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

June 10, 2025 – Paris, France

In a gritty and emotional display of championship tennis, Coco Gauff roared back from a set down to defeat World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and claim her first French Open title and second Grand Slam crown, 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4, on the iconic clay of Roland Garros.

At just 21 years old, the American superstar proved she’s no longer the future of women’s tennis — she is the now.

A Statement of Strength

Under the swirling winds of Court Philippe-Chatrier, Gauff showed maturity beyond her years. Despite losing a tight first set in a tiebreaker, she reset quickly. With powerful groundstrokes, relentless movement, and deep focus, Gauff flipped the match by taking control of rallies and forcing Sabalenka into 70+ unforced errors.

The second set saw Gauff dominate with a near-flawless display, while the third was all about heart and hustle. Down an early break, Gauff stormed back, breaking Sabalenka twice to seal the biggest win of her career on clay.

History Made

Gauff becomes the first American woman to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015, etching her name into tennis history on one of the sport’s most demanding stages. The moment she dropped her racket and fell to the clay was one of raw emotion — tears, joy, and vindication for years of hard work.

“It means everything,” Gauff said on court, overcome with emotion. “This is the dream. This is what we train for.”

Mind Over Matter

The mental game was just as crucial as the physical. Leading up to the match, Gauff focused on self-belief, visualization, and affirmations — including writing down “I will be French Open champion 2025” every day. That mindset helped her silence doubts and bring her best when it mattered most.

Her calm under pressure, especially against one of the game’s biggest hitters, showed how much she has evolved. Gone is the teenager who made headlines in 2019 — this is a full-grown competitor with championship grit.

Stars and Support

Gauff’s triumph wasn’t just felt in Paris. Back home, a wave of support poured in from athletes, celebrities, and fans who have followed her journey. Cameras caught her sharing a heartfelt embrace with her parents and even receiving congratulations from director Spike Lee in the stands.

The viewership numbers told the story too — this was one of the most-watched women’s finals in recent memory, showing Gauff’s growing star power.

What’s Next? Wimbledon.

Now with two Grand Slam titles under her belt — the 2023 US Open and the 2025 French Open — all eyes turn to Wimbledon, where Gauff first broke onto the scene as a 15-year-old. She’s no longer the wide-eyed rookie. She’s a champion.

With momentum, confidence, and the tennis world on notice, Coco Gauff is entering a new era — one where she’s not chasing the top, she is the top.

June 10, 2025 | Eugene, Oregon

Florida A&M’s standout middle-distance runner, Kirk Dawkins, is headed to the big stage as he prepares to compete in the 800-meter semifinals at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships this Wednesday. The race will take place at 8:58 p.m. EST at the legendary Hayward Field, located on the campus of the University of Oregon.

Catch the action live on ESPN.

Dawkins earned his spot at nationals by running a personal-best time of 1:46.62 at the NCAA East Regional quarterfinals—an impressive mark that solidifies his status among the elite in collegiate track.

This season has been a breakout year for the FAMU junior. He claimed the SWAC Outdoor Championship title in the 800 meters with a time of 1:50.2 and followed that up with a strong 1:48.01 showing at the East Coast Relays. His steady improvement and commitment to excellence are paying off as he heads into the national spotlight.

All eyes will be on Dawkins Wednesday night as he looks to continue his historic season and represent Florida A&M on the national stage.