The NBA season may be over, but at the Philadelphia 76ers’ Chase Fieldhouse on a warm May weekend, you can still hear the sounds of newly awarded shots on the wooden floor, along with the satisfying sound of hitting the net. playable loops.
Being organized One goal one youth organization dedicated to empowering young athletes and providing educational opportunities, founder Rachel Naughton headlined the first Ballin’ HBCU high school basketball showcase. They teamed up with AND1 to host an invitation-only tournament featuring over 40 of the top high school athletes in New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland. The purpose: To be a bridge that connects these players to the academic and athletic programs of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Hall of Famer Ben Wallace, a longtime AND1 supporter, signed autographs for fans in attendance, posed for photos with players and staff before tip-off, while sharing pregame words of encouragement for all comers. players
“It’s important for me to come back and support events like this because I was in the same place, playing on the same stage, and it worked for me,” he said.
And that’s true. Before stifling the NBA’s top scorers with his nearly unmatched defensive tenacity and shot-blocking, Wallace made a name for himself through these basketball camps, where he caught the attention of former All-Star Charles Oakley. From there, he transferred to Virginia Union HBCU and the rest is history. “It’s important to come back and show support and let these players know that anything is possible,” Wallace added.
The former four-time Defensive Player of the Year was joined by AND1 Mixtape legends including Shane “The Dribble Machine” Vaughan, Duke Tango, Leaky Roof and The Pharmacist signing autographs with Big Ben for those in attendance. . Before all that happened, the showcase included a youth band performance and some giveaways to celebrate the day with more energy.
It all culminated on May 11 with the exhibition girls and boys competitive games. The girls game was first as MEAC “Rise” overcame a ten-point deficit to beat SIAC “Overrides” 67-53, with guard Alyssa Febres winning game MVP. In recognition of their achievements, the five women in the showcase received full scholarships to Benedict College. The boys game capped off the doubleheader with the SWAC Attacks outlasting the CIAA Chosen 86-78 and guard D’Andre Gibbs earning the game’s MVP.
But even as the buzzer rings at the 76ers’ Chase Fieldhouse as the first Ballin’ Showcase draws to a close, the show goes on. To kick off the summer season, AND1 kicked off its Open Run Tour in Coney Island, New York on June 23, as it continues its never-ending mission to spotlight the next generation of gamers and unite individuals through the game.
Photos by Anthony Gaithers.
