The NBA season is perhaps over, however contained in the Philadelphia 76ers’ Chase Fieldhouse, on a heat weekend in Could, you might nonetheless hear the sounds of newly-gifted kicks squeaking on the hardwood flooring, the satisfying sound of hitting nothing however web and good hoops being performed.
Organized by One Objective 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 greatest 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 employees earlier than tip-off whereas sharing pre-game phrases of encouragement to all of the aspiring gamers.
“It’s necessary to me to come back again and help occasions like these as a result of I used to be in the identical spot, taking part in on the identical stage and it labored for me,” he stated.
And it’s true. Earlier than stifling the NBA’s greatest 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 obtained the eye of former All-Star Charles Oakley. From there, he transferred to and have become an HBCU-alum at Virginia Union, and the remaining is historical past. “It’s necessary 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 12 months had been numerous 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 Massive 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 Could eleventh. The ladies’ recreation tipped-off first, because the MEAC “Rise” overcame a ten-point deficit and outscored the SIAC “Overrides” 67-53, with guard Alyssa Febres successful Sport MVP. In celebration of their achievements, 5 girls from the showcase obtained full scholarships to Benedict School. The boys recreation closed out the double-header, the place the SWAC “Assaults” outlasted the CIAA “Chosen Ones” 86-78, with guard D’Andre Gibbs awarded Sport MVP.
However even because the buzzer sounds within the 76ers’ Chase Fieldhouse, with the primary Ballin’ Showcase drawing to an in depth, the present goes on. To kick off the summer season 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.
Pictures by Anthony Geathers.
