Category: Hbcu basketball

Tennessee State Lands Former McDonald’s All-American Arterio Morris

Brandon King

Tennessee State Tigers men’s basketball has officially signed former McDonald’s All-American and five-star recruit Arterio Morris, adding another high-profile talent to a roster that is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing teams in the HBCU and mid-major landscape.   Head coach Nolan Smith announced the signing , bringing in a guard who has competed at multiple levels of college basketball, including stints with the Texas Longhorns, South Plains College, and Bethune-Cookman.   Morris averaged 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game at Bethune-Cookman last season He scored…

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Aaron Nkrumah Lands NBA Opportunity, Signs Exhibit 10 Deal with Denver Nuggets

Brandon King

The NBA dream remains alive for Aaron Nkrumah, one of the most decorated players in Tennessee State basketball history. The former Tennessee State star signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Denver Nuggets, earning an opportunity to compete for a roster spot during training camp after going undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft. An Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year, non-guaranteed NBA deal that allows a player to compete in training camp. It can be converted into a two-way contract if the player impresses, making it an important pathway for…

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Former Tennessee State Basketball Coach Ron Abernathy Dies at 75, Leaving Lasting Legacy Across HBCU Basketball

Brandon King

The Tennessee State basketball family is mourning the loss of former men’s basketball head coach Ron Abernathy, who has passed away at the age of 75. Abernathy, whose coaching career spanned more than five decades, led the Tennessee State Tigers men’s basketball from 1991 to 1995 before continuing his successful coaching journey at Lane College, where he became the winningest coach in the program’s history. Most recently, he served as the head coach at Humboldt High School, retiring earlier this year after 12 seasons.   Before his time at Tennessee…

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Alabama A&M Women’s Basketball Unveils 11-Player Recruiting Class Led by 9 Transfers and 2 High School Standouts

Brandon King

The rebuild isn’t subtle in Huntsville — it’s aggressive, intentional, and built for immediate impact. Alabama A&M University women’s basketball officially unveiled an 11-player recruiting class this week, headlined by nine Division I and collegiate transfers and two high school signees, as head coach Dawn Thornton continues reshaping the program into a SWAC contender. “This signing class is special. We added young women who fit our culture, our style of play and our vision for the future. They are competitors, they are winners and they are not afraid of expectations,”…

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Former Alabama State Players Ruled Permanently Ineligible in Gambling Scandal

Brandon King

The NCAA has permanently ruled four former Alabama State players ineligible after determining they accepted money from gamblers to influence the outcome of a game during the 2024-25 season. Among those sanctioned is Amarr Knox, the hero of Alabama State’s historic first NCAA Tournament victory, along with teammates Shawn Fulcher, Corey Hines, and Tony Madlock. According to the NCAA, the four players accepted a combined $2,000 from gamblers in an effort to manipulate the outcome of the Hornets’ December 5, 2024 matchup against Southern Miss. The NCAA’s investigation concluded that…

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Hall of Famer Crystal Robinson Named Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Langston University

Brandon King

A new era of women’s basketball is underway at Langston University as the university has officially named Crystal Robinson as the next head coach of its women’s basketball program.   Robinson brings an impressive basketball résumé to Langston. A former first-round WNBA Draft selection, Robinson enjoyed a standout professional career with the New York Liberty and Washington Mystics before transitioning into coaching. Throughout her coaching career, she has gained experience at the high school, junior college, NCAA Division I, and WNBA levels.   Langston Athletic Director Donnita Rogers expressed excitement…

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Morgan State adds proven scorer in transfers portal

Brandon King

Morgan State basketball has secured a commitment from guard Trey Pettigrew. Last season Pettigrew led Johnson C. Smith , and was third in the CIAA, with 17.3 points per game. He was second in the conference , connecting on 37.6% on his attempts from downtown.  The redshirt junior scored in double figures in all but 3 of the 24 games he appeared in last season, with a high of 27 coming against Livingstone on February 7.  Prior to his season at Coppin, Pettrigrew was three-star prospect out out Kenwood Academy…

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Coppin State Set to Host the Tennessee Lady Vols in High-Profile Non-Conference Clash

Brandon King

Coppin State women’s basketball is officially stepping into the national spotlight. On November 5, 2026, the Eagles will host the storied Tennessee Lady Vols at PEC Arena in Baltimore in what stands out as one of the most significant home matchups on their non-conference schedule. For Coppin State, it’s more than just a game—it’s a measuring-stick moment against one of the most decorated programs in women’s college basketball history. A Historic Program Comes to Baltimore The Tennessee Lady Vols carry a legacy few programs in the sport can match. With…

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I’Xana Winters Commits To Mississippi Valley State, Giving Devilettes A Dynamic Backcourt Addition

Brandon King

The roster rebuild continues for the Mississippi Valley State Devilettes, and the latest addition could end up being one of the more impactful under-the-radar pickups in the SWAC. I’Xana Winters, a 5-foot-7 guard transferring from Itawamba Community College, has officially committed to Mississippi Valley State women’s basketball, bringing experience, toughness, and backcourt versatility to the Delta Devils program. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Winters developed into a dependable contributor during her time at Itawamba CC, showcasing the ability to score, facilitate, and defend multiple guard positions. She appeared in 30…

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Samiah Puckett transfers to South Carolina State University

Brandon King

The women’s basketball program at South Carolina State University has reportedly secured another addition via the transfer portal, as Samiah Puckett is set to join the Bulldogs ahead of the upcoming season. Puckett played her high school ball at Griffin High School ( Griffin, GA) where she scored more than 750 points, pulled in over 500 rebounds and blocked over 200 shots. She began her collegiate career at East Tennessee State University where she appeared in 26 contests as a freshman. Puckett then transferred to Alabama State, and after receiving…

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