ClutchBasket:Basketball News

 

CHRIS PAUL FAMILY FOUNDATION AND NAISMITH BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCE PRESENTING SPONSOR FOR TOYOTA HBCU CLASSIC

SPRINGFIELD, MASS. (December 18, 2024) – The Chris Paul Family Foundation and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame have announced Walmart will serve as the presenting sponsor for the Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic, set to take place this week, December 19-20, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. 

Announced in May, the new format of the Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic, presented by Walmart unites the HBCU Tip-Off and Challenge under one roof at the Mohegan Sun. This collaboration provides an opportunity for both the Chris Paul Family Foundation and the Basketball Hall of Fame organizations to honor and highlight the rich heritage of HBCU athletics, with Toyota and Walmart playing key roles in elevating the experience for both athletes and attendees.

“HBCU Sports continue to thrive and I'm excited about the growth of the game of basketball through our HBCU Classic,” said Chris Paul.

Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic bracket information:

BRACKET 1

Thursday, December 19

12:00 PM ET – Benedict College vs. Lincoln, PA (ESPN+)

2:30 PM ET – Winston Salem State vs. Kentucky State (ESPN+)

Friday, December 20

11:00 AM ET – Consolation (ESPN+)

1:30 PM ET – Championship (ESPN+)

BRACKET 2

Thursday, December 19

5:00 PM ET – Norfolk State vs. Alabama State (ESPNU)

7:30 PM ET – Delaware State vs. Grambling (ESPNU)

Friday, December 20

4:00 PM ET – Norfolk State vs. Grambling (ESPNU)

6:30 PM ET – Delaware State vs. Alabama State (ESPNU)

Tickets for the 2024 Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic, presented by Walmart, are on sale now via Ticketmaster and at the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office. 

For more details, please visit hoophall.com. 

About Chris Paul

Affectionately known as the Point God, Chris Paul is a 12-time NBA All-Star and two-time Olympic Gold medalist. He was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team as one of the 75 greatest players in NBA history. In 2021, Paul became the first player in league history to record 20,000 points and 10,000 assists in their career. He ranks third on the NBA all-time career assists list. Paul is entering his 20th season in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs and has previously played with the Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, and New Orleans Hornets. Paul attended Wake Forest University and was selected 4th in the 2005 NBA Draft. He completed his degree in 2022 from HBCU Winston-Salem State University.

 

Off the court, he’s a father, husband, entrepreneur, activist, author, and philanthropist. His recent New York Times best-selling memoir, Sixty-One: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court, is a powerful and unexpected memoir of family, faith, tragedy, and life's most important lessons.

 

He served as the former President of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 until 2021. His production company, Ohh Dip!!! Productions, creates content across multiple platforms and  has produced three docuseries with ESPN on HBCU culture with NC Central Mens Basketball, HBCU Football (FAMU) and HBCU Dance Southern Univ Dancing Dolls and Grambling University band. 

 

Paul's business footprint is diverse, with a portfolio that includes minority ownership of the Indian Premier League's Rajasthan Royals and the Winston-Salem Dash in his home state of North Carolina, as well as ownership of the CP3 Basketball Academy. His Team CP3 AAU teams currently has 14 players in the NBA. Notable long-standing brand partnerships include State Farm and Jordan Brand and he founded a plant-based healthy snack brand, Good Eat’n.  

FIBA 3x3 Women’s Basketball Series 2025 and 2026 to be broadcast globally on All Women's Sports Network

DECEMBER 18, 2024 FIBA is delighted to announce it has partnered with the All Women’s Sports Network (AWSN), the first global women's sports channel, to broadcast the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series 2025 and 2026 live to audiences around the world. The Women's Series is FIBA 3x3's premier competition dedicated to the world's best female basketball players, with each team representing a National Federation or a commercial team. The global partnership will see the fast-paced action of the next two seasons of the Women’s Series broadcast live and on delay across the USA, Mexico, India, Philippines, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Sub-Saharan Africa. The channel will also be live on AWSN’s carrier partners, including the USA, India, UAE, and the Philippines. AWSN was founded by EGOT-winning actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg and George Chung, CEO of JungoTV. The network launched in the U.S., India, UAE/Dubai, and the Philippines in November, with more platform partners announced in 2025. The FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series will join some of the world’s biggest sports leagues featured on the network, from the Australian Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) to WTA 125 and the UEFA Women's Nations League. Women in basketball is a key FIBA Strategic Priority and was launched in 2019 and extended to 2027 with six specific goals developed to drive greater participation, representation and impact across every level of the women’s game.  Speaking about the partnership, Alex Sanchez, Managing Director of FIBA 3x3 said: “We are delighted to partner with AWSN and further expand the global reach of the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series. The Women’s Series has grown dramatically in popularity in recent years and the AWSN will provide a fantastic platform for our ever-growing global audience to engage with the discipline and our incredible players. At FIBA we are aligned with the AWSN’s mission to promote and celebrate women’s sport and we are excited for what we are sure will be the start of a fruitful partnership.” The All Women’s Sports Network CEO George Chung said, “We’re excited to bring the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Basketball Series to our global audiences and to be a long-term partner with FIBA. The popularity of women’s basketball is front and center with fans and brands, and FIBA’s 3x3 Women’s Series is one of the sport's most competitive and recognized global leagues.” The Women’s Series 2024 achieved record-breaking engagement underscoring the rapid growth in popularity of the series. Culminating in Hangzhou, China on 7-8 September 2024, the Series earned 50 million impressions across its digital platforms, 51% more than the previous year and recorded 41 million views, up 64% from 2023. By partnering with AWSN, the 2025 and 2026 seasons are expected to reach and engage an even greater audience. NBA AND NBPA ANNOUNCE NEW FORMAT FOR 2025 NBA ALL-STAR GAME   – Mini-Tournament Features Four Teams and Three Games –   – Three Teams of NBA All-Star Selections Joined by Castrol Rising Stars Champion –    – TNT’s Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith Draft Rosters of Non-Rising Stars Teams –   – NBA All-Star Voting Presented by AT&T Tips Off Thursday, Dec. 19 –   NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2024 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Basketball Players Association announced today a new format for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game in the San Francisco Bay Area.  The reimagined event will take place on Sunday, Feb. 16 at Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors, and air at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.   For the first time, the NBA All-Star Game will feature a mini-tournament with four teams and three games.  Two teams will meet in one semifinal (Game 1), and the remaining two teams will meet in the other semifinal (Game 2).  The winning teams from Game 1 and Game 2 will advance to face each other in the championship (Game 3).  For each game, the winner will be the first team to reach or surpass 40 points.   Each team will have eight players and be named for a TNT NBA analyst.  The 24 NBA All-Star selections will be divided evenly into three teams, with the rosters drafted by TNT’s Inside the NBA commentators and honorary team general managers Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith.  The three analysts will make their respective picks for Team Chuck, Team Shaq and Team Kenny live on TNT in the NBA All-Star Draft, which will be conducted on Thursday, Feb. 6 just before the network’s doubleheader that night.    The fourth team will be the winning team from the championship game of the Castrol Rising Stars, the annual showcase of top first- and second-year NBA players and NBA G League standouts, which will be played on Friday, Feb. 14 during NBA All-Star 2025.  TNT analyst and WNBA legend Candace Parker will serve as honorary GM of the Castrol Rising Stars champion, known as Team Candace.     The voting process to determine the 24 NBA All-Stars will remain the same.  The five players honored as starters in each conference will be selected by fans (50% of the vote), current NBA players (25%) and a media panel (25%).  The seven players honored as reserves in each conference will be selected by NBA head coaches.  See below for more information about NBA All-Star voting.    The four NBA All-Star Game head coaches will come from the coaching staffs of the teams with the best regular-season record in each conference through games played on Sunday, Feb. 2.  The head coach of the leading Eastern Conference team and the head coach of the leading Western Conference team will each coach an NBA All-Star team.  An assistant coach from one of those staffs will serve as head coach of the Castrol Rising Stars champion, and an assistant coach from the other staff will coach the remaining All-Star team.    The four teams participating in the NBA All-Star Game will compete for a prize pool of $1.8 million, with each player on the championship-winning team receiving $125,000, each player on the second-place team receiving $50,000 and each player on the third- and fourth-place teams receiving $25,000.   NBA All-Star Voting Presented by AT&T   NBA All-Star Voting presented by AT&T, the Official Connectivity Partner of the NBA, will tip off on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. ET and conclude on Monday, Jan. 20 at 11:59 p.m. ET, giving fans the opportunity to vote for the NBA All-Star Game starters via the NBA App powered by Microsoft and NBA.com with their NBA ID.     NBA ID, which offers fans benefits and rewards from the league and its partners, is free to join here.  Voters in the United States will be automatically entered into the NBA ID All-Star Voting Sweepstakes for the opportunity to win a trip to the San Francisco Bay Area for NBA All-Star 2025.       During the voting period, NBA ID members can submit one full ballot each day via the NBA App and the NBA.com voting page (NBA.com/vote).  One full ballot comprises three frontcourt players and two guards from both the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference.  All current NBA players will be available for selection.   On six special “3-for-1 Days,” NBA ID members’ votes will count three times.  These days, from 12:01 a.m. ET – 11:59 p.m. ET, will take place on Saturday, Dec. 21, Wednesday, Dec. 25, Friday, Jan. 3, Friday, Jan. 10, Friday, Jan. 17 and Monday, Jan. 20 (the final day of voting).    Fan voting updates will be shared on the first three Thursdays in January (Jan. 2, 9 and 16).  TNT will reveal the NBA All-Star Game starters on Thursday, Jan. 23 and the reserves on Thursday, Jan. 30.   Current NBA players and a media panel will continue to join fans in selecting the NBA All-Star Game starters.  Each player and media member will be able to complete one full ballot during the voting period.    After all votes for NBA All-Star Game starters are tallied, players will be ranked in each conference by position (guard and frontcourt) within each of the three voting groups – fan votes, player votes and media votes.  Each player’s score will be calculated by averaging his weighted rank from the fan votes, the player votes and the media votes.  The two guards and three frontcourt players with the best score in each conference will be named NBA All-Star Game starters.  Fan voting will serve as the tiebreaker for players in a position group with the same score. NAISMITH BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2025 ENSHRINEMENT CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 – Class of 2025 Nominees to be Revealed on Thursday, December 19 – SPRINGFIELD, MASS. (December 17, 2024) – The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced that the Class of 2025 Enshrinement Ceremony will take place on Saturday, September 6, in Springfield, Mass. – the Birthplace of Basketball.    The nominees for the upcoming class will be revealed on Thursday, December 19, at 3:00 PM ET during “NBA Today” on ESPN. The Class of 2025 Finalist Announcement will be Friday, February 14, as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, and the Class of 2025 will be announced on Saturday, April 5, during the NCAA Final Four Weekend in San Antonio.   Enshrinement Weekend will begin at the Mohegan Sun on Friday, September 5, with the Tip-Off Celebration and Awards Gala, inclusive of the Class of 2025 jacket and ring presentation and the annual Hall of Fame Awards. The Enshrinement Ceremony will take place the following day in Springfield’s historic Symphony Hall and will be available to a global audience. A full schedule of events will be announced at a later date. FIBA 3x3 to launch major new competition set to debut in Bangkok DECEMBER 17, 2024 BANGKOK (Thailand) - FIBA is thrilled to announce the historic launch of its newest competition, the FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup, debuting in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 14-16, 2025, at CentralWorld Square. According to the decision of the FIBA Central Board, the Champions Cup will be held annually and will feature the world's top 3x3 basketball teams, including continental cup winners, the highest-ranked teams in the FIBA 3x3 basketball rankings, Olympic gold medalists and the host nation. The Champions Cup presents a new opportunity to grow the game of 3x3 basketball globally, offering fans an electrifying format and athletes a new stage to shine. Thailand will host the first five editions of the competition, providing an opportunity to inspire a new generation of 3x3 fans throughout the country. Sponsor, a popular local energy drink, and Red Bull will be title sponsors of the Thailand events, which will be officially known as the FIBA 3x3 Sponsor | Red Bull Champions Cup 2025. "We are excited to announce Bangkok as the host of the first-ever FIBA 3x3 Sponsor | Red Bull Champions Cup. We are looking into new ways of engaging our players and fans and this new premier event will do exactly that, offering thrilling games between the best of the best,” said FIBA 3x3 Managing Director Alex Sanchez. "Hosting the Champions Cup in Bangkok for the next five years provides an incredible opportunity to establish a very strong 3x3 basketball footprint in Thailand." “We are delighted that ‘Sponsor’ and ‘Red Bull’ are joining us as co-title sponsors as we host the inaugural edition of the FIBA 3x3 Sponsor | Red Bull Champions Cup in Bangkok," said Brian L. Marcar, Managing Director of Tero Entertainment. "This event is an amazing opportunity for the Thai basketball community to build on the incredible success of our young male and female 3x3 basketball stars and inspire a whole new generation of young players in Thailand. Additionally, we are thrilled that Channel 7HD will be broadcasting the Champions Cup live on Saturday and Sunday, as the action draws to a thrilling close.” BSNF APRUEBA FRANQUICIA NUEVA PARA JUANA DÍAZ   El Baloncesto Superior Nacional Femenino (BSNF) confirmó esta tarde que contará con 10 equipos en la temporada 2025.   La Junta de Gobierno aprobó, bajo sus reglas de expansión, la llegada de las Monarcas de Juana Díaz. El quinteto será administrado por el doctor Aurelio Collado.   “(Collado) es una persona seria, bien respetada y querida en el pueblo. Él hace tiempo quería estar en el baloncesto superior femenino, es como una meta que él quería hacer, así que está poniendo todo su empeño y su profesionalismo en esta aventura conmigo, y agradecido con la confianza debe haberse acercado a mí para poder tener esta franquicia”, dijo Joel Medina, gerente general de las Monarcas.   “Esto no es nuevo para mí, yo estuve en BSNF en Yauco para el tiempo de María, actualmente estoy trabajando con la puertorriqueña con los Vejigantes (de Ponce), yo soy el apoderado, llevo seis años en la Liga Puertorriqueña, y estuve en Sub-25. Esto es un reto nuevo”, agregó.   Medina explicó que la decisión de establecerse en Juana Díaz se debe a las facilidades deportivas que ofrece, el fácil acceso desde la autopista y la estructura deportiva con la que cuenta el municipio. “Agradecido con la oportunidad que nos da el Municipio de Juana Díaz, su alcalde y el administrador de la ciudad, por el apoyo. Sabemos que no es fácil mantener una franquicia sin apoyo municipal. Estamos bien contentos con estos pasos para desarrollar el baloncesto femenino en el área sur”, expresó Medina.   Por su parte, el presidente del BSNF, Luis G. Miranda Ramos, explicó que con la llegada de Juana Díaz cumple dos de sus metas establecidas para el 2025, que eran llegar a 10 equipos para así poder contar con una cantidad par de franquicias, y regresar a la región sur.   “En 2020 iniciamos un proceso de expansión. Desde el día uno dije que nuestra Liga se concentraba exclusivamente en tres áreas geográficas y que mi meta era volver al sur. Con la llegada de San Germán en la temporada pasada y ahora con Juana Díaz puedo decir que cumplí con mi cometido”, detalló Miranda.   “Ya tenemos 10 equipos. Ahora, mi enfoque será darles estabilidad a las demás franquicias. Sin descartar tener que reubicar a uno de los quintetos existentes para cubrir la zona que aun me falta, que es la región centro-oriental”, concluyó.   Para más información del BSNF pueden visitar la página oficial en el Internet a la dirección bsnfpur.com, así como todas las plataformas en las redes sociales, Facebook: facebook.com/bsnfpur, Instagram: instagram.com/bsnfpur y X: x.com/bsnfpur. USA and Canada win FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2024 DECEMBER 15, 2024 SAN JUAN (Puerto Rico) - USA (men) and Canada (women) win against Puerto Rico and USA respectively to win the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2024 on December 15. Team USA (men) steamrolled their way to the final with an unbeaten record. They went up against home side powerhouse Puerto Rico who had lit their way to the final themselves with a perfect record.  It was a high-flying blockbuster finals matchup with both teams rising to the occasion. With scores at 19 - 18 in favor of USA, it was Dylan Travis who called game with a tough two, earning USA Gold in a 21 - 18 thriller.  The Canadian women were their usual clinical self all tournament, going unbeaten on their way to the final where they faced a similarly on-fire USA side.  It was a physical battle between two highly-skilled sides. Canada maintained a slight advantage for the majority of the game but team USA kept answering back. It was a late two from Abigail Hsu that tied things up, sending the game to OT. However, it would be Canada’s night as former World number one Katherine Plouffe would call game in the clutch, earning Canada gold with a 19 - 18 win.  In the bronze medal games, Canada (men) came back to win against Republica Dominicana 21 - 16. Jerome Desrosiers and Grant Allen Audu combined for 14 points in the tie, continuing on a hot scoring tournament for the duo led by the experienced Steve Sir.  Brazil (women) clutched up against home side Puerto Rico in a back-and-forth bronze medal game. It was the talismanic Luana de Souza who drilled a late two-pointer to hand them the lead. The shot would hand Brazil a 17 - 16 win for bronze.  Henry Caruso brought the show to San Juan as he was the hub of team USA’s (men) offense. He put up 26 points across the tournament and led all players in Player Value with 44.5. He earned himself MVP honors, leading the Men’s Team of the Tournament alongside Puerto Rico’s Angel Matias and Canada’s Steve Sir who were both instrumental in their respective sides finishing with silver and bronze.  Canada’s (women) Paige Crozon was lights out in scoring for her side. She would lead all players in points and player value, tallying 46 and a whopping 59.3 respectively. She handily won the MVP award, headlined the Women’s Team of the Tournament next to team USA’s Brittney Sykes and Brazil’s Gabriella Soares who were key to their sides success in the tournament.  Men's standings 1. United States 2. Puerto Rico 3. Canada 4. Dominican Republic 5. Chile 6. Brazil 7. Jamaica 8. Mexico 9. Argentina 10. Haiti 11. Uruguay 12. Colombia Women's standings 1. Canada 2. United States 3. Brazil 4. Puerto Rico 5. Dominican Republic 6. Chile 7. Jamaica 8. Cuba 9. Colombia 10. Argentina 11. Mexico 12. Uruguay

ClutchBasket:Basketball News

 

NAISMITH BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES THE PRESEASON WATCH LIST FOR THE 2025 MEN’S AND WOMEN’S 

POWER FORWARD OF THE YEAR AWARDS

- Fan Voting Starts Friday, November 1 -

SPRINGFIELD, MASS. (October 31, 2024) — The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced the 20 watch-list candidates for the 2025 Karl Malone Award and, in partnership with the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), the 20 watch-list candidates for the 2025 Katrina McClain Award.

The annual Karl Malone Award, named after the Class of 2010 Hall of Famer and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, celebrates its 11th year by recognizing the top power forwards in Division I men’s college basketball.

The Katrina McClain Award, now in its eighth year, recognizes the top power forwards in women’s NCAA Division I college basketball. It is named after the two-time All-American, 1987 National Player of the Year, and Class of 2012 Hall of Famer.

2025 Karl Malone Award Candidates*		2025 Katrina McClain Award Candidates*
Grant Nelson	Alabama	DeYona Gaston	Auburn
Trey Townsend	Arizona	Darianna Littlepage-Buggs	Baylor
Johni Broome	Auburn	Emma Ronsiek	Colorado State
Norchad Omier	Baylor	Morgan Maly	Creighton
Ian Schieffelin	Clemson	Makayla Timpson	Florida State
Graham Ike	Gonzaga	Yvonne Ejim	Gonzaga
J’Wan Roberts	Houston	Kendall Bostic	Illinois
Will Riley	Illinois	Addy Brown	Iowa State
Malik Reneau	Indiana	Olivia Cochran	Louisville
Coleman Hawkins	Kansas State	Aneesah Morrow	LSU
Julian Reese	Maryland	Maddy Westbeld	Notre Dame
Cade Tyson	North Carolina	Liatu King	Notre Dame
Caden Pierce	Princeton	Liza Karlen	Notre Dame
Bryce Hopkins	Providence	Skylar Vann	Oklahoma
JT Toppin	Texas Tech	Laura Ziegler	Saint Joseph’s
Donnie Freeman	Syracuse	Sania Feagin	South Carolina
Yaxel Lendeborg	UAB	Aaliyah Moore	Texas
Alex Karaban	UConn	Janiah Barker	UCLA
Eric Dixon	Villanova	Kiki Iriafen	USC
Great Osobor	Washington	Jenna Johnson	Utah

*Players can play their way onto and off the list at any point in the 2024-25 season.

Fans can support their favorite player by participating in Fan Voting starting Friday, November 1. In late January, the watch list of 20 players for the 2025 Karl Malone and Katrina McClain Awards will be narrowed to 10, and then in late February, to just five. In March, the five finalists will be presented to Malone, McClain, and the Hall of Fame’s selection committees, where winners will be selected. The Selection Committees for the Karl Malone and Katrina McClain Awards are composed of top men’s and women’s college basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers.

The winner of the 2025 Malone and McClain Awards will be presented on a to-be-determined date, along with the other four members of the Men’s and Women’s Starting Five. Additional awards being presented include the Bob Cousy and Nancy Lieberman Awards (Point Guard), Jerry West and Ann Meyers Drysdale Awards (Shooting Guard), Julius Erving and Cheryl Miller Awards (Small Forward), and the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Lisa Leslie Awards (Center).

Previous winners of the Karl Malone Award are Jaedon LeDee, San Diego State (2024), Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana (2023), Keegan Murray, Iowa (2022), Drew Timme, Gonzaga (2021), Obi Toppin, Dayton (2020), Zion Williamson, Duke (2019), Deandre Ayton, Arizona (2018), Johnathan Motley, Baylor (2017), Georges Niang, Iowa State (2016), and Montrezl Harrell, Louisville (2015).

Previous winners of the Katrina McClain Award are Kiki Iriafen, Stanford (2024), Maddy Siegrist, Villanova (2023), NaLyssa Smith, Baylor (2021-22), Ruthy Hebard, Oregon (2018, ‘20), and Napheesa Collier, Connecticut (2019).

For more information on the 2025 Karl Malone and Katrina McClain Awards and the latest updates, visit hoophallawards.com and follow @hoophallu, #MaloneAward, and #McClainAward on X and Instagram. 

About the WBCA: 

Founded in 1981, the Women's Basketball Coaches Association is the professional association for coaches of women's and girls' basketball at all levels of competition. The WBCA offers educational resources that coaches need to help make themselves better leaders, teachers, and mentors to their players; provides opportunities for coaches to connect with peers in the profession; serves as the unifying voice of a diverse community of coaches to those organizations that control the game; and celebrates those coaches, players and other individuals who excel each year and contribute to the advancement of the sport. For more information, visit us online: WBCA.org, follow @wbca1981, or call 1-770-279-8027.

About the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame:

Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, and celebrating the game of basketball at every level – men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches, and contributors, both domestically and internationally. The Hall of Fame museum is home to more than 400 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Nearly 200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame museum each year to learn about the game, experience the interactive exhibits and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo "Court of Dreams." Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game’s elite, the Hall of Fame also operates over 70 high school and collegiate competitions annually throughout the country and abroad. For more information on the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum, and events, visit hoophall.com, follow @hoophallu, or call 1-877-4HOOPLA.

NBA FOUNDATION TO HOST FOURTH ALL-STAR PITCH COMPETITION FOR LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES AS PART OF NBA ALL-STAR 2025

 

– A Collaboration with the Golden State Warriors and Kapor Center –

 

– Applications Open Now –

 

NEW YORK, Oct. 31, 2024 – The NBA Foundation today announced the fourth All-Star Pitch Competition, which will take place during NBA All-Star 2025 in the San Francisco Bay Area.  The All-Star Pitch Competition will be hosted in collaboration with the Golden State Warriors and the Kapor Center.  The Pitch Competition is designed to elevate emerging companies that serve diverse communities in the Bay Area, and those led by diverse and underrepresented entrepreneurs are encouraged to participate.

 

Ten early-stage startups will compete and pitch their businesses for cash prizes.  Applications to participate in the competition are open now through Nov. 9.  To apply, visit here.

 

The top 10 applicants will compete in the semifinals on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors.  Following the semi-finals, seven finalists will advance to the final round during NBA All-Star 2025 on Thursday, Feb. 13 and the finalists will also be recognized in-arena during the Warriors’ home game against the Houston Rockets on Thursday, Dec. 5.

 

More than $150,000 in cash prizes will be awarded as part of the All-Star Pitch Competition, and the seven finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their businesses in front of NBA legends, venture capitalists and other prominent entrepreneurs during one of the marquee events on the NBA calendar.

 

“The All-Star Pitch Competition is the NBA Foundation’s signature event, and we expect the Bay Area to come ready with great ideas during All-Star 2025,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum.  “Small businesses are the engine for local economies and hubs for innovation.  We look forward to seeing the next generation of entrepreneurs compete on our biggest stage.”

 

“Bay Area entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to showcase their ideas through the All-Star Pitch Competition,” said Warriors President & Chief Operating Officer Brandon Schneider.  “With the region’s strong culture of innovation, this is going to be the most competitive Pitch Competition to date. I can’t wait to see the ideas that Dub Nation brings to the table.”

 

“As part of the Kapor Center family of organizations, Kapor Capital is thrilled to partner with the NBA Foundation for the 2025 NBA All-Star Pitch Competition,” said Brandon Boros, Venture Partner, Kapor Capital.  “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to invest in startups using technology to close gaps of access for low-income communities and communities of color.  Headquartered in Oakland, CA with a global portfolio, we’re excited to champion this Pitch Competition as a platform to uplift gap-closing founders, break down barriers in tech and highlight the transformative role that unique perspectives continue to play in driving innovation and building a more inclusive tech ecosystem for all.”

 

This will be the fourth All-Star Pitch Competition hosted by the NBA Foundation.  The NBA Foundation aims to reduce investment disparities among entrepreneurs and tech leaders in local communities by providing the tools, resources and funding for innovative ideas through the competition.  To learn more about the All-Star Pitch Competition, visit nbafoundation.com.

NAISMITH BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES THE PRESEASON WATCH LIST FOR THE 2025 MEN’S AND WOMEN’S 

SMALL FORWARD OF THE YEAR AWARDS 

- Fan Voting Starts Friday, November 1 -

SPRINGFIELD, MASS. (October 30, 2024) — The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced the 20 watch-list candidates for the 2025 Julius Erving Award and, in partnership with the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), the 20 watch-list candidates for the 2025 Cheryl Miller Award. 

The annual Julius Erving Award, named after the Class of 1993 Hall of Famer and 16-year professional basketball player, celebrates its 11th year by recognizing the top small forwards in Division I men’s college basketball.

The Cheryl Miller Award, in its eighth year, honors the top small forwards in women’s Division I women’s college basketball. It is named after the three-time Naismith Player of the Year and Class of 1995 Hall of Famer.

2025 Julius Erving Award Candidates*		2025 Cheryl Miller Award Candidates*
KJ Lewis	Arizona	Sarah Ashlee Barker	Alabama
BJ Freeman	Arizona State	Andrea Daley	Boston College
Chad Baker-Mazara	Auburn	Lior Garzon	Colorado
Tyson Degenhart	Boise State	Yarden Garzon	Indiana
Cooper Flagg	Duke	Temira Poindexter	Kansas State
Michael Ajayi	Gonzaga	Mikaylah Williams	LSU
Mackenzie Mgbako	Indiana	Saylor Poffenbarger	Maryland
Payton Sandfort	Iowa	Grace VanSlooten	Michigan State
Milan Momcilovic	Iowa State	Alyssa Ustby	North Carolina
AJ Storr	Kansas	Madison Hayes	NC State
Jaxson Robinson	Kentucky	Cotie McMahon	Ohio State
Matthew Cleveland	Miami (Fla.)	Sahara Williams	Oklahoma
Frankie Fidler	Michigan State	Madison Scott	Ole Miss
Mark Mitchell	Missouri	Maryam Dauda	South Carolina
Ian Jackson	North Carolina	Madison Booker	Texas
Drake Powell	North Carolina	Aicha Coulibaly	Texas A&M
Ace Bailey	Rutgers	Angela Dugalić	UCLA
Arthur Kaluma	Texas	Sarah Strong	UConn
Liam McNeeley	UConn	Gianna Kneepkens	Utah
Tucker DeVries	West Virginia	Sacha Washington	Vanderbilt

*Players can play their way onto and off the list at any point in the 2024-25 season.

Fans can support their favorite player by participating in Fan Voting starting Friday, November 1. In late January, the watch list of 20 players for the 2025 Julius Erving and Cheryl Miller Awards will be narrowed to 10, and then in late February, to just five. In March, the five finalists will be presented to Erving, Miller, and the Hall of Fame’s selection committees, where winners will be selected. The Selection Committees for the Julius Erving and Cheryl Miller Awards are composed of top men’s and women’s college basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers.

The winner of the 2025 Erving and Miller Awards will be presented on a to-be-determined date, along with the other four members of the Men’s and Women’s Starting Five. Additional awards being presented include the Bob Cousy and Nancy Lieberman Awards (Point Guard), Jerry West and Ann Meyers Drysdale Awards (Shooting Guard), Karl Malone and Katrina McClain Awards (Power Forward), and the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Lisa Leslie Awards (Center).

Previous winners of the Julius Erving Award are Dalton Knecht, Tennessee (2024), Jalen Wilson, Kansas (2023), Wendell Moore Jr., Duke (2022), Corey Kispert, Gonzaga (2021), Saddiq Bey, Villanova (2020), Rui Hachimura, Gonzaga (2019), Mikal Bridges, Villanova (2018), Josh Hart, Villanova (2017), Denzel Valentine, Michigan State (2016), and Stanley Johnson, Arizona (2015). 

Previous winners of the Cheryl Miller Award are Madison Booker, Texas (2024), Ashley Joens, Iowa State (2021-23), Satou Sabally, Oregon (2020), Bridget Carleton, Iowa State (2019), and Gabby Williams, Connecticut (2018).

For more information on the 2025 Julius Erving and Cheryl Miller Awards and the latest updates, visit hoophallawards.com and follow @hoophallu, #ErvingAward, and #MillerAward on X and Instagram. 

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS FINED

 

NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2024 – The NBA today fined the Philadelphia 76ers $100,000 for public statements, including by president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and head coach Nick Nurse, that were inconsistent with Joel Embiid’s health status and in violation of NBA rules, including the league’s Player Participation Policy.

The league’s investigation also confirmed that Embiid has been unable to play in the 76ers’ regular season games this season due to a left knee condition, and therefore his games missed have not violated the Player Participation Policy.

NAISMITH BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES PRESEASON WATCH LIST FOR THE 2025 MEN’S AND WOMEN’S 

SHOOTING GUARD OF THE YEAR AWARDS

- Fan Voting Starts Friday, November 1 -

SPRINGFIELD, MASS. (October 29, 2024) — The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced the 20 watch-list candidates for the 2025 Jerry West Award and, in partnership with the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), the 20 watch-list candidates for the 2025 Ann Meyers Drysdale Award.

The annual Jerry West Award, named after the late Class of 1980 Hall of Famer and 1959 NCAA Final Four Most Valuable Player, celebrates its 11th year by highlighting the top shooting guards in Division I men’s college basketball. 

The Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, in its eighth year, honors the top shooting guard in women's NCAA Division I college basketball. It is named after the Class of 1993 Hall of Famer, the first player, regardless of gender, to be chosen for an All-America Team in four consecutive college seasons.

2025 Jerry West Award Candidates*		2025 Ann Meyers Drysdale Award Candidates*
Caleb Love	Arizona	Taliah Scott	Auburn
Johnell Davis	Arkansas	Sarah Andrews	Baylor
Boogie Fland	Arkansas	Lauren Jensen	Creighton
VJ Edgecombe	Baylor	Ta’Niya Latson	Florida State
Caleb Foster	Duke	Genesis Bryant	Illinois
Kon Knueppel	Duke	Jayda Curry	Louisville
Tyon Grant-Foster	Grand Canyon	Flau’jae Johnson	LSU
LJ Cryer	Houston	Shyanne Sellers	Maryland
Zeke Mayo	Kansas	Mara Braun	Minnesota
Kam Jones	Marquette	Saniya Rivers	NC State
Jalil Bethea	Miami (Fla.)	Sonia Citron	Notre Dame
RJ Davis	North Carolina	Bree Hall	South Carolina
Meechie Johnson Jr.	Ohio State	MiLaysia Fulwiley	South Carolina
Matthew Murrell	Ole Miss	Madison Conner	TCU
Fletcher Loyer	Purdue	Hailey Van Lith	TCU
Kadary Richmond	St. John’s	Jewel Spear	Tennessee
Chaz Lanier	Tennessee	Laila Phelia	Texas
Tre Johnson	Texas	Azzi Fudd	UConn
Aidan Mahaney	UConn	JuJu Watkins	USC
Hunter Sallis	Wake Forest	JJ Quinerly	West Virginia

*Players can play their way onto and off the list at any point in the 2024-25 season.

Fans are encouraged to participate in Fan Voting in each of the three rounds starting on Friday, November 1. In late January, the watch list of 20 players for the 2025 Jerry West and Ann Meyers Drysdale Awards will be narrowed to 10, and then in late February, to just five. In March, the five finalists will be presented to West’s family, Meyers Drysdale, and the Hall of Fame’s selection committees, where winners will be selected. The Selection Committees for the Jerry West and Ann Meyers Drysdale Awards are composed of top men’s and women’s college basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers.

The winner of the 2024 West and Meyers Drysdale Awards will be presented on a to-be-determined date, along with the other four members of the Men’s and Women’s Starting Five. Additional awards being presented include the Bob Cousy and Nancy Lieberman Awards (Point Guard), Julius Erving and Cheryl Miller Awards (Small Forward), Karl Malone and Katrina McClain Awards (Power Forward), and the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Lisa Leslie Awards (Center). 

Previous winners of the Jerry West Award are RJ Davis, North Carolina (2024), Marcus Sasser, Houston (2023), Johnny Davis, Wisconsin (2022), Chris Duarte, Oregon (2021), Myles Powell, Seton Hall (2020), RJ Barrett, Duke (2019), Carsen Edwards, Purdue (2018), Malik Monk, Kentucky (2017), Buddy Hield, Oklahoma (2016), and D’Angelo Russell, Ohio State (2015).

 

Previous winners of the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award are JuJu Watkins, USC (2024), Zia Cooke, South Carolina (2023), Christyn Williams, UConn (2022), Ashley Owusu, Maryland (2021), Aari McDonald, Arizona (2020), Asia Durr, Louisville (2019), and Victoria Vivians, Mississippi State (2018).

For more information on the 2025 Jerry West and Ann Meyers Drysdale Awards and the latest updates, visit hoophallawards.com and follow @hoophallu, #WestAward, and #MeyersAward on X and Instagram.

About the WBCA: 

Founded in 1981, the Women's Basketball Coaches Association is the professional association for coaches of women's and girls' basketball at all levels of competition. The WBCA offers educational resources that coaches need to help make themselves better leaders, teachers and mentors to their players; provides opportunities for coaches to connect with peers in the profession; serves as the unifying voice of a diverse community of coaches to those organizations that control the game; and celebrates those coaches, players and other individuals who excel each year and contribute to the advancement of the sport. For more information, visit us online: WBCA.org, follow @wbca1981 or call 1-770-279-8027.

About the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 

Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, and celebrating the game of basketball at every level – men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches and contributors, both domestically and internationally. The Hall of Fame museum is home to more than 450 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Nearly 200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame museum each year to learn about the game, experience the interactive exhibits and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo "Court of Dreams." Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game’s elite, the Hall of Fame also operates over 70 high school and collegiate competitions annually throughout the country and abroad. For more information on the Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum, and events, visit hoophall.com, follow @hoophallu, or call 1-877-4HOOPLA.

NBA FOUNDATION NAMES RUTH JURGENSEN

AS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

 

NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2024 – The NBA Foundation Board of Directors today announced that Ruth Jurgensen has been selected as the organization’s second Executive Director.  Jurgensen will lead the Foundation’s mission to drive economic empowerment for Black youth through employment and career advancement.  Formed in 2020 by the NBA Board of Governors, the Foundation has awarded $119 million in grants benefitting more than 240 youth-serving organizations.  Jurgensen succeeds Greg Taylor, who stepped down earlier this year after serving as the Foundation’s first Executive Director since 2020.

 

Jurgensen will be responsible for the strategic development, creation and implementation of programs and partnerships that advance the NBA Foundation’s efforts to increase access and support for high school, college-aged, job-ready and mid-career Black men and women.  Additionally, Jurgensen will oversee the administration of grants to national and local organizations that provide skills training, mentorship, coaching and pipeline development.

 

Prior to joining the NBA Foundation, Jurgensen was the CEO at Prep for Prep, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization focused on leadership development and expanding educational access for students of color.  At Prep for Prep, Jurgensen increased alumni participation in time, giving and board service.  She also implemented a new outreach strategy that increased the organization’s applicant pool, strengthened school partnerships and increased fundraising goals.

 

“After a robust search with many outstanding candidates, we are thrilled to welcome Ruth as the NBA Foundation’s Executive Director,” said Mark Tatum, NBA Foundation President and NBA Deputy Commissioner and COO.  “Her exceptional leadership experience truly set her apart.  We are confident that under her guidance, the Foundation will continue to grow and create more pathways to economic independence for young people.”

 

Jurgensen served as Assistant Head of School at Francis W. Parker in Chicago prior to joining Prep for Prep, and before that, she was the principal at Little Red School House and Elisabeth Irwin High School in New York City.

 

Jurgensen will lead the Foundation’s organizational goals, manage its operations and resources and design fundraising that yields long-term success.  Working closely with the NBA Foundation Board of Directors, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and all 30 NBA teams, she will form impactful partnerships and oversee support for national and local organizations in NBA markets and communities across the United States and Canada.

 

“I am thrilled to join the NBA family in this role to further the unique and critical mission of the NBA Foundation,” said Jurgensen.  “I have learned throughout my career that with the proper investment and consistent commitment there is no limit to what young people can achieve.  I look forward to building upon what is already a strong record of success in partnership with our board, teams and players.”

 

Jurgensen holds an undergraduate degree in English Literature from Connecticut College and a master’s degree in English and American Literature from Brown University.  Jurgensen also serves as a Trustee on the Board of the Brooklyn Museum and is an advisor to Kura Labs, a nonprofit that offers free training and a job placement academy for students from underserved communities.

 

The NBA Foundation is dedicated to creating greater economic opportunity and career advancement for Black youth. The NBA Foundation works with the NBA Foundation Board of Directors comprised of seven representatives to oversee business affairs and provide strategic direction.  The Board of Directors include NBA team governors Gayle Benson, Larry Tanenbaum and Mat Ishbia; NBA Commissioner Adam Silver; NBPA Executive Director Andre Iguodala; San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes and Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris.

 

To learn more about the NBA Foundation, please visit www.nbafoundation.com.

NAISMITH BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES PRESEASON WATCH LIST FOR THE 2025 MEN’S AND WOMEN’S 

POINT GUARD OF THE YEAR AWARDS

- Fan Voting Starts Friday, November 1 -

SPRINGFIELD, MASS. (October 28, 2024) — The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced the 20 watch-list candidates for the 2025 Bob Cousy Award and, in partnership with the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), the 20 watch-list candidates for the 2025 Nancy Lieberman Award.

The annual Bob Cousy Award, named after the Class of 1971 Hall of Famer and former Boston Celtic and Holy Cross guard, celebrates its 22nd year by highlighting the top point guard in Division I men’s college basketball. 

Now in its 26th year, the Nancy Lieberman Award recognizes the top point guard in women’s NCAA Division I college basketball. To be considered for this prestigious award, candidates must exhibit the floor leadership, playmaking, and ball-handling skills of Class of 1996 Hall-of-Famer Nancy Lieberman. 

2025 Bob Cousy Award Candidates*		2025 Nancy Lieberman Award Candidates*
Mark Sears	Alabama	Katie Dinnebier	Drake
Jeremy Roach	Baylor	Taina Mair	Duke
Tyrese Proctor	Duke	Makira Cook	Illinois
Walter Clayton Jr.	Florida	Lucy Olsen	Iowa
Malik Mack	Georgetown	Emily Ryan	Iowa State
Ryan Nembhard	Gonzaga	Serena Sundell	Kansas State
Myles Rice	Indiana	Georgia Amoore	Kentucky
Tamin Lipsey	Iowa State	Diamond Johnson	Norfolk State
Dajuan Harris Jr.	Kansas	Olivia Miles	Notre Dame
Josh Hubbard	Mississippi State	Hannah Hidalgo	Notre Dame
Elliot Cadeau	North Carolina	Deja Kelly	Oregon
Markus Burton	Notre Dame	Te-Hina Paopao	South Carolina
Bruce Thornton	Ohio State	Raven Johnson	South Carolina
Ace Baldwin Jr.	Penn State	Rori Harmon	Texas
Braden Smith	Purdue	Kiki Rice	UCLA
Dylan Harper	Rutgers	Charlisse Leger-Walker	UCLA
Zakai Zeigler	Tennessee	Paige Bueckers	UConn
Jordan Pope	Texas	Talia von Oelhoffen	USC
Wade Taylor IV	Texas A&M	Inês Vieira	Utah
Elijah Hawkins	Texas Tech	Jordan Harrison	West Virginia

*Players can play their way onto and off the list at any point in the 2024-25 season.

Fans are encouraged to participate in Fan Voting in each of the three rounds starting on Friday, November 1. In late January, the watch list of 20 players for the 2025 Bob Cousy and Nancy Lieberman Awards will be narrowed to 10, and then in late February, to just 5. In March, the five finalists will be presented to Cousy, Lieberman, and the Hall of Fame’s selection committees, where winners will be selected. The Selection Committees for the Bob Cousy and Nancy Lieberman Awards are composed of top men’s and women’s college basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers. 

The winners of the 2025 Cousy and Lieberman Awards will be presented on a to-be-determined date, along with the four other members of the Men’s and Women’s Starting Five. Additional awards being presented include the Jerry West and Ann Meyers Drysdale Awards (Shooting Guard), Julius Erving and Cheryl Miller Awards (Small Forward), Karl Malone and Katrina McClain Awards (Power Forward), and the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Lisa Leslie Awards (Center). 

Previous winners of the Bob Cousy Award include Tristen Newton, Connecticut (2024), Markquis Nowell, Kansas State (2023), Ayo Dosunmu, Illinois (2021), Ja Morant, Murray State (2019), Jalen Brunson, Villanova (2018), Trey Burke, Michigan (2013), Kendall Marshall, North Carolina (2012), Kemba Walker, Connecticut (2011), and Jameer Nelson, St. Joseph’s (2004). 

Previous winners of the Nancy Lieberman Award include Caitlin Clark, Iowa (2022-24), Paige Bueckers, UConn (2021), Sabrina Ionescu, Oregon (2018-20), Skylar Diggins, Notre Dame (2012-13), Diana Taurasi, Connecticut (2003-04), and Sue Bird, Connecticut (2000-02).

For more information on the 2025 Bob Cousy and Nancy Lieberman Awards and the latest updates, visit hoophallawards.com and follow @hoophallu, #CousyAward, and #LiebermanAward on X and Instagram.

MOREHOUSE COLLEGE AND TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY SELECTED TO PLAY IN 2025 NBA HBCU CLASSIC PRESENTED BY AT&T ON FEB. 15

– SIAC Matchup to Take Place at Oakland Arena as Part of NBA All-Star 2025 –

 

NEW YORK, Oct. 28, 2024 – The NBA today announced that the Morehouse College and Tuskegee University men’s basketball programs have been selected to compete in the 2025 NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T as part of NBA All-Star 2025 in the San Francisco Bay Area.  The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) matchup will take place on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, at Oakland Arena.  The fourth NBA HBCU Classic will broadcast on ESPN+, NBA TV and TruTV.

“We are thrilled to have Morehouse College and Tuskegee University compete in the fourth NBA HBCU Classic during NBA All-Star 2025,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum.  “We look forward to both programs showcasing their talents during the game, as well as celebrating HBCU culture as part of our All-Star festivities.”

The teams were selected in collaboration with the SIAC due to their rich traditions, on-court rivalry and commitment to excellence.  The 2025 NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T continues the NBA’s commitment to increasing support and awareness for HBCU athletics and advancing educational, career and economic opportunities in partnership with HBCUs.

“The SIAC is ecstatic that the NBA selected our conference to represent HBCUs during this year’s All-Star Weekend,” said SIAC Commissioner Anthony Holloman.  “The NBA has been a longtime supporter of HBCUs, and we are excited that two of our institutions will headline the Classic, bringing elevated exposure on a national stage and a once in a lifetime experience for our student-athletes.”

“We are honored that the NBA and the SIAC Conference chose these two historic institutions to participate in this event,” said Morehouse Director of Athletics Harold Ellis.  “This is an outstanding opportunity for our student-athletes to showcase their skills in front of a national audience.  As someone who played in the NBA, it thrills me even more to see the partnership between NBA and HBCUs.  We are looking forward to this enhanced student-athlete experience.”

“We are incredibly excited for the opportunity to showcase our men’s basketball program on such a grand stage in the 2025 NBA HBCU Classic during NBA All-Star Weekend,” said Tuskegee Director of Athletics Reginald Ruffin.  “Playing in the Bay Area is a tremendous honor for our student-athletes and university, and we are thankful to the NBA and its partners for making this event possible.  This experience will provide our university and student-athletes with invaluable exposure and memories that will last a lifetime.  We look forward to showing the talent of the SIAC to such a large audience.”

During NBA All-Star 2024 in Indiana, in addition to the NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T matchup featuring Winston-Salem State University and Virginia Union University that attracted record attendance, HBCU events and celebrations included pep rallies, career development sessions, a student art design showcase and the All-Star HBCU Event Intern Program.  Additional details on HBCU events and opportunities at NBA All-Star 2025 will be shared at a later date.  Since 2021, when the NBA expanded its commitment of HBCUs, the NBA family has contributed more than $5 million to HBCU institutions, partners and scholarships.

Tickets for the 2025 NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T are on sale now.  Visit here to purchase while tickets last.  To learn more about the NBA’s commitment to HBCUs, visit https://www.nba.com/hbcus.  

# # #

About the NBA

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  Built around five professional sports leagues:  the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories in 60 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents.  NBA rosters at the start of the 2024-25 season featured a record-tying 125 international players from a record-tying 43 countries.  NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass.  The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with more than 2.3 billion likes and followers globally across all leagues, team and player platforms.  NBA Cares, the NBA’s global social responsibility platform, partners with renowned community-based organizations around the world to address important social issues in the areas of education, inclusion, youth and family development, and health and wellness.

 

About the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)

The SIAC is a NCAA athletic conference consisting primarily of historically black colleges and universities with headquarters in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The SIAC includes 15 member institutions (Albany State University, Allen University, Benedict College, Central State University, Clark Atlanta University, Edward Waters University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Savannah State University, Spring Hill College, and Tuskegee University), which are located within a contiguous seven-state footprint (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Ohio). The SIAC sponsors nine men's and seven women's sports and is a proud member of the NCAA Division II. For more information, visit www.thesiac.com.

 

About Morehouse College

Founded in 1867, Morehouse College is the nation’s only college founded to educate men of color. Ranked as Georgia’s top liberal arts college for men, Morehouse produces more Black men who go on to receive doctorates than any other college in the country and is a top feeder school for Black men entering prestigious graduate schools and MBA programs. Also named Georgia’s #1 small college, Morehouse educates a selective group of 2,500 students each year, 60 percent of whom come from families with household incomes of $40,000 or less, yet many of whom are highly recruited by Fortune 500 companies. The College has created more Rhodes Scholars than any other HBCU and has the #1 core curriculum among HBCUs nationally. It is the nation’s top producer of Black male graduates in the social sciences and the top HBCU producer of Black male graduates in business administration, management, operations, English, foreign languages, Mathematics, statistics, philosophy, religious studies, and physical sciences. As the national epicenter for thought leadership on human rights and equity, Morehouse is committed to helping the nation address the challenges caused by institutional racism, income, healthcare disparities, lack of access to capital, detrimental public policy, and the need for high-quality education. Learn more about Morehouse College at morehouse.edu.

 

About Tuskegee University

Located in Tuskegee, Alabama, Tuskegee University is a private, state-related and nationally ranked land-grant institution that serves a racially, ethnically and religiously diverse student body of 3,000-plus students. The institution was founded in 1881 by Booker T. Washington and is one of the nation's historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges since 1933, Tuskegee’s academic programs — many accredited by their respective accrediting bodies — currently lead to 41 bachelor’s, 16 master’s and five doctoral degree opportunities. For more information about Tuskegee University, visit www.tuskegee.edu.

 

ALLEGIANT STADIUM TO HOST 2027 HALL OF FAME SERIES LAS VEGAS

- Arizona, Duke, Indiana and Kansas to Play First Basketball Games 

at World-Class Venue -

 

PHOENIX (October 27, 2024) – Position Sports, in partnership with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), announced that the 2027 Hall of Fame Series Las Vegas will take place at the iconic Allegiant Stadium on November 12, 2027, marking the first-ever basketball game at the renowned stadium.

The historic event will feature two marquee matchups between elite men's basketball programs: Arizona vs. Duke and Indiana vs. Kansas. Both games will once again be showcased on TNT Sports’ networks and platforms, with additional programming information to be announced at a later date.

These four teams represent some of the most storied traditions in college basketball, with a combined 15 national championships, over 35 Hall of Famers, and a legion of passionate fans. The rivalry between Duke and Arizona, which will be on display in Tucson, Ariz., on November 22, as well as the timeless Kansas vs. Indiana matchup, is set to provide fans an unforgettable experience and signal a significant milestone in Las Vegas' sports history.

Allegiant Stadium, home of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders and Super Bowl LVIII, will be hosting its first college basketball games, showcasing the versatility of the venue. The stadium will also serve as the site for the 2028 NCAA Men's Final Four, further solidifying its position as a premier destination for top-tier sporting events.

The Hall of Fame Series, owned and operated by Position Sports, is a collection of multi-game, singular events that showcase several of the top collegiate basketball teams in exciting non-conference matchups played both domestically and abroad. The inaugural Hall of Fame Series took place in 2023 in Las Vegas, Charlotte, San Antonio, Toronto, and Phoenix, and the series continues its successful run in 2024 with upcoming stops in Las Vegas (November 4), Phoenix (November 14), Baltimore (November 15), and New York (December 14).

For the latest updates on the 2027 Hall of Fame Series Las Vegas, visit HOFSeries2027.com or follow @HOFSeries on all social platforms.

MEDIA ASSETS AVAILABLE HERE:  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1izkKaSlvf8oL4mFVr6qXSAyPkJ7zTdYH?usp=sharing

Quotes on 2027 Hall of Fame Series Announcement

“I am excited to support the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame doubleheader to be played at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in November 2027. Starting the college basketball season where it will end on the Road to the 2028 Final Four in Las Vegas is a rare opportunity to celebrate the game. Duke, Indiana, Kansas, and Arizona have combined to win 15 men’s basketball national championships. Congratulations to the Hall of Fame, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, and the Las Vegas Raiders for arranging such an incredible tip-off to the 2027-28 college basketball season where a national champion will be crowned only 5 months later.”

Dan Gavitt | NCAA Senior Vice President of Men’s Basketball

“College hoops at Allegiant Stadium will be electric.” We couldn’t imagine a better way to kick off the lead up to the Final Four than in Las Vegas with Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Series.”

Steve Hill | LVCVA President and CEO

“Hosting the 2027 Hall of Fame Series Las Vegas marks a historic moment for Allegiant Stadium as we welcome the thrill of college basketball to our venue for the first time. We are committed to providing a world-class experience, and our team is equipped to deliver an exceptional event for the players and fans.”

Andy Gorchov | General Manager, Allegiant Stadium

“We are thrilled to bring together four of college basketball’s most iconic programs—Duke, Kansas, Indiana, and Arizona—under one roof at Allegiant Stadium for the 2027 Hall of Fame Series Las Vegas. Hosting this first-of-its-kind event at Allegiant Stadium, where the season’s road to the Final Four will end, adds an incredible storyline to an already milestone occasion. We can’t wait to showcase these legendary teams in Las Vegas and provide an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.”

Melissa Meacham-Grossman | President, Position Sports

“To have historic teams participate in Duke, Kansas, Indiana, and Arizona all together in a Hall of Fame event helps celebrate and amplify the Hall of Fame’s mission to celebrate and promote the game we all love. These programs represent the best in our sport, and history proves that these teams will remain at the top of college basketball with current and future hall of famers all around these teams.

Allegiant Stadium and Las Vegas are becoming the epicenter for major sports and entertainment events year-round, and to open the college basketball season with this premiere event in the year that college basketball will end in the same spot creates the ultimate road to the final four. 

We hope that the entire Las Vegas community, as well as the basketball community and certainly the fans of these top programs, join us in Las Vegas to play the first basketball games in the history of Allegiant Stadium that promotes the Hall of Fame and the people that advanced the game that James Naismith invented to where the game is today—one of the most popular sports in the world.”

John L. Doleva | President & CEO, Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

NBA UNVEILS ALL 30 TEAM COURTS FOR EMIRATES NBA CUP 2024

Images available here

The NBA unveiled all 30 team courts for the Emirates NBA Cup 2024. The tournament tips off with Group Play on Tuesday, Nov. 12, featuring a doubleheader on TNT with the New York Knicks visiting the Philadelphia 76ers at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Golden State Warriors hosting the Dallas Mavericks at 10 p.m. ET. 

All 30 NBA teams will play on fully painted courts throughout the tournament.  Designed by artist Victor Solomon, the courts will be used during Group Play and the Quarterfinals, showcasing a leaguewide, distinctive scheme. The colors of the courts are designed to contrast with the home teams’ Nike NBA Statement Edition uniforms, while road teams will wear Nike NBA Association Edition uniforms.

Additional design details include the following:

• The courts feature three concentric circles radiating from center court in tonal hues of a core team color.  These circles represent the three stages of competition in the Emirates NBA Cup:
  • Group Play
  • The Quarterfinals
  • The Semifinals and Championship, held in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena
• Solomon created the court’s concentric circle foundation concept and collaborated with all 30 teams to add a layer of personalization unique to each market’s court.
• The NBA Cup is featured at center court and in the lanes. 
• Team logos and wordmarks are featured in the center jump circle and each team utilized a logo, wordmark or graphic to apply over the entire court.

 

For more information about the Emirates NBA Cup 2024, visit NBA.com/nbacup or the NBA App.