HOUSTON – Sylvester Turner, a University of Houston alumnus and former mayor of Houston who was elected to Congress last year, died Tuesday night.  He was 70 years old.

“I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Sylvester Turner,” UH President Renu Khator said in a prepared statement. “He was a natural-born leader, humble servant and proud UH alum, who made a profound impact on our University, city and state. Most significantly, he never forgot his humble beginnings and used his platform to uplift and encourage young people to chase their dreams. He was a role model for our students, showing that no matter your zip code, race or income bracket, you can reach the highest heights. He will be sorely missed.”

Turner, who was born and raised in Houston, earned his bachelor’s degree in political science at UH in 1977. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Turner returned to Houston where he started his own law firm and occasionally lectured for the UH Law Center’s continuing legal education programs.

After more than two decades of service in the Texas House of Representatives, Turner was elected mayor of Houston in 2015 and served two terms, guiding the city through several challenges, including Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic. When his close friend and political ally U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee died last July, he successfully ran to replace her and was sworn into Congress in January.

Turner was a proud and vocal supporter of the University, recognizing its symbiotic relationship with the city. For his unwavering dedication and service, Turner received UH’s Distinguished Alumni Award, the Elected Public Official of the Year award and the Pioneer of Public Service Award. And in 2023, he was awarded the President’s Medallion, the University’s highest honor. The Sylvester Turner Academic Distinction Scholarship and the Sylvester Turner Scholarship Endowment Fund in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences were established in his honor.

During a memorable commencement speech in 2018, Turner reminded CLASS graduates of the resilience and determination that define Cougar Pride.

“The road will not always be easy, sometimes it will be highly challenging. But Cougar Pride don’t turn back,” he said. “Live your life in such a way that when all is said and done, be able to say you have no regrets. Go Coogs – make your history as only you can.”

About the University of Houston

The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter for excellence in undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast Region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation’s fourth-largest city and one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse regions in the country, UH is a federally designated Hispanic, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution with enrollment of more than 46,000 students.

She accepted on Thursday, Apr. 25 and on the following Monday, athletic director Mike Hill formally introduced her as the new head coach at a press conference.

“Charlotte got a great hire in Tomekia Reed,” Dawn Staley commented.  “She is going to be a great advocate for her student-athletes. She is a great basketball mind and uniter of the community. Being this close to Charlotte, I will be paying close attention to her success.”

This means EVERYTHING!!! Two people that I have GREAT respect for. Thank you @dawnstaley and @UConnWBB Geno!!! I greatly appreciate what you do for the game and how you uplift coaches like myself advocating for change and opportunities. https://t.co/1maYmw6JKI

— Coach Tomekia Reed (@CoachTReed) May 3, 2024

Reed has already made her mark with the announcement of landing former Texas A&M guard Kay Kay Green. This strategic recruitment not only strengthens the team’s roster but also demonstrates Reed’s ability to attract top talent to UNC Charlotte.  

UConn’s Geno Auriemma expressed, “I’m so excited that Tomekia Reed has been named the head coach at Charlotte. After coaching against her team, I came away super impressed with how hard they work and how disciplined they are. Congrats to Coach Reed and to Charlotte for reaching out of the box and getting a terrific coach.”   

Auriemma’s words echoed his sentiments about Coach Reed in his postgame interview after UConn defeated Jackson State: “They certainly don’t get on TV enough, and they certainly don’t get enough recognition, and I wanted to let her know that and put myself out there for her. I think we need coaches like her to be celebrated.”

Coach Geno Auriemma’s comments on Coach Reed and JSU. @HBCULegends @GoJSUTigersWBB pic.twitter.com/DokLl7rTlH

— Kyle T. Mosley (@ktmoze) March 23, 2024

Reed posted humbling words about the commentary from the two coaching legends. “This means EVERYTHING!!! Two people that I have GREAT respect for. Thank you Dawn Staley and Geno!!! I greatly appreciate what you do for the game and how you uplift coaches like myself advocating for change and opportunities.

Geno Auriemma said about Jackson State, “I’m really impressed by them, and they are exceptionally well coached.”

ALSO READ: HUGE DISPARITY BETWEEN HBCUs AND POWER CONFERENCE TEAMS

VIDEO:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9t5jxUmRC8

Tomekia Reed is headed to @CharlotteWBB as the next women’s basketball head coach. @CoachTReed @hbculegends pic.twitter.com/2XvUUIELJ6

— Kyle T. Mosley (@ktmoze) April 25, 2024

The Charlotte Business Journal reported in 2023 that former UNC Charlotte coach Cara Consuegra earned $269,100.00 annually. She was the second-highest-paid coach in the UNC Charlotte athletic department. When she began her tenure with the 49ers, Consuegra earned a base salary of $165,000 per year plus incentives. Thus, at this point, Reed’s base salary should be approximately at or over the $200K range.

Reed was underpaid at Jackson State University. It needs to be clarified whether the school or Reed was the one who didn’t agree to an extended contract.

Coach Reed’s Farewell… pic.twitter.com/cxvbL8y7OA

— Kyle T. Mosley (@ktmoze) April 26, 2024

Nevertheless, Reed is now the 49ers’ new leader and has an opportunity to write a new chapter for her career. She will work with a program with more resources and better facilities and is connected with a passionate fanbase in one of the country’s best regions for basketball.

Although many would have appreciated Reed to remain with an HBCU, would it have made sense for her at this stage in the career she’s built?  Charlotte’s athletic director, Mike Hill, knows how to raise funds for the athletic department.  Consider the fact Hill ran a campaign to raise $100 million for the new Jerry Richardson football stadium and facilities.  

Coach Reed’s departure from the HBCU sports landscape should be applauded. The dynamo coach is blazing a trail for the coaches who will follow in her pioneering footsteps. She may not be the first HBCU coach to leave and become a success at the next level—i.e., C. Vivian Stringer—but, knowing Tomekia Reed’s heart, she’ll make sure she’s not the last.

As the all-time NCAA basketball scoring leader, Clark’s potential impact on the WNBA, despite not having worn a uniform yet, is already projected to make her the highest-paid league rookie ever. 

The 2024 WNBA Draft Class stars with Clark include Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, Cameron Brink, Aaliyah Edwards, and Rickea Jackson. Reese recently signed significant endorsement deals, but Clark’s eight-year, $28 million agreement with Nike could become the foundation for players.

Shaquille O’Neal signed Reese to an NIL in October with Reebok. Could he follow up with a mega-deal for the Chicago Sky draftee? Reese will have a new nickname, “Chi Barbie,” look for her to capitalize on a new marketing effort from her representatives.

Cardoso, Edwards, and Brink will be the notable names in line for prominent endorsements before the league tips off in May.

Check out:

“As a little girl growing up you always dream of playing basketball and getting your first trading card – I can’t wait for fans everywhere to be able to start collecting my Panini cards,” Reese said.

The former “Bayou Barbie” and 2023 national champion from LSU is projected to be a top-ten prospect in the 2024 WNBA Draft on Apr. 15.

A true game changer, on and off of the court

Honored to welcome the iconic @Reese10Angel to the Panini Exclusive Family!

Angel’s first Panini Cards will be available at 3:00 PM EST here: https://t.co/3XsYkmPG2a #WhoDoYouCollect pic.twitter.com/dWAA9AoHEv

— Panini America (@PaniniAmerica) April 10, 2024

“Angel is an outstanding talent and an electric player, and we are excited to welcome her to the Panini family as an exclusive athlete,” Jason Howarth, Panini America’s senior vice president of marketing and athlete relations, said in a released statement.

Panini’s first product with Reese is the $9.99 Panini Instant card, which is available on the company’s website.

Reese declared for the WNBA Draft a day after losing to Iowa in the NCAA Women’s Championship semifinal game. The Hawkeye’s legendary guard, Cailin Clark, announced a deal with Panini last month.   Clark projects to become the overall draft pick in the WNBA Draft’s first round.

The two young superstars intend to make their professional debut at the beginning of the WNBA season.

Founder Travis Williams’ public relations team, Mahogany Xan Communications,  didn’t have an HBCU school in Arizona to market the event’s third installment. Still, his people produced a masterclass in community engagement and strategic marketing efforts. They worked tirelessly to engage local businesses, universities, and city officials well ahead of the event.

Here are three critical takeaways for how inclusive engagement leads to overwhelming success:

Strategic Partnerships 

The PR team understood the importance of developing early and strong community ties in Phoenix. They partnered with local businesses, civic leaders, city officials, and significant sponsors, even in an area with no HBCU presence.

Inclusive Marketing 

The inclusive marketing efforts beyond HBCUs to the local and surrounding universities, Greek organizations, and social clubs demonstrate the unifying power of sports and community.

Diversified Outreach  

The approach included not just HBCU fans but also broader demographics, suggesting integration with local culture and businesses as a key to replicating this success in future events.

Special thanks to our Founding Sponsor @aflacduck on their generous donation to continue supporting our HBCU student-athletes. #hbcuallstargame #thebestinblackcollegebasketball pic.twitter.com/iOiTIRiByJ

— HBCU All-Star Game (@HBCUAllStarGame) April 8, 2024

In Phoenix, Black business leaders were pivotal in promoting the event and actively partaking in its planning. The synergy between the event and black entrepreneurs is a blueprint worth replicating.  

The HBCU All-Star Game’s foray into Phoenix has laid down a marker on how to engage and excite a regional audience, demonstrating that the appeal of HBCU sports transcends geographical and institutional boundaries.

Year 3⃣ Sold out arena pic.twitter.com/8QOTqdh9Vl

— HBCU All-Star Game (@HBCUAllStarGame) April 8, 2024

As the fourth annual HBCU All-Star Game heads to San Antonio, partnerships with Black and Hispanic businesses could be formed, offering access to a diverse economic and cultural pool.

Dawn Staley’s remarkable achievement of securing her third national championship with her Gamecocks team should’ve been the focal point for the media — but it wasn’t.  However, media bias online, in print, and during the broadcast demonstrated an inequity in one of the greatest moments for women’s sports.  Especially, a day before the championship game when a reporter attempted to create a pivotal news story regarding Coach Staley’s stance on transgenders in sports.

ABC MISSED THE REAL MOMENT TO MAKE HISTORY

ABC’s production before, during, and following the game slanted for Caitlin Clark and Iowa, eventually overshadowing South Carolina’s tremendous accomplishment.   Whoever made the call in the booth must be replaced or realize that broadcasting inequity is a thing of the past.  

It no longer has a place.  Fair reporting and representation are necessary across all our sports communities and platforms.

Dawn Staley’s team is 38-0.  She joined an elite club of nine collegiate coaches to lead their teams to an undefeated season and national championship title.  The three-time national championship coach takes her rightful place among Geno Auriemma, John Wooden, Pat Summit, Kim Mulkey, Phil Woolpert, Frank McGuire, Bob Knight, and Jody Conradt as “The Unbeatens.”

REVISIONIST BROADCASTING

The producer clung to the advertised storyline, unwilling to make the edit. Dawn Staley had an all-new starting lineup. Last year’s starters found new homes via the 2023 WNBA Draft.  

She trusted her players, especially the freshmen, filled with abundant talent and confidence. After Clark rattled off 18-first quarter points, she made a cataclysmic switch. Raven Johnson was to guard the sharpshooter.  

Staley had the faith and belief Johnson could shut down the all-time NCAA scoring leader. What happened next was legendary.

Last night and this morning, little was mentioned in the headlines of Johnson’s masterful defensive job against the sharpshooter.  

She stole the basketball twice, blocked her shot, locked her down, made her shots, and frustrated Iowa’s greatest hope. Raven Johnson found redemption. After Clark repeatedly waved her off in last year’s semifinal game, Johnson doesn’t have to watch video of that game another day of her life.

As the Gamecocks’ faces were beaming with smiles and Iowa’s dream slowly fading, ESPN decided against spotlighting Raven Johnson, Kamilla Cardoso, Te-Hina Paopao, MiLaysia Fulwiley, Ashlyn Watkins, Tessa Johnson, Montes Claros, Sania Feagin, Chloe Kitts, Bree Hall, and Sakima Walker.  Instead, the cameras and attention of the network were drawn to the star player of the losing team, the Iowa bench, and their walk down the tunnel to the locker room.

At points during the broadcast, ESPN’s play-by-play announcer Ryan Ruocco slanted his more positive commentary toward Iowa. Two, in particular, categorize Clark’s talent as having “video-game vision” and making treys as she “shoots from the future.”   

I get it. It’s the dramatic flair for television, but there weren’t as vivid portraits of the South Carolina players as you rewind the tape.  Ruocco’s best delivery for the champs was “Raven Johnson picks the pocket of Clark” before expanding the lead by three before halftime.

MEDIA MUST HAVE TRUE REPRESENTATION WITHIN THE NEWSROOM AND BROADCAST BOOTH

Media outlets must do a better job portraying our athletes. Jim Trotter spoke out against the NFL Network’s lack of minority representation as managers on the newsdesk, which seems to be the case within the production booth at ABC/ESPN.

For now, the South Carolina Gamecocks will celebrate. Coach Dawn Staley will praise “The Lord.” History is set. For the rest of those young ladies’ lives, they will be known as the 2024 Undefeated Women’s Basketball National Champions! Will it make much of a difference to the media decision-makers?

We shall see.

Founder Travis Williams will introduce 24 of the best and brightest HBCU basketball all-stars who hope to take their careers to the next level. Today’s game aims to help advance their career options as professionals in the NBA, G League, Europe, or China.

“This is history in the making once again to host the first-ever HBCU All-Star Game in the Valley of the Sun and in a part of the country where HBCUs do not exist,” said Williams. “As always, I am just being obedient to this God-driven vision that was founded in 2019, and it has been a long journey and dream come true to get to this point in year #3. We will continue honoring and celebrating the rich history, tradition, and contributions of HBCUs to the sport of college basketball. I am truly excited in year #3 with our founding partner Aflac and expect to put on another great event in Phoenix. This year, Aflac will be returning as the official sponsor of the HBCU All-Star game.”

“At Aflac, we have a long history of recognizing and supporting historically black colleges and universities. The HBCU All-Star Game is a wonderful expression of the HBCU experience and does a tremendous job in shining the spotlight on these highly talented players,” said Garth Knutson, Chief Marketing Officer of Aflac. “We know that there continues to be a gap in recognizing and celebrating the talent these students offer, and we are excited to deepen once again our commitment to closing this gap for HBCU students, on and off the court, as an official sponsor of the HBCU All-Star basketball game.”

THE 3RD ANNUAL HBCU ALL-STAR GAME TEAM ROSTERS

Team Rick Mahorn (MEAC, SIAC, Independents All-Stars)

1. Fred Cleveland Jr, North Carolina Central University (MEAC) PG 5’9
2. Chris Martin, Clark Atlanta University (SIAC) PG 6’2
3. Raquan Brown, South Carolina State University (MEAC) SG 6’3
4. Ja’Darius Harris, North Carolina Central University (MEAC) SG 6’3
5. Christian Brown, Tennessee State University (INDEP) SG 6’6
6. Allen Betrand, Norfolk State University (MEAC) SG 6’5
7. Asanti Price, Benedict College (SIAC) SG 6’5
8. Christian Wells, LeMoyne-Owen College (SIAC) SF 6’5
9. Tedrick Wilcox Jr., Hampton University (INDEP) SF 6’6
10.  Seth Towns, Howard University (MEAC) SF/PF 6’9
11. Jordan Simpson, Albany State University (SIAC) PF/C 6’9
12. Jason Jitoboh, Tennessee State University (INDEP) C 6’11

Coaches: Levelle Moton – Head Men’s Basketball Coach at North Carolina Central University; Alfred Jordan – Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Clark Atlanta University

Game faces on! Tune in to the HBCU All-Star Game tomorrow! Sunday, April 7 at 4 p.m. ET on CBS. Coverage begins at 3 p.m. ET pic.twitter.com/mBjXlGZv3I

— HBCU All-Star Game (@HBCUAllStarGame) April 7, 2024

Team Ben Wallace (SWAC & CIAA HBCU All-Stars)

1. PJ Henry, Texas Southern University (SWAC) PG 5’10
2. Dhashon Dyson, Bethune-Cookman University (SWAC) CG 6’1
3. Brandon Davis, Southern University (SWAC) CG 6’1
4. Rashad Williams, Univ. Arkansas at Pine Bluff (SWAC) SG 6’2
5. Tra’Michael Moton, Grambling State University (SWAC) SG 6’2
6. Jaylen Alston, Winston-Salem State University (CIAA) SF 6’4
7. Tre Richardson, Elizabeth City State University (CIAA) SF 6’4
8. Charles Smith, Prairie View A&M University (SWAC) SG 6’5
9. Rayquan Brown, Mississippi Valley State University (SWAC) SG 6’6
10. Jordan O’Neal, Jackson State University (SWAC) PF 6’7
11. Jeremiah Kendall, Alcorn State University (SWAC) PF 6’7
12. Jourdan Smith, Grambling State University (SWAC) PF 6’7

Coaches: Johnny Jones, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Texas Southern University; Jason Armstrong, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Lincoln University (PA)

2024 HBCU ALL-STARS HONOREES

HBCU ALL-STARS National Coaches & Players of the Year for NCAA Division I & II

• HBCU All-Stars John McLendon NCAA Division I National Coach of the Year
• Donte’ Jackson – Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Grambling State University

HBCU All-Stars Art McAfee NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year

• Alfred Jordan – Head Men’s Basketball Coach Clark Atlanta University

HBCU All-Stars Sam Jones NCAA Division I National Player of the Year

• Fred Cleveland Jr. – North Carolina Central University

HBCU All-Stars Earl “the Pearl” Monroe NCAA Division II National Player of the Year

• Chris Martin – Clark Atlanta University

* Article initially posted on HBCU Legends

We’re not focusing on how Gabbie Marshall sold it! Kudos to her, by the way.  Whether we agree or not, the ref’s call against Aaliyah Edwards at that stage of that heavyweight bout was indeed questionable…but not the sole reason UConn fell to Iowa.

I get it. As a New Orleanian who has covered the New Orleans Saints for years, the “NOLA NO CALL” will serve as the pinnacle of poor officiating… ever. There must be a point in a game where the human element doesn’t affect the outcomes and mentally scar coaches, players, and fans for years to come.

Yet, that’s how legendary moments are cemented in our minds. Growing up, for me, it would be the barbershop, schoolyard, and sidewalk conversations about “what had happened” that we still talk about to this day. And so will this one.

It wasn’t Caitlin Clark’s resilience but Hannah Stuelke’s brilliance that propelled the Hawkeyes into Sunday’s title game against South Carolina.  The power forward muscled her way to scoring 23 points, mostly the hard way, against Edwards. She had a monstrous game — she won the contest for Iowa.  Despite her herculean effort, this morning’s headlines feature Caitlin Clark and Iowa, with a mild sprinkling of Stuelke.

Losing sucks. This one will stick with Aaliyah Edwards, who willed her team back into contention that night. The senior forward scored 17 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished three assists in the loss. Coach Geno Auriemma should’ve called a pick-and-roll for Edwards to win the game. She thought her screen was “clean,” Paige Bueckers said. “Players decide the game.” In the long run, the one play didn’t ultimately affect the outcome or their futures.

Edwards will enter the WNBA Draft on Apr. 15 and become a probable Top 10 pick.

It was an monumental clash.  One foe had to lose.  Unfortunately for the Huskies faithful, it was UConn’s time.

There can only be one. On Sunday afternoon, a new NCAA Women’s Championship team will be crowned in Cleveland. Will it be the Iowa or Dawn Staley’s South Carolina squad joyous at the end?

We shall see.

HOUSTON  —  The No. 1 South Carolina Gamecocks (36-0) are Vegas’ favorite to win the women’s college basketball national championship. However, before their head coach, Dawn Staley can lift the title trophy, she must prepare her team to face a dangerous and formidable opponent – the No. 3 North Carolina State Wolfpack (31-6).

The two squads will tangle during semifinal action at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse for a 7:00 PM ET tip-off on Friday, Apr. 5. The winner will clash with the UConn-Iowa semifinal victor.  

SOUTH CAROLINA’S TREMENDOUS RUN

South Carolina has made four consecutive trips to the NCAA Women’s Final Four. Incredibly, Staley has guided the Gamecocks to twelve straight NCAA tournaments and won two national championships in 2017 and 2022.  

Coach Staley has registered a tremendous 438-106 (80.6%) winning record during her tenure at South Carolina. Her teams have lost just eight games in the last four seasons and could eventually win the national title, going undefeated.