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.

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

The game will be comprised of the nation’s top 24 players who will make up the rosters named after two HBCU and NBA Legends, Team Rick Mahorn versus Team Ben Wallace. The game will air live on the CBS Television Network and be available to stream on Paramount+.

“The 24 players that have been selected from our 2023-24 basketball season and top 65 Watch List represent the best in college basketball at our country’s esteem Historically Black colleges and universities.

For the past five months, I have been on an amazing HBCU All-Stars national promotional tour across the country talking about this GOD-driven vision providing E.A.R. and O.R.R. (Exposure, Access, Recognition, Opportunities, Resources, and Results) for our proud and prestigious HBCUs, hard-working, talented, ambitious, deserving students, student-athletes, and brilliant coaches across the country.

We have watched so many games in person, on television, and our HBCU All-Stars national scouting staff evaluated and scouted the top players from the 49 participating HBCUs. There were many outstanding players very deserving of this great honor and opportunity to play at the highest level on the beautiful campus of Grand Canyon University and on the biggest stage during college basketball’s biggest weekend with our great partnership with CBS Television Network and CBS Sports for this historic and third annual HBCU All-Star game,” said HBCU All-Stars LLC Founder and CEO Travis L. Williams.”

“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 does 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 once again deepen 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.”

Team Rick Mahorn will be coached by North Carolina Central University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Levelle Moton, and Clark Atlanta University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Alfred Jordan. The team is comprised of players who compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), and Independent schools representing Tennessee State, Hampton, and North Carolina A&T State Universities while Team Ben Wallace will be coached by Texas Southern University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Johnny Jones and Lincoln University (PA) Head Men’s Basketball Coach Jason Armstrong and made up of players who competed in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (CIAA).

The HBCU All-Stars John McLendon NCAA National Division I Coach of the Year is Donte’ Jackson, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Grambling State University, while the HBCU All-Stars Art McAfee NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year is Alfred Jordan from Clark Atlanta University.

The HBCU All-Stars Sam Jones NCAA Division I National Player of the Year is Fred Cleveland Jr. from North Carolina Central University who will also be suiting up for Team Rick Mahorn. The HBCU All-Stars Earl “The Pearl” Monroe Division II National Player of the Year is Chris Martin from Clark Atlanta University and suiting up for Team Rick Mahorn.

With a mission to advocate, educate, expose, mentor, and invest in HBCU students, student-athletes and coaches across the country, the event aims to showcase the “Best in Black College Basketball.” Launched by HBCU All-Stars LLC, a Black-owned sports marketing, events, and media company in Atlanta, the HBCU All-Star Game brings much needed E.A.R. (Exposure, Access, Recognition) and O.R.R. (Opportunities, Resources, Results) to outstanding, talented, ambitious, and hardworking HBCU students, student-athletes and brilliant coaches and celebrate Black Excellence, Black History, and Black Cultural Experiences at the highest level.

To learn more about the HBCU All-Star Game and to get additional information about its ancillary events and tickets visit hbcuallstargame.com, and follow @hbcuallstargame.

Top 24 HBCU All-Star Game Players

“The Best in Black College Basketball”

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

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-STAR GAME 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

ABOUT HBCU ALL-STARS, LLC

HBCU All-Stars, LLC is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and was founded in 2019 with the mission to advocate, educate, expose, mentor and invest in hardworking, talented, ambitious, and very deserving students, student-athletes and brilliant coaches at our distinguished Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Along with its mission, in April 2022 and 2023 the company also launched the first-ever and second HBCU All-Star Game and ancillary experiences and events surrounding the historical endeavor in New Orleans and Houston. Also, in November 2022 and 2023, HBCU All-Stars LLC founded ATL Has Something to Say HBCU All-Stars Challenge at Morehouse College Forbes Arena featuring some of the best teams from the four premier Black college conferences MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, and SIAC.

ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED

aflac.com or aflac.com/espanol. Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to ESG and social responsibility at investors.aflac.com under “Sustainability.”