More Than a Game: The Chris Paul HBCU Classic Delivers Exposure, Energy, and Elite Hoops

The 2025 Chris Paul HBCU Classic lit up Atlanta’s Gateway Center Arena December 18–19 as one of the most exciting showcases in historically Black college basketball this season. What makes this annual event special isn’t just the highlight-worthy hoops — it’s the celebration of culture, opportunity, and exposure for schools that often get overlooked on the national stage. 

Chris Paul isn’t doing this just to put games on TV — he’s committed to elevating HBCU programs, athletes, and communities that don’t always get the attention they deserve. A Wake Forest Legend and Winston-Salem State alum, Paul and his foundation teamed up with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame to bring together eight HBCU schools in both Division I and Division II brackets, giving these teams a platform to shine and their players a chance to play in front of scouts, media, and fans from coast to coast. 

Here’s how it went down:

Participating Schools & Format

The Classic featured eight teams across conferences like the CIAA, SIAC, SWAC, MEAC, and CAA:

Division II Bracket:

• Clark Atlanta University

• Fayetteville State University

• Lincoln University (PA)

• Morehouse College  

Division I Bracket:

• Hampton University

• Grambling State University

• Jackson State University

• Norfolk State University  

Two full days of high-energy basketball delivered everything from blowouts to nail-biters, and the event lived up to its promise of spotlighting talent. 

Day 1 Highlights

The Classic opened with a bang. Clark Atlanta took care of Lincoln University (PA) in a 74–66 win, led by Jadyn Shider’s outstanding double-double and a balanced scoring attack that kept them in control. 

Next up was an absolute classic — Fayetteville State vs. Morehouse. This one went to overtime, and Fayetteville State survived a furious push from Morehouse, winning 99–96 in a game filled with momentum swings and clutch performances on both ends. It was one of the year’s most entertaining HBCU games. 

On the Division I side, Grambling State set the tone early with an 80–68 win over Norfolk State — using stifling defense and efficient offense to build a commanding lead and show why they’re considered one of the strong teams in HBCU hoops this season. 

Hampton rounded out Day 1 action with a tough matchup against Jackson State (score reports varied, but the game was competitive and set the stage for Friday’s championship push). 

Championship Day Drama

Friday’s slate had a ton of buzz — especially with Clark Atlanta going for the Division II crown. And they delivered.

The Panthers followed up their opening win by beating Fayetteville State 75–72, again with Shider dominating inside and a late defensive stand that sealed the victory and the Classic title in that bracket. 

In the Division I bracket, Grambling State continued its strong run by knocking off Hampton 81–72 in a gritty, physical game. Antonio Munoz led the Tigers with a career-high 23 points and helped create momentum that could carry them into the rest of their season with confidence. 

Meanwhile, Norfolk State closed out their tournament action with an 82–72 win over Jackson State, showing resilience and balanced scoring to snap the weekend on a high note. 

Sponsors & Why It Matters

The Classic isn’t just about the games — it’s backed by major partners (Toyota was the title sponsor, and others have historically included big brands like AT&T, Under Armour, Google Pixel, and Foot Locker through similar HBCU initiatives), adding resources and visibility these programs rarely see. 

But beyond sponsorships and winners, the heart of this event is straightforward: Chris Paul is building something that gives these players a national stage, connects alumni and fans, and celebrates HBCU culture in a way that goes way deeper than a weekend of basketball. He’s demonstrated a long-term commitment — from scholarships to documentaries to strategic partnerships — and this Classic is one of the most visible parts of that mission.