By Brandon King
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and the Chris Paul Family Foundation announced the merging of the HBCU Tip-Off and Challenge into the Chris Paul HBCU Challenge.
Billed as “more than just a series of games,” the Chris Paul HBCU Challenge will take place at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., on Dec. 19-20.
The two-day event will feature Alabama State, Delaware State, Grambling State, and Norfolk State. They will compete in one bracket. Benedict College, Lincoln University, Kentucky State, and Winston-Salem State will play in another bracket.
The 2024 iteration breaks away from the format of the previous three years in that the games will take place concurrently at the same venue.
“I’m excited to continue to grow the game of basketball through our HBCU tournaments,” Paul said in a news release. “These games present a unique opportunity for student-athletes to play on a national stage and receive their well-deserved recognition. Collaborating with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Mohegan Sun, and our partners provides the commitment needed to support HBCU schools and student-athletes.”
Grambling State head coach Donte Jackson, whose program is taking part in the event for the second time, was excited about the tournament.
“It is an honor to be a part of the Chris Paul HBCU Challenge. This is our second time having an opportunity to compete in this incredible event,” he said. “This event showcases and highlights some of the best HBCU Basketball programs in the country each year. I appreciate Chris Paul and his foundation for giving back and making this HBCU challenge a yearly event.”
Said Norfolk State head coach Robert Jones: “It’s exciting to be invited to the Chris Paul HBCU Challenge again. We have had success in this event before, and we are honored to be back.“
Delaware State takes on Grambling in the other matchup. Kentucky State will face a familiar foe, fellow SIAC member Benedict, while Lincoln (PA) will face Winston Salem State, which is making its return to the event, in a CIAA clash.
On the second day of action, Norfolk State will meet Grambling, and Delaware State will take on Alabama State in a battle of the Hornets. Later in the day, the championship and consolation games will take place.
