The Chris Paul HBCU Classic will bring four Division II programs to Washington, D.C., as part of a two-day showcase featuring nine HBCU basketball teams.
Winston-Salem State, Clark Atlanta, Virginia State and West Virginia State make up the Division II field for the third annual event. The Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic will take place Dec. 4-5 at CareFirst Arena. Hampton, Florida A&M, Grambling State, Tennessee State and Howard will compete in a Division I showcase.
This will mark the first time the event has been held in the nation’s capital. Events DC will serve as the host partner.
HBCU field spans three conferences
Winston-Salem State will face Clark Atlanta during Friday’s opening session. Virginia State will meet West Virginia State in the other Division II matchup.
The four programs represent three conferences. Winston-Salem State and Virginia State compete in the CIAA. Clark Atlanta represents the SIAC, while West Virginia State plays in the Mountain East Conference.
A third-place game involving the non-Division I field is scheduled for Saturday.
The complete Chris Paul HBCU Classic also includes Hampton, Florida A&M, Grambling State, Tennessee State and Howard. Friday’s Division I matchups will pit Hampton against FAMU and Grambling against Tennessee State.
Saturday’s schedule includes FAMU against Tennessee State and the renewal of the Hampton-Howard rivalry. The release also lists a Division I championship game.
“HBCU basketball has become an important pillar of college sports,” Chris Paul said. “As support continues to grow, I’m excited to bring this year’s games to the DMV area and provide the teams an opportunity to showcase their talent on a national platform.”
Chris Paul event carries WSSU connection
The Classic carries added significance for Winston-Salem State. Paul graduated from WSSU in December 2022 and has continued investing in HBCU athletics, academics and culture through his foundation and media projects.
WSSU head coach Lester “Jay” Butler said the Rams understand what the opportunity means.
“I’m honored to be invited back to the Chris Paul HBCU event,” Butler said. “It’s a true blessing to represent Winston-Salem State University and carry the Ram legacy with pride.”
Butler also thanked Paul and the Chris Paul Family Foundation for continuing to invest in HBCU student-athletes.
West Virginia State head coach Bryan Poore pointed to another historic connection. WVSU graduate Earl Lloyd became the first Black player to appear in an NBA game.
Poore said Lloyd’s legacy opened doors for the program, which previously participated in the inaugural Classic in 2021.
Game times, ticket information, broadcast plans and credential details will be announced later.