The NBA season is perhaps over, however contained in the Philadelphia 76ers’ Chase Fieldhouse, on a heat weekend in Might, you might nonetheless hear the sounds of newly-gifted kicks squeaking on the hardwood flooring, the satisfying sound of hitting nothing however internet and good hoops being performed.
Organized by One Purpose One Youth, a corporation that’s devoted to empowering youth athletes and supply academic alternatives, founder Rachel Naughton led the helm of placing collectively the primary “Ballin’ HBCU” Excessive College Basketball Showcase. They teamed up with AND1 to host an invitation-only event that featured over 40 of New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland’s finest highschool athletes. The aim? To be the bridge that connects these gamers with the tutorial and athletic packages of Traditionally Black Faculties and Universities (HBCUs).
On the sidelines: Corridor of Famer Ben Wallace—a long-time supporter of AND1—signed autographs for the followers in attendance, posed for photos with the gamers and workers earlier than tip-off whereas sharing pre-game phrases of encouragement to all of the aspiring gamers.
“It’s vital to me to come back again and help occasions like these as a result of I used to be in the identical spot, enjoying on the identical stage and it labored for me,” he mentioned.
And it’s true. Earlier than stifling the NBA’s finest scorers together with his near-unparalleled defensive tenacity and shot-blocking, Wallace made a reputation for himself by means of these basketball camps, the place he bought the eye of former All-Star Charles Oakley. From there, he transferred to and have become an HBCU-alum at Virginia Union, and the remainder is historical past. “It’s vital to come back again, present help, and let these gamers know something is feasible,” Wallace added.
Alongside the previous four-time Defensive Participant of the Yr had been varied AND1 Mixtape Legends—together with Shane “The Dribble Machine” Woney, Duke Tango, Leaky Roof and The Pharmacist—who had been taking the sights and sounds whereas signing autographs for attendees with Large Ben. Whereas all that transpired, the showcase integrated a youth band efficiency and several other giveaways to punctuate the day with extra power.
All this culminated within the showcase’s aggressive ladies’ and boys’ video games on Might eleventh. The ladies’ sport tipped-off first, because the MEAC “Rise” overcame a ten-point deficit and outscored the SIAC “Overrides” 67-53, with guard Alyssa Febres successful Recreation MVP. In celebration of their achievements, 5 ladies from the showcase acquired full scholarships to Benedict School. The boys sport closed out the double-header, the place the SWAC “Assaults” outlasted the CIAA “Chosen Ones” 86-78, with guard D’Andre Gibbs awarded Recreation MVP.
However even because the buzzer sounds within the 76ers’ Chase Fieldhouse, with the primary Ballin’ Showcase drawing to a detailed, the present goes on. To kick off the summer time season, AND1 resumed their Open Run Tour at Coney Island, New York, on June twenty third, as their neverending mission of spotlighting the subsequent technology of gamers and uniting people by means of the sport continues.
Photographs by Anthony Geathers.
