Twenty-four of the nation’s top Historical Black Colleges and University (HBCU) basketball seniors will take the court April 5 when the 5th annual HBCU All-Star Game Experience tips off at Corteva Coliseum in Indianapolis, organizers announced on March 16.
The Black excellence showcase during college basketball’s championship weekend features players from the MEAC, SIAC, SWAC, CIAA, and independent programs, including Tennessee State, Hampton and North Carolina A&T State.
This year’s rosters honor NBA legends Bob Dandridge and Sam Jones, celebrating the historic pipeline between HBCU programs and the professional ranks.
“The HBCU All-Star Game Experience continues to show the world HBCUs Matter, while shining a global spotlight on the incredible talent, discipline, and legacy of Black College basketball,” founder and CEO of HBCU All-Stars Travis L. Williams said. “These very deserving, hardworking, and talented 24 student-athletes represent the very best of HBCU basketball, and the event provides access and exposure for them to be seen, celebrated, and evaluated as they pursue professional opportunities.”
Team Dandridge features players from MEAC, SIAC and independent schools, including Norfolk State’s Anthony McComb III, Howard’s Bryce Harris and Tennessee State’s Aaron Nkrumah — the latter two recently named HBCU All-Stars Bobby Phills Division I Co-National Players of the Year.
The team will be coached by Tennessee State’s Nolan Smith and Morehouse’s Larry Dixon, both honored as HBCU All-Stars John McLendon National Division I Co-Coaches of the Year alongside Howard’s Kenneth Blakeney.
Team Jones will counter talent from SWAC, CIAA and independent programs. Bethune-Cookman’s Jakobi Heady, Grambling State’s Roderick Coffee III and Fayetteville State’s Larry Howell headline the roster.
Howell, named Cleo Hill Division II Co-National Player of the Year, suits up alongside Fayetteville State coach Devin Hoehn, who earned Clarence “Big House” Gaines Division II Co-National Coach of the Year honors with Morehouse’s Dixon.
Bethune-Cookman coach Reggie Theus joins Hoehn on the Team Jones staff.
The game has grown into one of the premier national platforms dedicated exclusively to elevating talent from HBCUs. For decades, HBCU programs have produced elite basketball players. Yet, many athletes have historically received less national exposure than those from larger conferences.
The showcase aims to change that narrative by creating a professional-level environment where graduating seniors can demonstrate their skills to NBA, international and professional league scouts.
Beyond competition, the event celebrates the cultural and athletic legacy of HBCUs while highlighting the continued impact these institutions have on the landscape of college basketball.
The 2026 roster also includes Morgan State’s Rob Lawson, Tuskegee’s Kusamae Draper, Hampton’s Xzavier Long and 7-foot Hampton center Josh Ogundele, among others.
Tickets and event information are available at hbcuallstargame.com.
Contact Multimedia Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more news, visit indianapolisrecorder.com.
Noral Parham is the multi-media reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
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