ATLANTA, Ga. – Coppin State standouts Reagan Rivera and Daniel Moore have been selected to compete in the Third Annual HBCU Swingman Classic, presented by T-Mobile and powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation. Major League Baseball announced their participation last week, with both players earning spots on the National League roster for the prestigious showcase.

The game, which highlights 50 of the top HBCU baseball players poised for professional careers, will be held on Friday, July 11 at Truist Park in Atlanta during MLB All-Star Week. Baseball legends Brian Jordan and David Justice, both former Atlanta Braves stars, will manage the National League and American League squads, respectively.

Rivera, a right-handed pitcher from San Diego, Calif., earned Second Team All-Northeast Conference honors after posting a 5-4 record with a 4.91 ERA. He struck out a school-record 97 batters over 80.2 innings, including 10 games with seven or more strikeouts. His season highlights featured 11 strikeouts vs. Le Moyne and 10 Ks in just five innings against VMI.

Moore, an infielder from Benton Harbor, Mich., led the Eagles with a .330 batting average, tallying 12 doubles, 36 RBI, and two home runs. He recorded 13 multi-hit games, including four four-hit performances, and led the team with eight multi-RBI games.

Steve Settle III, a former standout at Howard University, has agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract with the Miami Heat following the 2025 NBA Draft, according to DraftExpress’ Jon Chepkevich.

Settle, a 6-foot-11 forward from Glenarden, Maryland, will report to the Heat’s summer training camp with the opportunity to earn a roster spot or a two-way contract. The Exhibit 10 deal also includes the possibility of a bonus if Settle spends time with the team’s G League affiliate.

Settle launched his college career at Howard University, where he became a cornerstone of the program. During the 2022–23 season, he started all 32 games, averaging 11.1 points and leading the team in rebounding with 5.7 boards per game. His contributions helped power the Bison to both the MEAC regular season and tournament championships, earning him All-MEAC Second Team honors.

Following his time at Howard, Settle transferred to Temple University to finish out his collegiate eligibility. With the Owls, he elevated his game, averaging 12.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals per contest in the 2024–25 season. He also demonstrated a reliable perimeter shot, knocking down 41.6% of his attempts from three-point range. His size, versatility, and ability to space the floor made him a compelling prospect for NBA scouts.

What Is an Exhibit 10 Contract?
An Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year, non-guaranteed NBA deal that allows teams to convert it into a two-way contract. If a player is waived and later joins the team’s G League affiliate for at least 60 days, they can earn a bonus of up to $75,000. It’s a flexible path for players like Settle to prove their value during training camp and beyond.

What’s Next for Settle?
Settle will join the Miami Heat’s Summer League roster, giving him a national stage to display his skills against top-tier talent. His journey—from an HBCU to the American Athletic Conference and now the NBA—reflects the growing recognition of HBCU athletes and their readiness for the professional level.

For Settle, this is more than just a contract—it’s a testament to his growth and determination, and a beacon of hope for HBCU players aspiring to reach the league.

Story by Kyle T. Mosley | Originally published June 28, 2025 | © HBCU Legends via Sports Illustrated
Images courtesy of Imagn Content Services

The Detroit Pistons have added a rising HBCU talent to their Summer League lineup with the signing of guard TJ Madlock, following the 2025 NBA Draft.

Madlock, a standout from Alabama State and son of head coach Tony Madlock, brings a solid résumé to the Pistons’ Summer League squad. He started all 32 games during the 2024–25 season, averaging 13.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. His efforts helped lead the Hornets to their first SWAC Tournament appearance since 2019.

Known for his consistency, Madlock reached double figures in 28 games, including a standout 30-point performance on the road against Prairie View A&M. His blend of scoring, rebounding, and facilitating made him a go-to leader in his senior campaign.

Madlock’s college journey began at South Carolina State, where he made an immediate impact as a freshman with averages of 12.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. After transferring to Alabama State, he earned SWAC Newcomer of the Year honors during his sophomore season, averaging 11.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.

With three years of HBCU hoops under his belt, Madlock has showcased a versatile skill set that includes scoring, defending, and creating for others. His addition to Detroit’s Summer League roster represents the continued growth of HBCU athletes in the professional basketball pipeline.

As NBA franchises increasingly tap into HBCU programs for talent, Madlock’s opportunity with the Pistons marks another step forward. The Summer League will give him a national stage to prove that players from historically Black colleges belong in the NBA conversation.

For HBCU supporters, Madlock’s presence on the Pistons’ Summer League team is a moment of pride and progress—a signal that the legacy of HBCU basketball is alive and thriving.

Originally published by Steven J. Gaither for HBCU Gameday. © HBCU Gameday 2012–2025. Read more at: Sacramento Bee

Published: June 26, 2025 | By HBCU Original

In a historic and heartfelt tribute, the 2025 NBA Draft spotlighted the trailblazers who paved the way for Black athletes in professional basketball — the HBCU legends. This year, the NBA took time between selections to honor the pioneers from Historically Black Colleges and Universities whose impact helped transform the game on and off the court.

Recognizing the Legacy

Among those honored were standout HBCU alumni who shattered barriers during segregation, dominated at the collegiate level, and later became some of the first Black players in the NBA and ABA. The league recognized names like:

• Earl “The Pearl” Monroe – Winston-Salem State University

• Willis Reed – Grambling State University

• Sam Jones – North Carolina Central University

• Zelmo Beaty – Prairie View A&M

• Ben Wallace – Virginia Union University

• Rick Mahorn – Hampton University

These legends not only excelled on the hardwood but opened doors for generations of athletes from underrepresented communities.

A Moment of Gratitude and Awareness

During the ceremony, a special video segment showcased vintage highlights, narrated reflections, and stories from current NBA stars who called these legends their inspirations. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the underrepresented history of HBCU athletes in pro basketball, emphasizing the league’s ongoing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and HBCU partnerships.

Modern-Day Influence

With more HBCU players making waves in pro and international leagues, this tribute was also a powerful reminder of the talent, heart, and resilience that comes from HBCU programs. Current players like Robert Covington (Tennessee State) and Kyle O’Quinn (Norfolk State) continue that tradition of excellence.

Final Thoughts

This celebration was more than overdue—it was necessary. Honoring HBCU pioneers at one of basketball’s biggest events affirmed that greatness doesn’t just come from Power Five schools—it’s always lived within the culture of Black college sports.

HBCU Original salutes all the pioneers who made the game what it is today. Their stories matter. Their legacy continues. And now, the world is watching.

🏅 HBCU Stars Shine in Eugene at NCAA 2025

The 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships brought the best of the best to Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon—and HBCU athletes rose to the occasion. Here’s how they placed in the finals:

🥉 Jordan Pierre (University of Arkansas‑Pine Bluff)

• Event: Men’s 400 m

• Final Placement: 3rd Place – 45.75 seconds

• Achievement: First Team All‑America

💪 Jarrett Gentles (Coppin State University)

• Event: Men’s 400 m Hurdles

• Final Placement: 9th Overall

🥉 Marcia Sey (Howard University)

• Event: Women’s 100 m Hurdles

• Final Placement: 3rd Place – 12.93 seconds

• Achievement: First Team All‑America and highest NCAA finish in Howard’s track history

🏃‍♀️ Howard Women’s 4×100 m Relay

• Team Members: Kailei Collins, Marcia Sey, Tiffani‑Rae Pittman, Aiyana Gray‑Williams

• Final Placement: 6th Place – 43.23 seconds

• Achievement: First Team All‑America

📊 Quick Recap