A championship that blends competition and community
The inaugural JAB Classic Championship unfolded at the historic Palestra in Philadelphia, turning the venue into a showcase for basketball talent and social purpose. Over three days, more than 35 current and former NBA players formed eight teams, including Dominick Barlow, Quinn Cook, Montrezl Harrell and Omari Spellman, delivering a pro‑am spectacle that drew fans from across the city.
In the championship game, Chuck Ellis Workouts from Philadelphia secured a decisive 106‑77 victory over the Texas‑based squad Trusted Vision. The win earned the Morris twins, Marcus Morris Sr. and Markieff Morris, a $1 million bonus check, while former Rocktop Academy standout Zid Powell was crowned most valuable player of the final.
Marcus Morris Sr. took the opportunity to thank the crowd, noting how the energy of a standing‑only section on the baseline helped lift his team in the second half. He also highlighted the tournament’s broader mission, pointing to the work of the Family Over Everything Foundation, which he helped found to assist children in single‑parent households and underserved communities.
Founder Jared Armstrong, who organized the event after the October 2023 Hamas attacks, said the championship was designed to foster unity and combat hate through education and community engagement. Proceeds from the tournament will fund a new basketball court in Philadelphia, continuing a series of court renovations that have already reached 17 sites in Israel and the city.
The event featured performances by Philadelphia rapper KUR between games three and four, and a halftime set by Chicago emcee G‑Herbo, adding a cultural dimension to the competition. Graduate Josh Sharkey, an Archbishop Carroll High School alumnus, praised the crowd’s support and the team’s effort to promote the tournament.
Looking ahead, Marcus Morris Sr. announced plans to boost attendance for future editions by launching promotions earlier in the season, hoping to build on the modest but passionate turnout that defined this year’s championship.