapin fans, plus the great sports fans of Baltimore.”

A Celebration of Local Basketball Culture

The 2025 Hall of Fame Series will feature a doubleheader of regional matchups. Alongside Coppin State vs. Maryland, Towson will face off against Loyola Maryland. Details on game times, tickets, and broadcast coverage will be released soon.

Melissa Meacham-Grossman, President of Position Sports, emphasized the importance of the event. “Returning to Baltimore shows the growing excitement around the HOF Series and the region’s deep love for college basketball,” she said.

Elevating HBCUs on a National Platform

For Coppin State and other HBCU programs, participating in events like the Hall of Fame Series is more than just a game—it’s a chance to elevate their visibility and competitiveness on a national stage. Facing a Big Ten opponent in their home city adds to the significance.

Fans can sign up now for presale access at www.HOFSeries.com, with more updates to come.

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At the WBCA Convention, Washington led a session titled “Building Leadership in Player-Led Teams,” offering insight into her 20 years in women’s basketball. Her message centered on empowering athletes, fostering strong team culture, and building leadership from within. “I’m thrilled to share the tips and lessons on leadership that I’ve learned in the 20 years of being involved with women’s basketball,” said Washington.

The NCAA Women’s Coaches Academy recognizes top coaches committed to growth and leadership. Washington’s selection signals her rising profile and the increasing visibility of HBCU coaching talent. The four-day program will enhance her ability to lead Lincoln University’s women’s basketball program and mentor the next generation of HBCU coaches.

Since joining Lincoln University in 2021, Washington has made history. In 2022, she led the Lions to their first CIAA women’s basketball championship, a 67–52 win over Elizabeth City State University. Her success exemplifies what HBCU leadership can achieve on and off the court.

Washington’s dual recognition marks a major milestone for HBCU women’s basketball. Her impact strengthens Lincoln University’s reputation while paving the way for future coaches from similar backgrounds.

The WBCA’s mission is to lead, serve, and unite coaches of women’s basketball for the good of the game and those who play it. Coach Washington’s session is expected to draw interest from coaches at all levels who are looking to cultivate team-first leadership and navigate the shifting dynamics of today’s student-athletes.

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After two challenging seasons, LeMoyne-Owen seeks to rebuild its basketball program. Phillips brings valuable experience to this HBCU. During his time there, the Tigers achieved some of their best results in years.

In Phillips’s first season under Penny Hardaway, the team posted a 26-9 record. They won their first American Athletic Conference (AAC) championship and defeated the #1-ranked Houston Cougars. That victory marked the first time in program history that Memphis beat the top-ranked team in the nation. The Tigers also earned back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances during Phillips’ tenure.

Phillips played a key role in player development. He helped guide All-American guard Kendric Davis, who led the AAC in scoring and assists and earned MVP honors in the conference tournament. In addition, David Jones emerged as a top performer, earning All-AAC First Team recognition and leading the league in scoring.

Faragi Phillips

Before joining Memphis, Phillips worked as an assistant at Vanderbilt University under Jerry Stackhouse. There, he helped develop future NBA players Aaron Nesmith and Saben Lee. He also mentored Scotty Pippen Jr., who led the scoring in the SEC.

Phillips now takes over the LeMoyne-Owen Magicians, who are only two seasons removed from former NBA star Bonzi Wells’s tenure as head coach. Wells served from 2021 to 2023. During his time, the program focused on player development but struggled to achieve consistent success on the court.

A former standout at Mississippi Valley State—another HBCU— Faragi Phillips led the Delta Devils to the 1996 NCAA Tournament, where they faced the Allen Iverson-led Georgetown Hoyas. With his first-hand understanding of the history and value of historically Black colleges and universities, his return to HBCU basketball brings hope for a fresh start at LeMoyne-Owen.

Looking ahead to the 2025–26 season, Phillips plans to focus on recruiting and building a competitive team. With his experience and deep Memphis ties, the Magicians may be poised for a turnaround.

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