Chris Paul is welcoming another year highlighting HBCU players. Learn more in the Arizona Republic story by Duane Rankin below.
Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame continue their collaboration with the second Boost Mobile HBCU Challenge hosted by Chris Paul and Boost Mobile HBCU Tip-Off later this year.
“We are so excited for the second year of our HBCU Challenge,” said the 12-time All-Star in a news release.
“It is great to work with our partners to give these student-athletes a national stage they may not otherwise have. I hope these events gives these players an experience that they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. I sincerely appreciate the collaboration of the Basketball Hall of Fame, Mohegan Sun and MGM. We love Boost Mobile as a partner because of their commitment to HBCU schools and athletes in partnership with this event.”
The HBCU Tip-Off will be played at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., for a second straight year Nov. 15-16 featuring Clark Atlanta University, Virginia Union University, Johnson C. Smith University, and Xavier University of Louisiana.
“Chris Paul has been a committed supporter of HBCUs and has diligently worked to create opportunities for the student-athletes at these institutions,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, in a news release. “The Hall of Fame is excited to build on last year’s success, and we look forward to watching both of these tournaments in an exciting two weekends of basketball.”
Last year, Virginia Union won the HBCU Tip-Off championship game over Winston-Salem State University, 59-55, after beating West Virginia State University, which later defeated Morehouse College in the consolation game.
“We are excited about defending our crown next season at the Chris Paul HBCU Tip-Off Tournament,” said Virginia Union coach Lester “Jay” Butler in a news release. “This is a first-class tournament, and we are honored to be invited back for the second year. I can’t thank Chris Paul enough for giving Virginia Union University a platform to showcase our talent on a big stage.”
The HBCU Challenge is set for Dec. 17-18 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas featuring Norfolk State University, Hampton University, Texas Southern University and North Carolina A&T State University.
Last year’s HBCU Challenge was played at Footprint Center last November. Norfolk State finished 2-0 with wins over Hampton and Grambling University.
“It’s exciting to be back a part of the Chris Paul HBCU Challenge, said Norfolk State coach Robert Jones in a news release. “Last year’s experience was amazing and first class. With this platform, it will continue to shine a national light on HBCU culture, players and coaches. We can’t wait to get to Vegas.”
Morgan State University lost to Grambling, but defeated Hampton in its second game.
“We are proud to be a part of the CP3 HBCU Classic again,” said Hampton coach Edward “Buck” Joyner in a news release. “The classic was a first-class event last year presented by Chris and CJ (Paul). We were able to expose our athletes to an amazing experience while simultaneously gaining exposure for our basketball program. We are truly grateful to Chris for what he has done for Hampton University men’s basketball, but more importantly for the advocacy, intentionality, resources, time, and opportunities he is dedicating to the advancement of our Historically Black Colleges and Universities.”
CJ Paul, who played at Hampton, is Chris Paul’s older brother.
