• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

HBCU Lifestyle – Black College Living

  • HBCU Colleges
    • What is an HBCU?
    • List of HBCUs
  • College Bound
    • HBCU Rankings
    • Black College Tours
    • College Scholarships
    • College Planning
  • Campus Life
    • HBCU College Life
      • HBCU Greek Life
      • Sports
  • Careers
    • Jobs
    • HBCU Career Hub
    • Career Exploration
You are here: Home / HBCU Colleges / Howard Men’s Basketball Wins First-Ever NBA HBCU Classic

Howard Men’s Basketball Wins First-Ever NBA HBCU Classic

March 8, 2022 by HBCU Staff Reports

Howard University men's basketball team

The Howard University men’s basketball team made history as the inaugural winners of the first-ever NBA HBCU Classic presented as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio. The Howard Bison went head-to-head against the Morgan State Bears, with the Bison pulling out a 68-66 win in the last minute of the game.  

Related Post – Coppin Alumna Ready is the 1st Full-time Female NBA Analyst

The Bison spirit was felt throughout the Wolstein Center, the site of the inaugural NBA HBCU Classic competition, and the rest of downtown Cleveland as Howard students, staff, and alumni descended on the city for the weekend’s events.

“In today’s world, the NBA is much more than a sports and entertainment industry. Players are so much more than just athletes and entertainers. They are outspoken advocates and philanthropists. They are powerful changemakers who leverage their resources to inspire real action…I am immensely grateful to the NBA for welcoming Howard to this season’s All-Star game festivities. There is no better place to celebrate the history of HBCUs and showcase how bright the future is for our institutions and our students.” 

President Wayne A.I. Frederick

Prior to the start of the NBA HBCU Classic game, the Howard University Showtime Marching Band performed with award-winning actress, musical artist and TV personality Keke Palmer, who sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and the national anthem.

“Being here to represent Howard at the first annual NBA HBCU Classic is special. We’re excited to showcase what we’ve been practicing…I love Keke Palmer. She’s so genuine.”

Keanu Powell, Band Major 

The Howard Bisonettes took center-court for a half-time performance, ahead of the band’s second showing of the night. Members of the Royal Court energetically cheered and danced, showing their support from the stands. One of the Howard cheerleaders received a special surprise during a free throw challenge sponsored by MNT DEW. Howard cheerleader Maya Higginbothom, who participated in the challenge, was shocked to find out she will receive a $50,000 scholarship based in part on her 4.0 GPA.

By hosting the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) matchup between the Howard and Morgan State teams as part of All-Star Weekend, the NBA and AT&T succeeded in highlighting the legacy and importance of HBCUs through a globally recognized platform. As part of the NBA’s and AT&T’s respective ongoing commitments to HBCUs, they donated $100,000 to each institution to support facility upgrades, academic resources, and health and wellness services.

“There is a natural connection between the NBA and HBCUs…We share a commitment to excellence and a devotion to serving Black communities. We are natural partners, and I am excited to continue our partnership. I am so proud of the men’s basketball team. Congratulations to Coach Kenneth Blackeney, as well as all the players, and thank you to all of the HBCU supporters who helped make this event a success.”

Kery Davis, Howard University Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Related Post – NCAA Eligible: 6 Mandatory Ways to Qualify for College Sports

NBA All-Stars and celebrities filled the stands and the team’s players benefitted from the opportunity to meet some of them. All-Stars Stephen Curry and Chris Paul met with both the teams in their locker rooms before the game, while others like Milwaukee Bucks star Kris Middleton sat courtside during the game. Award-winning filmmaker and long-time advocate for HBCUs Spike Lee also sat courtside.

After the game, the Howard University Alumni Club of Cleveland brought alumni and friends together for a reception at Zanzibar Soul Fusion. Alumni representing clubs from New York, Washington, Detroit, and Columbus celebrated the team’s win and heard from President Frederick and the basketball coach.

“It’s always great to be with the Howard family. It’s even better when you win.”

Natasha Smith (BA ’04), president of the Columbus alumni club

Smith said the event was special since she and others haven’t had a chance to experience an event like this since the start of the pandemic.

About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 14 schools and colleges. Students pursue more than 140 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Howard also produces more on-campus African American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.

Source: Howard University News Desk

HBCU Colleges, HBCU News

Primary Sidebar

Search

Quick Links

  • Newsletter
  • Jobs and Internships
  • Shop
  • List of HBCU Colleges
  • Top 25 HBCUs in the Nation
  • HBCU College Tours
  • Contact Us
  • About Us

Popular Posts

  • Happy female college student working on research paper topics. Research Paper Topics: 50 Ideas to Get Started
  • HBCU Sororities and Fraternities to Consider The Divine Nine: Sororities and Fraternities on HBCU Campuses
  • A female African American HBCU student poses while smiling and holding her book in her arms. HBCU Rankings 2023: The Top 25 Black Colleges from U.S. News
  • 10 Websites for College Students to Find Jobs and Internships 10 Websites for College Students to Find Jobs and Internships
  • Young Black Female College Student Looking Up And Thinking Joining a Black Sorority: 5 Things to Consider Before Pursing Membership

Follow Us

  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Before Footer

Follow Us

  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to receive weekly HBCU news, jobs, and advice in your inbox.

Sign Me Up

Footer

About HBCU Lifestyle

The spirit and camaraderie of black college living is a lifestyle - the HBCU lifestyle! We're committed to keeping you connected to the black college living experience, bringing you the latest on everything, from scholarships and dorm living to Greek life and alumni giving.


Contact Us

Latest from the Blog

  • GSU Receives $74K Grant To Create Ethical Hacking And Penetration Testing Lab
  • The HBCU Media Collective Program Launched to Enhance Newsroom Diversity
  • TSU Music Business Program Gives Students Access to Industry Executives and Artists
  • HBCU Elevate Launched to Drive Revenue for Athletic Departments
  • Newsletter
  • Jobs & Internships
  • Shop
  • List of HBCUs
  • HBCU Rankings
  • HBCU Scholarships
Copyright © 2010-2023 HBCU Lifestyle, LLC. All rights reserved.
Contact Us | Sitemap | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Get the best of the Black college experience delivered to your inbox.
Your email address:*
Name:*
Subscribe to (select all that apply):*





Please wait...
Please enter all required fields Click to hide
Correct invalid entries Click to hide
No spam, ever. Promise. Powered by FeedBlitz