With the NBA season starting in a week, the NBA announced the teams competing in the latest NBA HBCU Classic during All-Star Weekend. The annual event will feature Howard University (MEAC) and Tennessee State University (OVC).
The matchup marks a historic moment in the annual showcase, as Howard University becomes the first team to compete multiple times. The matchup also showcases two former Duke University standouts and national championship winners: Howard University head coach Kenny Blakeney and Tennessee State head coach Nolan Smith. Blakeney led teams that won back-to-back national championships in 1991 and 1992. Smith was on the national championship team in 2010. Both played under legendary head coach Mike Krzyzewski.
“Howard University and Tennessee State University have longstanding connections to the NBA and basketball traditions that span generations,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum in a statement. “The NBA HBCU Classic at NBA All-Star 2027 will celebrate these institutions’ contributions to our game while giving their student-athletes a global platform to showcase their talent and share their schools’ proud histories with fans around the world.”
“It is an honor for Howard University to participate in NBA All-Star Weekend for the second time. We are grateful to the NBA for creating a platform that celebrates HBCUs and connects our students with a global audience,” said Kenny Blakeney, Howard University Head Men’s Basketball Coach. “This experience extends beyond the basketball court and gives Howard students the opportunity to engage with one of the most significant events in sports, culture and entertainment. It allows them to learn, build relationships and experience firsthand the energy and possibilities surrounding NBA All-Star Weekend – not simply as student-athletes, but as members of the Howard community. We look forward to contributing to this special weekend and representing our university, alumni and community with gratitude and pride.”
Article Continues Below“I am very excited for my players first and foremost. They have an opportunity to play on a big stage, one set up by the NBA, and it will be a special moment for them all,” said Nolan Smith, Tennessee State University men’s basketball coach. “To represent Tennessee State on a national platform puts our university, our city, and our alumni in the spotlight – and our school deserves that opportunity. I cannot wait for us to go to Phoenix and represent Tennessee State University. I am incredibly thankful to my NBA family for making this opportunity possible.”
The game will air on ESPN and NBA TV at 2 pm EST/12 pm MST on Saturday, February 20.