Charity Basketball Game to Feature Star-Studded Lineup
Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is set to host a celebrity basketball game on May 23 at Oak Ridge High School in his home state of Tennessee. The event, organized to raise funds for local charities, will combine sports entertainment with community outreach.
The in‑person contest will showcase a mix of former NBA and WNBA players, NFL veterans, and up‑and‑coming college stars, creating a unique crossover of athletic talent. Organizers have announced that the game will be streamed live, allowing fans worldwide to participate in the fundraising effort.
Among the confirmed participants are former Tennessee Volunteers guard Bobby Maze, Bengals standout Ja'Marr Chase, and former NFL wideout Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson, who announced his involvement on social media. The roster also includes NBA alumni such as John Wall, Baron Davis, Ben Wallace, Jaden Springer, and DeAndre' Bembry, alongside WNBA veteran Diamond DeShields.
College prospects like Presley Patterson, Deondrea Lindsey, and Handje Tamba are slated to appear, while former NFL players Albert Haynesworth III, Devin Harper, and Isaiah Simmons will add a football flair to the evening. The event will also welcome future Tennessee commits, including forward Chris Washington Jr., Vanderbilt recruit Baylor Allen, and other highly touted prospects.
Honoring a Legacy
Oak Ridge High School previously retired Higgins' basketball jersey in 2019, a testament to his high school achievements before he rose to the NFL. The charity game provides an opportunity to celebrate that legacy while supporting causes that benefit the surrounding community.
Additional participants from the 2025 edition, such as former Tennessee basketball players Drew Pember and Darlinstone Dubar, as well as football alumni A.J. Johnson, Keon Johnson, Ques Glover, and Cam Taylor‑Britt, illustrate the growing reach of the initiative across sports and institutions.
The gathering underscores how former collegiate and professional athletes can leverage their platforms for philanthropy, turning a single night of competition into a sustained source of support for charitable programs in Tennessee and beyond.