Ahead of the third annual HBCU All-Star Game, set to take place on April 7, the teams have been announced to be represented by two legendary NBA HBCU alums.
Virginia Union alum Ben Wallace will be the namesake of a team headlined by players from CIAA and SWAC teams.
Wallace played 16 years in the NBA and became the first undrafted player in league history to be inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
Headlining Team Ben Wallace is Texas Southern guard PJ Henry, most known for leading the Tigers to back-to-back SWAC championships in 2022 and 2023, being named tournament MVP each year.
Also on Team Wallace is Winston-Salem State forward Jaylen Alston, the reigning CIAA Player of the Year and the 2023 CIAA Tournament MVP.
Grambling State is the only team with two players represented on Wallace’s team, featuring reigning SWAC Tournament MVP Tra’Michael Moton and 2023 All-SWAC Tournament team selection Jourdan Smith.
#ICYMI the 2024 @hbcuallstargame selections were announced! Be sure to watch the 3rd annual showcase on Sunday April 7 at 4 p.m. ET on CBS. pic.twitter.com/gvZkjRpOgh
— HBCU All-Star Game (@HBCUAllStarGame) March 19, 2024
Meanwhile, the opposing team will be the namesake of Hampton alum Rick Mahorn, who will feature players primarily from the MEAC and SIAC teams.
Like Wallace, Mahorn spent most of his 19-year NBA career with the Detroit Pistons, winning a championship with the team in 1989.
Clark Atlanta guard Chris Martin, the reigning SIAC Player of the Year, headlines Mahorn’s team.
North Carolina Central and Tennessee State each fielded two selections on Team Mahorn. Fred Cleveland Jr. and Ja’Darius Harris each represent the Eagles, while Christian Brown and Jason Jitoboh represent the Tigers.
The game will take place in Phoenix, Arizona, at the site of this year’s NCAA Tournament Final Four.
