HBCUs have always held a special place in the heart of Chris Paul, particularly Winston-Salem State, where he earned a college degree.
Paul cemented his ties to the university, graduating from WSSU in the Fall of 2022 with his bachelor’s degree in mass communications.
Paul’s latest project is the creation of his inaugural CP3 Classic, a three-day, 24-team AAU tournament. Billed as an “HBCU Cultural + Admissions Experience,’ the event will take place April 12-14 at Winston-Salem State.
The participating teams have yet to be announced.
This is 🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/he8ZcJt913
— Tae 🥱 (@_Deuce2Real) March 11, 2024
The 12-time NBA All-Star has been a longtime supporter of HBCUs. Paul was the driving force behind Why Not Us, a documentary series that focused on the North Carolina Central men’s basketball team, Florida A&M football, and most recently, the Southern University Dancing Dolls.
The Chris Paul Family Foundation has for the past three years presented the HBCU Tip Off Classic and the HBCU Challenge, two-day mini-tournaments in which four teams clash, culminating in a championship game on Day 2.
The field for the 2023 Tip Off Classic, which took place November 18-19 in Uncasville, CT, included Cheyney, Virginia Union, Tuskegee, and Winston-Salem State.
WSSU defeated Virginia Union 65-56 in the title game. North Carolina A&T, Howard, Jackson State, and Texas Southern made up the field for the 2023 HBCU Challenge where Jackson State claimed the challenge crown.
