What does achievement mean to you? For the ten men who founded Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. on January 5, 1911 at Indiana University, it meant staying on the path to greatness despite the environment of racial discrimination that surrounded them. Indiana University was heavily supporting the Jim Crow laws, so there was a small number of African Americans students attending the university. The racist locals who opposed black students learning in their institutions did little to lift the few African-American students’ morale.
Ten African-American men- Elder Watson Diggs ‘The Dreamer’, Dr. Ezra D. Alexander, Dr. Byron Kenneth Armstrong, Atty. Henry Tourner Asher, Dr. Marcus Peter Blakemore, Paul Waymond Caine, George Wesley Edmonds, Dr. Guy Levis Grant, Edward Giles Irvin, and Sgt. John Milton Lee- persevered through the hate and discrimination to found Kappa Alpha Psi. Even though Kappa Alpha Psi was founded at a predominantly white institution, the Kappas do have a strong presence, as do all of the Divine Nine, at HBCUs.
‘The Dreamer’ Diggs, the fraternity’s first Grand Polemarch, originally studied at Howard University before transferring to Indiana University. It was at Howard University where he met founder Byron Kenneth Armstrong. The Kappas would return to Howard to charter the Xi chapter in 1920.
The Gamma Gamma chapter plot at Talladega College.
After Indiana, the fraternity went on to charter several of its first chapters on HBCU campuses: Delta chapter at Wilberforce University, Epsilon chapter at Lincoln University, Xi chapter at Howard University, Pi chapter at Morehouse College, and Tau chapter at West Virginia State University. HBCU graduates have excelled in every category one can name: science, law, politics, entertainment, etc. Surely, Kappa Alpha Psi has produced members from HBCUs who have achieved in every human endeavor.
Philip Wood scored 24 points in the blowout against Chowan University. (Durane Byrd)
On Wednesday January 4th the Chowan Hawks went to Brayboy Gymnasium (Charlotte, NC) to face their CIAA opponent, the Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith. Both teams needed a win and were at .500 in the standings before the game. The score of the game was 27-24 then JCSU took advantage with 3:43 remaining before halftime and that’s when JCSU took full control of Chowan’s defense. The Golden Bulls went on a 10-2 run to close out the first half.
JCSU head coach Stephen Joyner, Sr. said after the game: “The level of competition at the tournament in Illinois forced us to examine our own talents. I was pleased to see how we have responded and gelled in some areas. I still have some concerns about our rebounding and team defense, but ultimately we’re positively progressing.”
Midway through the 2nd half, JCSU used a 16-3 spurt to take an 83-49 lead and seized control of the game. Chowan would score the final 11 points of the game, and held JCSU scoreless over the final 3:28. Four Golden Bulls finished the game in double-digits for points, led by Phillip Wood. Wood concluded the evening with a game-high 24 points and eight rebounds. Rickey Lamb for Chowan led his team with a career high 16 points. The final score of the game was 95-69. The Hawks fall to 6-7 overall, and 0-1 in CIAA play. JCSU is now 6-5 (1-0 CIAA).
Jamel Austin and Nuggets forward Gary Forbes after a great session of Above Average Training. (Above Average)
Jamel Austin knows basketball. He also knows Gary Ervin.
Some might say that’s where the similarities end for the two men. But there is more. There’s the fact that they are around the same age. They were teammates in high school. OK, so maybe there’s not so much depth there. Find a roster from the 2002 squad at Brooklyn’s Paul Robeson High, and there will be about 10 other names on there with the same things in common with Austin and Ervin. But while Austin knows the game and his friend Ervin, there is another way to look at these two men.
Gary Ervin knows basketball. He also knows Jamel Austin. And that’s what has helped Jamel Austin see things he never thought were possible. Jamel Austin came to Fayetteville State after starring at the junior college level in New York. By his final season in 2007-08, Austin was a reliable guard, averaging nearly 11 points per game in over 32 minutes a game. He started 24 of 25 games, was among the CIAA’s leaders in assists per game with 5.1 and even added 3.5 rebounds a game. A year earlier, Austin started all 28 games.
Jamel Austin was a good player for the Broncos. But when the games were done, and a Mass Communications degree in hand, Austin still found himself searching for an edge. He compiled film for the NBA, but that left him a little cold. Watching guys play ball was a lot different, Austin found, than actually having the ball in his hand.
He hung around Felton J. Capel Arena some, looking for a game. As anyone with a Broncos background knows, games are pretty easy to come by in Capel for a guy like Austin. Guys like to play with someone they know will get them the ball. Austin can do that. Before long, he realized he could do even more.
Gary Ervin is a baller. High-major. When he left Robeson, he landed at Mississippi State. After a couple of seasons there, Ervin transferred to Arkansas. In two seasons at Arkansas, Ervin was a key player, averaging nearly 10 ppg in those two seasons, playing more than 30 minutes a game. Ervin wasn’t drafted into the NBA, but there are other leagues that will pay you to play.
Ervin found them. A year ago, he was named the MVP of the National Basketball League in Australia after putting up 20.1 ppg, 4.5 assists and 3.4 rebounds. He then moved on to the Ukraine, hooking on with BC Kyiv. This is Gary Ervin’s life. He may not be in an NBA uniform, but he’s gathering paychecks for his game. But even a guy like Gary Ervin needs help. And he knew just who to call.
Jamel Austin found his niche in the same place he found a home for his game. Capel Arena. He began running former teammates through drills. He led impromptu individual workouts. He began teaching. “I realized then I wanted to do something with basketball,” Austin says now, just days after returning home to Brooklyn, still fighting off the jet lag. “I wanted to stay around basketball.” At night, he began studying. Basketball videos. Drills. Books. Game film. Anything he could get his hands on.
“I looked at film and studied everything I could,”he says. “I’d study eight hours a day – game film, video, whatever. I didn’t always need to go to the gym.” The epiphany began to wash over him. Austin found the drills that clicked. He even began studying mental exercises. “You have to be elite mentally first,” he says now. “You have to be mentally strong, and then you have the tools necessary to keep working on your skills, to do all of the extra work that it takes.” With former FSU teammate (and current Broncos assistant coach) Mike Moses, Austin organized Above Average Training (www.AboveAverageTraining.com), putting his vision in place. All he needed now were clients. So he went home.
Who you know and what you know. Jamel Austin has turned the old cliché upside down. He uses both parts equally. Austin played AAU basketball with Gary Forbes, who had signed with the Denver Nuggets in 2010 after bouncing around basketball’s various professional leagues after playing at the University of Massachusetts. Back home in Brooklyn, Forbes needed a gym to work out in during the offseason. Word got out to Austin. He had a gym. Therefore, he had Forbes.
“I just jumped on it. I could get into a gym, and so I had him come down,” Austin says.
Austin worked Forbes out. The former teammates got along well. A series of workouts followed, some of which included Forbes’teammate from the Nuggets, former North Carolina star Ty Lawson. The word was getting out. Forbes and his game stayed in shape, and he was able to sign a contract with the Toronto Raptors. J.J. Hickson, a former N.C. State standout now with the Sacramento Kings, hooked up with Austin. “It all happened so quickly,” Austin says of his training career. “My dream came true. All of a sudden I was training NBA players.”
Jamel Austin heard from his good friend. Seven time zones away, Ervin felt like his game could be sharper. He offered Austin a trip of a lifetime – come to Kiev, Ukraine, for the league’s 2 ½-month season and work with Ervin for the duration. Austin packed his bags and headed to the former Eastern Bloc. “It wasn’t easy adjusting from the U.S. to Europe, that’s for sure,” Austin says.
But he did refine Ervin’s game. Working around the team’s laborious practice and game schedule, Ervin had a strong season at the point, ranking among the league’s best in assist-to-turnover ratio.
A successful season concluded, Austin returned home to Brooklyn, where more opportunities await. Austin recently signed with RBA Sports Agency, and will move his training into the Basketball City center in New York. His career is in full swing.
But Austin had to take the necessary steps to get there. His first one was on the Capel Arena hardwood. “I just have to thank God,” he says. “Just going to North Carolina and to Fayetteville State changed everything for me. It helped me mature so quickly. Lord knows where I’d be if I didn’t go to Fayetteville State.”
“The schoolwork, basketball – all of the experiences at Fayetteville State prepared me for my life afterwards.
How far are you willing to go for a pair of Jordans?
Every year, different groups of people make a special journey to a hollowed ground or location to pay homage to or worship. Muslims are required by the 5 Pillars of Islam to go on Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca to unite in worship of Allah. Families of soldiers visit memorials with their lost one’s name inscribed in them, as an eternal homage to their bravery and sacrifice.
Every year, young men and women travel in packs to Foot Lockers and DTLRs across the county for the newest release of the Air Jordan Retro shoes. This year, it was the Jordan XI Concords, sold at retailers for $180. Though not a holy place, these outlets hold the Holy Grail for shoe collectors: Retro Jordans.
The Air Jordans’ phenomenon is found in their exclusiveness and their mystique. They are proud to own shoes that have been released before—and will undoubtedly be rereleased again in the future. The same Jordan XI that were released in 1995 are the same as the ones released in 2001 and 2011; only difference is the color. What doesn’t differ is the color of the people stampeding, stabbing and shooting each other for the sneakers.
Another reason for the brand’s popularity is the popularity of the name: Michael Jordan. Each Retro Jordan shoe released tells a story related to the career of Michael Jordan. Jordan wore the XI during the Chicago Bulls’ 72-win championship season of 1995-1996. He has shoes dedicated to significant moments in his career: The Shot in Cleveland, the 1984 playoffs where he scored a playoff record 63 points against Larry Bird’s Celtics, and 6 NBA Championships. Everyone wanted to be like Mike, and to be like Mike meant buying his shoes. It didn’t matter if the shoes didn’t help one jump higher or play better. You just had to have them.
It did not take long for the Air Jordan brand to gain notoriety. The Air Jordan I debuted in 1985 in a red, black and white colorway that was revolutionary for sneakers and costly for Jordan. The NBA banned the shoes and Jordan was fined $5,000 a game for wearing the shoes, but he defiantly wore them still. That controversial genesis of the brand has carried over to its future releases. People are being robbed at bus stops, mothers are leaving children behind cars—for sneakers.
Since then, the Jordan Retro shoes have become a staple in the shoe collector subculture. Collectors buy every shoe in the series to add to their collection. Some people buy the shoes on their release and sell them for twice or triple what they paid for. It is an indication of the power of the Jordan brand, and a poignant display of how materialism is still driving a wedge between African Americans and everyone else.
Black pumps are essential for a college woman's wardrobe.
An elegant pair of closed-toe black pumps should have been all college women’s gift list this past Christmas. These classic shoes, which seem to be a staple for most politicians’ wives, are timeless and will polish up the simplest professional skirt suit or casual button-down and slacks. Regardless of how you define your personal style, a simple pair of black pumps is essential for every woman’s wardrobe.
Black pumps are no longer reserved for first ladies; these are the perfect go-to shoes for a major interview or a business brunch. Of course, black pumps (unless they are platforms) aren’t something that most college women reach for on a daily basis, but a woman can never go wrong with these ageless beauties.
Consider classic black pumps an investment. If worn with care, most should last two to three years. For an added twist, purchase a pair of black pumps with a jeweled point or a funky heel. Having an alternative to the traditional pump might be more appealing for those who consider their fashion sense to be out-of-the-box.
Here are five sophisticated pumps worthy of your dollars:
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – More than 100 Florida A&M University students visited New Orleans, La., for three days and two nights during the holiday season helping families affected by Hurricane Katrina.
It has been six years since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, yet there is still a need for assistance. The purpose of the trip was to bring toys for the children affected by the hurricane, and volunteer at the local community centers.
“It honestly was extremely heart breaking to see that six years later, New Orleans looks as if Katrina was just yesterday,” said Jasmine Louis, a junior English education student from Orlando, Fla. “I immediately wanted to cry for all the families put out of their homes. It’s sad to see that people are still struggling.” Upon their arrival to New Orleans, rather than checking into their hotel, FAMU students immediately began a tour of the Lower Ninth Ward, an area that was hit hardest by the storm.
“It was truly an incredible experience going to the Lower Ninth Ward,” said Antonio Hairston, a senior public relations student from Miami, Fla. “It reminds you that there are people out there who still need help. The tour was not only touching, but it also taught me about the area as well.”
The following morning, students woke up bright and early for a day of service. FAMU students were split into groups, with students visiting the Gretna Boys and Girls Club, Lower Ninth Ward Boys and Girls Club and the Iberville Boys and Girls Club.
“We painted, mopped, performed carpentry and interacted with as many children as we could,” said Mike Woodward, a senior business administration student from Georgia. “Overall, we gave back to others as much as we could.”
At the Boys and Girls Club, the students gave away hundreds of toys that were donated by FAMU’s student body. “It was a rewarding experience,” said Matthew Holte, a junior political science student from Tampa, Fla. “It was pretty neat to put a smile on a child’s face.”
Lawrence Johnson-Danner led the Texas Southern Tigers to Victory over Alcorn State.
Texas Southern sent a strong message to the SWAC with an impressive 87-52 blowout victory over the Alcorn State Braves Tuesday night.
Junior guard Dexter Ellington led the way in the conference opener with 10 of his 17 points coming in the second half in addition to his five steals. Lawrence Johnson-Danner scored 13 points and Omar Strong pitched in 12, including going four of five from the 3-point line.
Twann Oakley scored 14 points for Alcorn (3-10) and Ken McDonald added 13.
TSU’s length and athleticism made it difficult for Alcorn to operate offensively. In the first half, the Tigers’ trapping defense resulted in nine steals. The Braves turned the ball over 29 times and the Tigers capitalized by scoring 38 points.
“I thought we did a good job getting to the areas, limiting guys and not giving them open looks,” said Texas Southern head coach Tony Harvey.
Texas Southern (2-11) started the game running their offense on the block through their big man Aaron Clayborn, who scored the Tigers first four points. The Braves ‘defense then made the adjustments needed by double teaming him in the paint but the Tigers simply started draining outside shots.
The Tigers shot 53 percent from behind the arc, making 10 of 19 3-pointers, eight of which came in the first half alone.
At the 6:56 mark of the first half mark with the score 21-12, sophomore guard Lawrence Johnson-Danner caught fire and went on his own 11 point run, including making three straight shots from behind the arch.
“I’ve been off lately,” said Johnson-Danner. “I’m just trying to get back my confidence and get back to playing the way I play and doing the things I know can do.”
TSU displayed a well-balanced offense, while the starters scored 51 points they got good production of the bench as the supporting cast scored 36.
Collectively, the Tigers played a well-rounded game in the conference opener and their message to the rest of the teams in the leagues is that they want it all.
“Championship that’s it,” said Coach Harvey. “We have one goal we are going to be a little hungrier and continue to work at it.”
I have noticed that the wrist watch has become the forgotten accessory for many. While a lot of people opt to use their mobile devices for checking the time, I still enjoy the simplicity of the time piece. Though the watch has gone through spurts of time when everybody wanted one (the G-shock), they often fade back to non-existence again.
You can find that our favorite celebrities enjoy wearing wrist watches, but not because they want to tell time. The wrist watch has become somewhat of a status symbol, thanks to brands like Hublot, Rolex, and Brietling. The flashy time pieces worn by these icons often can make the average person feel that a simple watch is not enough anymore, so they just won’t wear one. However, I have learned that your watch can say a lot about you without being “blinged out”.
Personally I prefer an analog clock for my watches but most people like to go digital. Analog watches are more appropriate for business meetings and formal occasions, but digital watches are more for your casual days where you’re headed to class or hanging with friends. Choosing the best watch for your style means you have one that goes with everything and watches for a specific occasion.
I like having many to choose from because there are many variations of color, finishes, and bands. A watch can finish off my perfect look when bangles aren’t an option. Whatever you choose you should make sure your happy with it. Who knows, maybe one day you will upgrade to one of those high-end watches that allow you to symbolize your rising status.
But always remember: you must govern the clock, don’t let it govern you!
Sophomore point guard Jeremy Underwood drives to the basket against a Carver defender. (Kevin Dorsey)
GREENSBORO – For anyone wondering why North Carolina A&T men’s basketball coach Jerry Eaves schedules a team like Carver Bible College in January, the answer became clear Tuesday night. It took an extra five minutes before the Aggies were finally able to beat the Cougars 85-76 in overtime. The win snapped an eight-game losing streak for N.C. A&T. All eight losses came during an eight-game road trip.
“It takes a long time to get those losses out of your system,” said Eaves. “When you come off the road after losing seven or eight in a row, the mindset is not winning. I don’t care who you are. It’s very important to schedule these games so you can get the winning edge back on your shoulders before you go into the conference. This is nothing new for us. We normally start the New Year slow before we get it going.”
The game hopefully served to rid the Aggies of some bad habits before defending MEAC regular-season champion Bethune-Cookman heads into Corbett Sports Center Saturday afternoon at 4. The Aggies were just 4-for-19 from 3-point range, surrendered 19 offensive rebounds to the Cougars and were hit with two technical fouls.
The game turned in the Aggies favor when Austin Witter took a pass from Marc Hill and knocked down a 3-pointer with 3:31 remaining in overtime to give the Aggies a 76-71 lead. But even that was tarnished when Witter was hit with his second technical foul for taunting.
An anti-hazing plan has been put into effect by FAMU's board of trustess after constant hazing allegations from the university's famous Marching 100 band. (Michael Sugrue)
Amid ongoing investigations into the death of Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion, the school’s board of trustees has come to an agreement on how the institution will move forward with its efforts to stem the culture of hazing that has become synonymous with band membership.
In a 9-1 vote Monday, the board approved a plan which includes the formation of an independent committee tasked with studying hazing, as well as the construction of a campus memorial in memory of Champion and the creation of a scholarship in Champion’s name.
The board specified that the independent committee would consist of five experts from the fields of law, academia, public policy, psychology and band organizations. The panel will examine hazing at other universities and how students resist hazing in an effort to determine how the university’s award-winning Marching 100 band should be managed.
Although the trustees came to the decision with just one dissenter, who called the measures “shortsighted,” Champion’s family seemed to agree with the lone, rogue trustee.
“Memorials, scholarships and committees will not bring Robert Champion back, nor will they prevent another student from dying as a result of the culture of hazing in the FAMU marching band,” the family’s attorney, Christopher Chestnut, said in an email, according to The Associated Press. “We hope that the FAMU administration focuses its time and resources on developing substantive strategies that protect its band members from hazing; that is the legacy Robert would have wanted.”
Whether you’re a suit wearer, or more of a casual dresser, every man should have a suit in his closet. Most guys don’t care for wearing suits because of the negative connotations of being a “Nerd” or “Loser” which they’ve received from their peers in the black community. Although, I think most guys are actually afraid of wearing suits because they don’t know how to wear them properly.
Wearing a suit is no longer for the 50-year-old man going to church; nowadays young men donning suits is the more hip and upscale thing to do. It’s time to get out of those oversized country suits that your “Great Uncle” used to wear, and slip into chic, up-to-date suits that will make any man stand out in the proper way, in any crowd.
I’m going to give you a couple of quick tips to make sure you stay young and fresh, yet remain professional.
Color Coordinate:
Make sure you pair shirt and tie combo’s with the exterior color of the suit. This does not mean, “Matching”, this simply means, you need to pick colors from the same color palette and pair them with your suit. Mix-and-Match.
Insist on Quality
For those of us who don’t dress for the business world daily, a quality suit is an investment. When purchasing your initial suits make sure you keep them to a minimum with color choices. Black, Navy, Brown, and Grey are the essentials. Anything after that is solely for fashion purposes.
Tailor
Usually when you purchase a quality suit, the retailer offers tailoring services — please accept them. There is no such thing as a suit that fits properly right off-hand. Tailor the suit to your comfort, but make sure the jacket fits properly with no wrinkles across the shoulders/back and the pants have the minimum amount of slack and bundle in them. A good tailor keeps the suit size appropriate, and makes your investment last longer.
Complete Your Look
To finish your newly refined look, pair with simple and classic accessories. Ties, Bow Ties, Cufflinks, and Shoes should compliment the suit, not take away from it. Save the flashy colored shoes, and loud print ties for your uncle.
You need to keep your look simple, and versatile. You should be able to go from class, do a presentation, go on a lunch date with colleagues, have meetings, stop through a forum and meet with your significant other, all in one day with one suit. Time to step it up men.
Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965 is a federally funded program designed to support the infrastructure of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and other institutions serving a high percentage of needy students. HBCUs like Tennessee State University receive millions of dollars annually to strengthen various academic programs, administrative operations, and student services. (Tennessee State)
HBCUs have become an essential part of the American education system. From its
Believe it or not there could be a major dent of funding for all HBCUs with only one vote. Congress has been locked in debates as to how they can reduce the national deficit. With this issue still lingering, it ultimately puts a threat to all students attending HBCUs as well as the existence of the illustrious institutions as we know it. We must protect the program Title III, Part B “Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” of the Higher Education Act; which aids all HBCUs. The Congressional Super Committee could suggest and actually eradicate programs important to all HBCUs. This is not the only Act to be threatened but also Pell Grants, which many students receive. Is President Obama, who had a conference at the White House during HBCU Week in September going to let that happen?
The bigger question is: will you sit back, and let this happen? If you want to see things change you have the opportunity to speak out and take ACTION. We must be the change we want to see, right? The United Negro College Fund is urging everyone to jump on board in this fight to protect and preserve HBCUs. UNCF and those affected wants your voice can be heard. This is not just a task for current students, but all those connected to HBCUS in any way shape or form. You can go on www.UNCG.org/advocacy, and click on the Take action button. There is also a chart which in tells each HBCU and who to contact.
I charge everyone to share this information. Be sure your perspective HBCU is aware and taking action on campus to make sure the decision to cut funding for HBCUs does not happen, this is YOUR reality, and you have control.
For a definition of Federal funding, read the quote below:
Federal funds are all monies received directly from the United States Government, the expenditure of which is administered through or under the direction of any State agency and reported as Federal Trust Fund monies in the “Reconciliation with Appropriations” in the Governor’s Budget. As discussed in SAM Sections 6131 and 6141.4, no distinction is made between Federal reimbursements and Federal grants; and, therefore, all money received directly from the United States Government, with the exception of revenues as defined below, is to be treated as a source of funds and reported as Federal Trust Fund monies in each department’s budget. Revenue, as defined by SAM Section 6136, is an addition to cash or other current assets which does not increase any liability or reserve, nor represent the recovery of an expenditure, e.g., reimbursements and abatements, and should be accounted according to procedures contained in SAM Section 8200. Some examples of revenue are: sale of documents, sale of water, rentals of State property, sale of forest products, and sale of State public lands.
Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. -Muhammad Ali
NBA superstars like Chris Paul have established scholarship foundations and mentor programs to give back to the community.
As I get older it has begun to dawn on me how many blessings that I have in my life. I think about all the young adults and children who are less privileged than I have and I am overwhelmed with the desire to give back.
As privileged, young, black college students I believe it is one of our duties to in some way, shape or form reach out and give back to those in communities that are less fortunate than us. Think back to 60 years ago,when we had to learn in the shadows, out of sight of racists who would beat slaves for reading.
We had to literally fight for our lives every day just to get an education and now we have over 100 Historically Black Colleges/Universities across America.
In order to be examples of success, we must try our hardest to not only give back to our communities but work as mentors for the generation of young black leaders to come after us.
There are so many tainted messages being broadcasted in the media that is important we set positive images for our younger generation to look up to and that we show them by example that they can excel in all areas of life. It is vital that we provide them with role models not solely in the entertainment or sports industry. We must help improve our cities, high schools, elementary schools, orphanages and nursing homes in any little way we can, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, intelligence and servitude.
It is important to remember that we are blessed to be a blessing and that as this generation moves forward we also reach back to pull somebody else; by doing so we will pay homage to those who fought so that we may have the rights that we have today. What better way to honor their sacrifice than continuing to carry the torch through service ?
Alabama A&M & Jackson State will be battling Tuesday night to begin their SWAC conference play. (The Huntsville Times/Bob Gathany)
Two SWAC competitors are looking to face off in their first conference game of the year, as the Jackson State Tigers square off against the Alabama A&M Bulldogs.
With the lack of defense exhibited by both squads, this matchup could become a shootout, as Alabama A&M averages 62.7 points per game while allowing 77.3 points per game. The JSU Tigers are no better on the defensive end, giving up 72.3 points per contest while scoring 55.3.
The Bulldogs (2-7) looked impressive in back to back victories over Oakwood and Talladega, but have failed to gain any momentum heading into this SWAC matchup, having lost six consecutive games. Alabama A&M will be led by senior Casey Cantey, who is averaging 14 points a game.
Jackson State (2-10) has seen a season full of promise start as a season to forget. The team’s only wins have come against Concordia and Southern Methodist, with a five game losing streak in the middle of each win.
The Tigers lead the league in three pointer percentage at 35%, and freshman Kelsey Howard of JSU leads the league at 44 percent. This will serve as a major problem to the Bulldogs as a big defensive weakness is defending the three-point line- they’re eighth in the SWAC in that category.
Tipoff starts Tuesday night at 7:30 in Jackson, Mississippi at the Lee E. Williams Athletics & Assembly Center.
In last year's SWAC Championship game, Shareif Adamu helped Alabama State defeat Justin Patton and Grambling State, 65-48. (Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press)
The Alabama State Hornets will begin their 2011-2012 SWAC conference play the same way they ended it, playing their SWAC rival Grambling State.
Conference play begins on Jan. 3 in the SWAC and the winless Tigers of Grambling State will have an opportunity to capture their first win Tuesday night at home against the Alabama State Hornets.
The game that will be played in the Fred C. Hobdy Arena is a rematch of last year’s SWAC finals, where the Hornets defeated Grambling 65-48 and ended their memorable run to the big dance.
The Tigers finished last season winning their last five of six games. This year has not started off well, as the Tigers have lost their first 10 games. During the 10 game slip the Tigers have lost by an average of 34.4 points and are only shooting 28 percent from the field, both of which are the lowest in the league. Grambling’s defense is allowing the opposition to shoot 45 percent and score 77.4 points.
ASU is averaging 54.6 points per game, but in their recent victory over Reinhardt on Thursday, ASU snapped a three game losing streak scoring 78 points. Kenderek Washington totaled 21 points off the bench.
Alabama State’s roster has seen many changes since last year’s SWAC Finals. While ASU returns two starters and nine players including Washington, the SWAC’s second leading scorer with 15 points per game, the Tigers only returned four players with 10 new additions, a few which are injured.
One key addition to the Tigers roster is former Big East rising star Quincy Roberts. Roberts impressed in his debut for the Grambling State Tigers, as he finished with 28 points and 10 rebounds against the TSU Horned Frogs and 19 points in his second game against LSU.
With Roberts and a roster at full strength, Tiger head Coach Bobby Washington feels optimistic about his team during conference play.
“Quincy means a lot to our team,” said Washington. “He could put on an LSU jersey and do a great job. For us to be able to get a caliber of player like that and him being a team player is great. We have several seniors out with injuries it has been tough for us to score the basketball. We have been looking for other players to score for us. Once we get a couple of those guys back and starting conference play we should be built well to contend in our conference.”
The Grambling State Tigers will host the Alabama State Hornets Tuesday night. Tip-off begins at 7:30 P.M.
Denisea Law was selected as the SIAC Women’s Basketball Newcomer of the Week. (Clark Atlanta Sports)
ATLANTA—Paine College senior Mario Jordan and Lane College junior Brittany Peters have been named SIAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Players of the Week, respectively, while Paine College freshman Kedric Taylor has been named SIAC Men’s Basketball Newcomer of the Week and Clark Atlanta University freshman Denisea Law has been named SIAC Women’s Basketball Newcomer of the Week.
Jordan, a native of Sandersville, GA, averaged 21.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in two games, earning his second player of the week honor this season. Defensively, the 5-11, 165-pound guard also averaged 3.5 steals, including a game-high five in a win over Clark Atlanta, while also averaging 2.5 assists per game to help lead the Lions to a 2-0 record for the week which also includes a win over conference-foe Miles. Jordan and the Lions currently sit atop the SIAC with a 5-0 record in conference play.
Peters, a native of Columbus, OH, had 23 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in her first game as a Lady Dragon. Defensively, the 5-7 guard also totaled two steals and one block in their only game of the week, a 75-73 loss to Kentucky State.
Taylor, a native of Orlando, FL, had a big week for the Lions, averaging 15 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, and a block in two games. The 6-0, 175-pound freshman, who attended Evans High School, recorded his first career triple-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in an 82-67 win over Miles.
Law, a native of Miami, FL, had 13 points and four rebounds for the Lady Panthers in their 72-63 win over Paine to move to 2-1 in the SIAC. The 5-7 freshman guard, who attended Northwestern High School, also had one assist and one steal.
Ben Baxter
Assistant Commissioner for Communications & New Media
What does achievement mean to you? For the ten men who founded Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. on January 5, 1911 at Indiana University, it meant staying on the path to greatness despite the environment of racial discrimination that surrounded them. Indiana University was heavily supporting the Jim Crow laws, so there was a small number of African Americans students attending the university. The racist locals who opposed black students learning in their institutions did little to lift the few African-American students’ morale.
