The HBCU All-Star Game's Impact Is Real

On Sunday afternoon in Houston, Texas, Travis Williams' vision and dream to represent the best HBCU college basketball players in the 2nd Annual HBCU All-Star Game was once again a tremendous success.

"When it's all said and done, we're supporting us," Travis Williams told HBCU Legends. "We'll be in Phoenix [in 2024]. Wherever the Final Four travels, we'll be there. The historical significance of this event is for us to be a part of college basketball's biggest weekend." He continued, "The environment, the atmosphere, the love, the pageantry for HBCUs...the love, that's just what it's about. This is a God-driven vision for us."

THE GAME'S IMPACT ON PLAYERS

The game's impact began with the players' arrival on Tuesday, at Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner's press conference, a Pro Day event, to visiting the Cuney Homes housing project, an event dinner, prayer breakfast, and the game itself, HBCU basketball's past, present, and future was proud.

Team Barnett won the HBCU All-Star over Team Reed, 113-99. Nathaniel Pollard, Jr. of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore won the game's MVP award after posting 10 points and 13 rebounds. "It's amazing," Pollard said about winning the MVP honor. "Hard work paid off. I just stayed with it. I thank God, my family, and the support of teammates for everything."

Texas Southern's star Joirdon Karl Nicholas led Team Reed with 26 points for his last outing on his home court. The senior forward remarked, "I feel amazing being able to play my last game at TSU. And going out with that performance, I feel blessed." His next step? "To go play professional basketball!" His TSU Tigers teammate John Walker III, along with Joe Bryant Jr. (Norfolk State), and Sam Sessions (Coppin State), all mentioned to HBCU Legends how they were happy to be a part of the event.

Williams included a HBCU All-Star Pro Day where he invited scouts from across the National Basketball Association to meet, workout, and evaluate the players.

THE GAME'S CULTURAL IMPACT

The HBCU All-Star Game had notable celebrities in the audience. Civil Rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, Congresswoman Shelia Jackson-Lee, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Civil Rights attorney Benjamin Crump, and several dignitaries were seated courtside supporting the players and event.

Hall of Fame sports broadcaster Ralph Cooper cited, "When you think about Texas Southern University and all of what's happening. A big HBCU basketball game is broadcast live on CBS. Back in the day, we had black-and-white television and used pliers to keep it from rolling. This is fantastic to see this happening."

THE GAME'S IMPACT ON SPONSORS

Aflac and Capital One presented checks of $25,000 each as partners of the HBCU All-Star Game. The supplemental insurance giant has supported HBCU sports events and institutions over the past years. Aflac's Chief Marketing Officer Garth Knutson expressed, "I was thrilled to see a full arena in just the second year of this event. The atmosphere was electric."

Phoenix is the next stop for the HBCU All-Star Game in 2024. COO April Taylor said although there's not an HBCU school in the Phoenix area, they will "figure out a way to represent HBCUs" at the game.

The HBCU All-Star Game, like the Bayou Classic, Magic City Classic, Orange Blossom Classic, and HBCU Legacy Bowl, will become a mainstay for HBCU sports enthusiasts. Why? What I've witnessed goes beyond basketball. The cultural interest strikes a chord with HBCU fans and supporters like CBS, Buick, Aflac, Capital One, Nike, and TurboTax, who have the resources to assist with the dreams of 24 HBCU basketball stars who aspire to become professional players.

Kudos to Travis Williams, his team, sponsors, and interns. The HBCU All-Star Game was well done. Most of all, its impact is real.