Tuskegee University Men’s Basketball Team to Play during NBA All-Star Game weekend

October 25, 2024

*Tuskegee University Men's Basketball Team, head coach Benjy Taylor, and SIAC Commissioner Anthony Holloman.*

Contact: Thonnia Lee, Office of Communications, Public Relations and Marketing

AD Ruffin, President Brown, and Commissioner Holloman
with Greg Crowe, CEO of Boostr

Tuskegee University’s men’s basketball team will lace up their sneakers to play Morehouse College on Feb. 15 in Oakland Arena as part of the NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T. The game is part of the NBA All-Star Game weekend.

The surprise announcement was made Thursday morning in Chappie James Arena as the Marching Crimson Pipers played Ball and Parlay to a crowd of students who cheered and basketball players who could not hold their excitement. The regularly scheduled game will move to the San Francisco Bay Area as part of the NBA All Star Weekend festivities.

“This is an outstanding opportunity for our students to be part of an historical event,” said Dr. Mark A. Brown, President and CEO. “Not only will our basketball team prove their metal on the court, but we will be able to engage Tuskegee alumni and friends during a weekend that draws attention to the game from millions of fans. We are looking forward to reminding the world of our legacy and tradition.”

The pep rally included SIAC Commissioner Anthony Holloman.

“It is an honor for me to be on this historic campus at this historic time,” he said. “The SIAC is ecstatic that the NBA selected our conference to represent HBCUs during this year’s All-Star Weekend. The NBA has been a longtime supporter of HBCUs, and we are excited that two of our institutions will headline the Classic, bringing elevated exposure on a national stage and a once in a lifetime experience for our student-athletes.”

TU students holding signs that TU is "The Standard" — *TU is The Standard*

Men’s Basketball Coach Benjy Taylor thanked Dr. Brown, the Board of Trustees and AD Ruffin for supporting the team in this way.

“Thank you to the NBA who sent people from far and wide to be part of this announcement,” he said. “We are going to go over there and we’re going to play our hearts out. All of our alumni and friends, we need y’all in the place. We’re extremely excited about it. This is by far, one of my greatest moments as a coach.”

Athletic Director Reginald Ruffin said this is a great opportunity to showcase the men’s basketball program.

“Playing in the Bay Area is a tremendous honor for our student-athletes and university, and we are thankful to the NBA and its partners for making this event possible,” he said. “This experience will provide our university and student-athletes with invaluable exposure and memories that will last a lifetime. We look forward to showing the talent of the SIAC to such a large audience.”

Tickets for the 2025 NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T are on sale now. Visit here to purchase while tickets last. To learn more about the NBA’s commitment to HBCUs, visit https://www.nba.com/hbcus.