Category: Hbcu basketball

Norfolk State’s Ings and Darden to take part in NBPA HBCU Top 50 Camp

Brandon King

Norfolk State basketballers Jaylani Darden and Christian Ings will participate in the seventh annual National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) HBCU Top 50 Camp, which takes place this week at Morehouse College from July 31 through August 2.  This season, Ings posted per game averages of 12.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists on .489/.473/.736 shooting splits and was named to the All-MEAC Third Team. The high flying guard also put his dunking prowess on display, winning the College Slam Dunk Championship. In 28 starts for the Spartans last season, Darden…

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Nolan Smith named Tennessee State head coach men’s basketball coach

Brandon King

Friday Tennessee State announced that the school named Nolan Smith its new men’s head basketball coach.  “Nolan Smith is a championship-caliber leader with elite playing experience, high basketball IQ, and a proven track record of developing NBA talent,” said TSU Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen.  “He brings top-tier recruiting connections, a player-first approach, and a deeply authentic bond with today’s student-athletes. Shaped by some of the game’s best, Nolan will lead our program with integrity and impact on the court and in the community. Our future is in great…

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Tennessee State Finalizing Deal to Name Nolan Smith Head Men’s Basketball Coach

Brandon King

According to college basketball insider and CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, Tennessee State is working on finalizing a deal with University of Memphis assistant coach Nolan Smith for its vacant men’s basketball position following the departure of Brian “Penny” Collins for a coaching job with the Memphis Grizzlies. Although the sides are working towards an agreement, nothing has been finalized yet, adds Rothstein.  Following a decorated collegiate career at Duke that included helping the Blue Devils take home the 2010 national championship, earning the Most Outstanding Player at the Houston Regional…

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Norfolk State’s Tyrel Bladen inks deal with Czech basketball team 

Brandon King

Former Norfolk State basketball player TyrelBladen is continuing to ply his trade across the pond, signing a deal with SK Slavia Praha this week.  Founded in 1892, the Prague-based team competes in the National Basketball League-the Czech Republic’s most prestigious professional basketball.  Bladen began his collegiate basketball career at Rider, where he appeared in 74 games ( he missed the 2021-22 season due to injury), averaging 2.7 points and 2.2 rebounds per contest. He spent the next two seasons at Norfolk State, where the Coatesville, PA native participated in 65…

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North Carolina A&T and Hampton to face off in 2026 NBA HBCU Classic

Staff

Courtesy of Dylan Smith of the CAA  The Coastal Athletic Association, Hampton University and North Carolina A&T State University have announced that the two storied institutions will compete in the 2026 NBA HBCU Classic, presented by AT&T, as part of NBA All-Star 2026 in Los Angeles. In conjunction with the NBA, the date, tip-off time, location and broadcast information will be announced at a later date. For those interested in receiving ticket information about the CAA matchup between these two prominent universities at NBA All-Star 2026, please click the following link.…

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Tennessee State’s Brian ‘Penny’ Collins Departs for NBA Opportunity

Brandon King

Tennessee State head men’s basketball coach Brian “Penny” Collins has stepped down, effective immediately, to accept a coaching position with the Memphis Grizzlies.  “On behalf of Tennessee State University, I wish Coach Collins and his family the very best as they begin this exciting new chapter,” said Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen. “We are proud to congratulate Coach Collins on this significant opportunity, which reflects the meaningful work he has done here over the past seven years.” “Coach Collins built a family-oriented culture and a competitive program that earned…

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Former Howard Guard Steve Settle III Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Miami Heat

Brandon King

Former Howard University guard Steve Settle III signed an Exhibit-10 contract with the Miami Heat. Introduced in the 2017 collective bargaining agreement, an Exhibit-10 contract is a one-year non-guaranteed minimum salary deal. It can also include a bonus of up to $75,000 that kicks in should the player who signed the deal spend at least 60 days with a team’s G-League affiliate. Additionally, this contract can be converted to a two-way deal, which allows a player to split time between an NBA and its G-League affiliate, with a maximum of…

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Norfolk State Women’s Basketball Sets Home-and-Home Series with Ole Miss

Brandon King

image via Matt Patterson Norfolk State women’s hoops has finalized a home-and-home agreement with Ole Miss commencing with the upcoming basketball season.  “This is an exciting moment for our women’s basketball program and the entire Norfolk State community. Hosting a nationally ranked SEC opponent at Echols Hall speaks volumes about the direction we’re headed and the reputation we’re building. With two nationally ranked programs set to visit over the next two seasons, our fans can look forward to elite-level basketball right here in Norfolk.” The series tips off when the…

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Norfolk State’s Joe Bryant Jr. Named Greek Elite League MVP

Brandon King

Basketball success continues to be a companion of Joe Bryant Jr, even after leaving the friendly confines of Norfolk State University.  This week, the former Spartan great was named MVP of the Greek A2 Elite Basketball League.  In his first season with Psychikou Basketball Club, Bryant led the league in scoring, putting up 20.1 points per contest, with  season high 39 coming against Mykonou, while adding 4.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists. He led the team to a 18-12  record and a fourth place finish in the 16-team.  Last season, Bryant Jr…

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Tennessee State basketball adds six players to roster

Staff

image via Tennessee State Basketball Courtesy otTennessee State Athletics Tennessee State head men’s basketball coach Brian “Penny” Collins has announced the addition of six new players to the 2025–26 roster. “I’m really excited about this recruiting class,” said Collins. “They’ll join a strong group of 10 returners who experienced a lot of success last year.” Of the six newcomers, four are transfers — including one from Sacramento State and three from non-NCAA programs. The two freshmen include a local product from Madison, Tennessee, and another from Indianapolis, Indiana. PLAYER BREAKDOWNS: …

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