From the HERE City National Desk
PHOENIX — Howard University will meet Tennessee State next winter in the NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T, a showcase slotted for All-Star Weekend in Arizona.
Tipoff is set for noon Mountain Time on Saturday, Feb. 20, inside the Phoenix Convention Center fan festival known as Jam Session. Howard is back after capturing the opening Classic in 2022. Tennessee State is entering the event for the first time.
Deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said the card celebrates both schools basketball histories while giving student-athletes a worldwide stage. AT&T and the league are splitting campus gifts that total $50,000 for Howard and the same amount for Tennessee State. Since widening HBCU outreach in 2021, NBA-linked contributions to campuses, partners and scholarships have surpassed $5.8 million.
Howard coach Kenny Blakeney called a second All-Star Weekend berth meaningful for students who can build contacts beyond tipoff. Tennessee State coach Nolan Smith, who once played in the league, said the exposure lifts his players, campus and alumni. Front-office alumni ties include John Wall with Howard and Robert Covington with Tennessee State.
Fans can buy seats through the leagues All-Star ticketing portal, which also unlocks same-day Jam Session entry. Foot Locker plans another welcome gathering that features band and cheer competitions between the schools.
