Tuskegee University Triumphs over Morehouse College in 4th Annual NBA HBCU Classic

Tuskegee managed to secure a victory in the end, beating Morehouse 68-55. Kusamae Draper from Tuskegee led the Golden Tigers with an impressive 22 points, with Sesberry and Pennington contributing 19 and 16 points, respectively.

Both schools were selected for their rich traditions, on-court rivalry and commitment to excellence. The NBA continues to show its support to HBCU schools with awareness for its athletics and educational opportunities. 

Harold Ellis, Morehouse Director of Athletics, told the TNT broadcast that this was the largest basketball game in Morehouse College history, and a huge opportunity for the players with NBA scouts in attendance as well. 

“We’re gonna get one opportunity to make a good impression,” Ellis said. “No matter what you’ve done the whole year, you come here today and you play well, all it takes is one scout to see you and that can take you to a different level.” 

Tuskegee coach Benjy Taylor said playing in the HBCU Classic was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Along with the team, members of the administration, band and cheerleaders all traveled for All-Star Weekend. 

Being on the national stage and representing the university in a high first-class manner bodes well for them, Taylor said. 

“This is how you increase membership, viewership, HBCU basketball and the knowledge of players,” Taylor said. “If you love basketball, you wouldn’t rather be in any other situation rather than what we’re in this weekend.”

Both Ellis and Taylor have connections to the NBA. Ellis played two years with the LA Clippers (1993-95). Taylor has crossed paths with Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson, NBA official Curtis Blair and others in the basketball world throughout his career. 

Notable alumni and HBCU supporters that attended the event included director Spike Lee and NBA veteran Channing Fry. NBA All-Stars such as

Kevin Durant

,

Jaren Jackson Jr.

,

Jalen Williams

and

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

stopped by and talked to both teams before the game. 

“Play to be great,” Gilgeous-Alexander told the Morehouse Maroon Tigers. “Don’t take any opportunity for granted. Go out there to win and when you win, everything else falls in line.”

Mitch Richmond

, who played for the Golden State Warriors in the early 1990’s, also spoke to the team during breakfast. While describing his story of being a Division II athlete to a 14-year NBA veteran, he taught them the importance of understanding that there are a lot of pathways to get to where they need to go in life.

It game itself was a back-and-forth affair to start. Tuskegee jumped out to a 10-6 start, but Morehouse College came back to take their first lead at 14-12. Tuskegee would end the first half with a 7-0 run and the 30-22 lead at half-time. 

Tuskegee came out strong in the second half and expanded their lead to 13 thanks to a steal and fast-break layup from Kevin Sesberry. But a few turnovers from Tuskegee aided Morehouse, which continued to climb back into the game.

Five straight points from D’Anthony Pennington expanded the Tuskegee lead back to 57-46, a lead they ultimately did not relinquish. 

The HBCU Classic is part of the NBA’s continuous efforts to increase awareness for HBCU athletics along with aiding educational, professional and economic support towards HBCU institutions.

“If you believe in yourself, you push yourself,” Taylor said. “We got to go pro in something. It’s good to hear that you can still become great for where you are.” 

Previous NBA x HBCU Showcase results

2024 |

, Virginia Union 47 

2023 |

, Southern 64

, Morgan State 66