By Shaniece Nicole (@ShanieceNicole)
LOS ANGELES, CA – Following a 87-70 loss to #5 ranked Baylor in a rematch of last years NCAA tournament first round matchup, the Norfolk State men’s basketball team entered Pauley Pavilion for the first time in team history.
HBCUs may have the most deprived constituent in the NCAA. Resources are sparse and funding is manageable—just enough to keep the program running. While the hottest names in film and music (Michael B. Jordan, Drake, and Bryson Tiller) are attempting to put HBCUs on the map with homecoming performances, special sneak peaks, and financial giveaways, it hasn’t been enough to persuade top basketball prospects to put their collegiate and potential NBA careers in the hands of a Historically Black College.
With the NBA set to host the HBCU Classic Game during the 2023 All-Star weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the new Swac/PAC-12 Legacy Series in the works to promote and educate about anti-racism and social justice issues, HBCUs can stand firm in their heritage and indelible impact.
Top recruits like UCLA freshman Amari Bailey have placed their fate in institutions that have historically delivered and birthed NBA players. In terms of his feelings about the team he committed to, the Sierra Canyon alumnus believes he arrived at UCLA at the right time, with the right group of guys, and a strong core of veterans to learn from.
“I’m grateful to be around a group of guys that I can learn and grow from,” Bailey said.
The mental brotherhood that was developed under Sierra Canyon head coach Andre Chevalier is certain to carry over to the collegiate level. Bailey appeared to be at ease both on the court and in the press room.
This would be his most composed and efficient game thus far scoring 11 points on 5/6 shooting, dishing out five assists, two rebounds, and a steal in the 86-56 victory over Norfolk State.
