The NBA season is likely to be over, however contained in the Philadelphia 76ers’ Chase Fieldhouse, on a heat weekend in Might, you may 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 Aim One Youth, a company 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 match that featured over 40 of New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland’s finest highschool athletes. The purpose? 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 return again and assist 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 via these basketball camps, the place he received 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 return again, present assist, and let these gamers know something is feasible,” Wallace added.
Alongside the previous four-time Defensive Participant of the 12 months have been numerous AND1 Mixtape Legends—together with Shane “The Dribble Machine” Woney, Duke Tango, Leaky Roof and The Pharmacist—who have been taking the sights and sounds whereas signing autographs for attendees with Huge 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 women’ sport tipped-off first, because the MEAC “Rise” overcame a ten-point deficit and outscored the SIAC “Overrides” 67-53, with guard Alyssa Febres profitable Sport MVP. In celebration of their achievements, 5 ladies from the showcase obtained full scholarships to Benedict Faculty. 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 Sport 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 era of gamers and uniting people via the sport continues.
Images by Anthony Geathers.
