No matter the location, Final Four weekend is always a spectacle to behold. For four days, wherever the Final Four is located becomes the mecca of college basketball.
But unbeknownst to most college basketball fans is the HBCU All-Star game, a game featuring the best players from historically black colleges and universities that also takes place during Final Four weekend.
And despite flying under the radar, the HBCU All-Star game is one of the most important events of Final Four weekend.
Started by Travis Williams, this year marked the fourth annual men’s HBCU All-Star game and the first such women’s game. The atmosphere of HBCU basketball is something that can’t be replicated. As someone who comes from an HBCU background, walking into Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio was like coming back home.
The game felt like one giant family reunion. The DJ spent the entire game playing black cookout classics and cracking jokes with the crowd. The crowd was so into the music and vibes that the
game was actually put on pause multiple times coming out of timeouts to let fans finish their dance breaks.
Words can’t fully express how electric Freeman Coliseum was. The DJ played gospel hits during timeouts. The “Divine Nine” members were out in full force, strolling every chance they could. Players were on the court singing and dancing right before nailing three-pointers and throwing down ferocious dunks.
It’s simply an energy you can’t match.
“The HBCU All-Star game is something that I’ve never missed,” said Memphis coach and basketball legend Penny Hardaway. “I’ve been here since the first game and I love to support it.”
You never know who’s watching. The HBCU All-Star game is important for multiple reasons. One reason is the opportunity the game presents. Along with Penny Hardaway, scouts and agents were in attendance for the games.
Freeman Sparks, a basketball agent for Unique Sports Management International, was in attendance.
“I think it’s always good to go out and express yourself whenever you walk out on the court,” Sparks said. “You gotta look at it like it’s your last chance to showcase what you can do. You never know who’s in the stands watching you.”
Sparks’ agency is owned by Torrel Harris, the father of Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris. While soaking it all in, Sparks didn’t reveal if he was there to scout anyone in particular, but he alluded to the idea.
“A lot of times guys go unnoticed. But somebody may see something in you,” Sparks said. “This is your opportunity to showcase what you got.”
These games aren’t your run-of-the-mill all-star games either. The competitive fire of HBCU basketball flows through these games. Players understand that this may be their last chance to display their talents on a grand stage.
“I think this is one of the most talented teams ever,” said Travis Williams, the CEO of the HBCU All-Star games. “Twenty-four of the nation’s best basketball players representing the culture at a high level and celebrating black college basketball.”
This men’s game was played between Team Love and Team Attles. It came down to the final seconds. Jordan Hinds of Bluefield State University secured the win for Team Love with a beautiful last-second drive and finish around several defenders.
And not to be outdone, the women’s game did not lack dramatics. With 4 seconds remaining, Taliah Wesley of Allen University lifted Team Laney over Team Hoskins with a catch-and-shoot three from the wing.
So, here you have an event that consists of elite basketball, a fantastic atmosphere and opportunities galore for players who aren’t ready to let go of their dream.
But most importantly, these games are a celebration of Black culture. And despite being underfunded, underrepresented and often disrespected, HBCU basketball continues to persevere and reach new heights.
HBCU basketball isn’t taken seriously by the average college basketball fan. Players’ accomplishments in the HBCU realm are often overlooked and devalued by most. The HBCU All-Star game highlights these players and their accomplishments.
It’s not only for opportunity or spectacle, it’s to let everyone in the HBCU basketball world know they are valued and are worth being showcased. Whether it’s players, coaches, referees – the list goes on and on. These games are important because HBCU basketball is important.
The HBCU All-Star game is only the beginning of Black college basketball expansion.
And it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
