There will be an HBCU presence in this year’s NBA Summer League as former Alabama State All-SWAC guard TJ Madlock has been selected to play with the Detroit Pistons.
Madlock’s college career began at South Carolina State in 2021, being named to the All-MEAC team as a freshman after averaging 12.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.
He transferred to Alabama State after his father, Tony Madlock, was hired to take over the team.
The star guard was named to the All-SWAC team in his final two seasons with the Hornets, putting up 14.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in those years.
This past season, Madlock helped lead Alabama State to its first conference tournament championship since 2011, advancing to the NCAA Tournament.
He continued to help the Hornets make history in the postseason, beating Saint Francis (PA) in a dramatic First Four contest and gaining a spot in the Round of 64.
The 2025 NBA Draft passed without an HBCU player being selected for the 13th straight year. The last HBCU player to be featured on an NBA roster is former Tennessee State forward Robert Covington, playing for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2024.
The Detroit Pistons will begin the Summer League on July 11 to play the New York Knicks.
I thought Robert Carter from Tenn State was the last HBCU NBA player
You are correct, Robert Covington was in the NBA as recently as 2024. Thank you for the correction!