MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama State University will host its inaugural Basketball Tip-Off Dinner on Oct. 14 at the John Garrick Hardy Center.
The event will feature NBA legend and Memphis head coach Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway and WNBA Hall of Famer Cynthia Cooper as guest speakers.
Hardaway and Cooper bring Hall of Fame credentials
Hardaway, a four-time NBA All-Star, starred with the Orlando Magic in the 1990s before moving into coaching, where he has led Memphis to multiple postseason appearances.
Cooper is a two-time WNBA champion with the Houston Comets, a four-time Finals MVP, and an Olympic gold medalist. She was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.
Alabama State coaches and NIL focus
Alabama State men’s coach Tony Madlock Sr., who guided the Hornets to the 2024 SWAC championship, and newly hired women’s coach Johnetta Hayes, a two-time SWAC champion, will also speak.
“We’re thrilled to host the inaugural Basketball Tip-Off event, bringing together legends like Penny Hardaway and Cynthia Cooper to support a cause that’s transforming the future of college athletics,” said Jason Cable, vice president and director of athletics. “This event isn’t just a celebration of basketball — it’s a powerful statement of our commitment to student-athletes. Every contribution will support the Hornet NIL Fund, which helps ensure our student-athletes have the resources and opportunities they deserve, both on and off the court.”
Tickets go on sale Aug. 18. An early-bird rate of $150 will be available through Aug. 31 for the first 100 purchases. Proceeds will benefit the Hornet NIL Fund, which supports Alabama State student-athletes through name, image, and likeness opportunities.
