Winston-Salem State takes HBCU Classic in Indy
Feb 17, 2024, 04:46 PM ET
INDIANAPOLIS– While Virginia Union coach Jay Butler would have liked a different result, both groups had a winning experience at the NBA HBCU Classic.Ketron Shaw scored 15
points and Jaylen Alston had 14 points and 11 rebounds to speed Winston-Salem State to a 64-47 success Saturday in the NBA HBCU Classic. Issac Parson included 12 points and 11 helps for the Rams(17-8, 11-5 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association). Jaylin Parker scored 11 points.Tahj Harding led Virginia Union(11-17, 6-9 CIAA)with 11 points and Travis Vaughn included nine.The game between the two NCAA Department II teams from the traditionally Black universities was dipped into Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the very same court the NBA’s All-Stars will use Sunday night.”This was huge time,” Butler said.”This was a remarkable event. Something kids will keep in mind for the rest of
their lives. When we first got here, they rolled out the red carpet from the airport to the hotel to the arena. “Being a Division II school, Butler stated the players do not get to play on this sort of stage.”
It’s big for our school and program and for our recruiting, progressing,”Butler stated.
“I just want to thank the NBA and all those sponsors for basically enabling this occasion to occur. It is huge for the HBCU community simply to get this opportunity to play in front of millions on national TV.”Vaughn, one of 8 freshmen for the Panthers, stated he never experienced anything like it.”It was simply a fantastic experience, “he stated stating the NBA stars he satisfied.” I’m very lucky.
… I got to satisfy Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard. I look up to them for my game, so I was very lucky for that.”Alston was starstruck, too. “Walking in we got to see Kevin Durant, “Alston stated.”I kind of stopped.
I forgot a game was still occurring,
so I had to catch myself.” Parson stated “the coolest thing for me was I got to see Jalen Brunson and consult with him.”
Winston-Salem State coach Cleo Hill Jr. said it was unique for all included.” I could not even think of when I was 18 to 24 years of ages, entering the All-Star Game playing in front of Earl Monroe, Clyde Frazier and Magic Johnson, so that was huge, “Hill stated.” On the flip side for the student-athletes, they have profession day [Sunday] and well-suited and booted to put our best foot forward for life after basketball. For myself, with my father playing in the NBA for a brief time, it was gratifying.”Durant, representing the Phoenix Suns as an All-Star, stated it’s big for the 2 groups to have the phase.”
It’s an opportunity for people around the nation to see the type of talent they have at HBCUs,”Durant stated.
“There’s a lot of surprise gems there, fantastic coaching, great talent up and down the board. If we can give them the platform to display their skills and skills, we require to do so. So I’m excited for them. Hopefully, this ends up being an annual thing and we begin to see more and more talent come out of HBCUs.” Douglas Emhoff, the other half of Vice President Kamala Harris, was among those in presence.