This weekend Memphis will host a two‑day basketball showcase organized by the nonprofit Ballin’ HBCU, an initiative that connects high school players with historically Black colleges and universities. The event marks the organization’s first Memphis appearance and is being staged in collaboration with the streetball brand And1.
Community Day Sets a Festive Tone
The opening day takes place at Halle Stadium, where families can enjoy free basketball drills, live music and a variety of food vendors. Organizers describe the atmosphere as a celebration of local culture, aiming to draw together players, parents and fans in a shared love of the game.
Following the community festivities, a player‑development day will be held at the Grizzlies Center at Memphis Athletics Ministries. The session features intensive training drills, skill‑building workshops and All‑Star games designed to showcase talent and foster growth.
Scotty Mason, a Memphis‑born professional basketball trainer, will lead the on‑court activities. Mason brings years of coaching experience and a reputation for sharpening raw talent, making him a natural fit for the event’s developmental focus.
Rachel Naughton, founder and executive director of Ballin’ HBCU, emphasized that the program is crafted to serve athletes at every skill level. "Our goal is to provide exposure, education and mentorship that extend beyond the hardwood," she said, noting that topics such as name, image and likeness (NIL), financial literacy and career pathways will be woven into the curriculum.
The choice of Memphis was intentional. Naughton highlighted the city’s rich cultural heritage and its history of producing basketball talent, stating that the locale offers a vibrant backdrop for the organization’s mission to empower young players.
Beyond the games, the event seeks to open doors for participants by connecting them with college recruiters, scholarship opportunities and professional networks. By integrating educational components with on‑court competition, Ballin’ HBCU hopes to reshape how high school athletes perceive their futures in sports and life.