Tennessee State Heads to D.C. for the Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic
The Tennessee State University men's basketball squad is set to travel to the nation's capital for the third edition of the Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic, scheduled for December 4‑5 at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C.
The showcase pits the Tigers against Grambling State on the opening night and Florida A&M on the following day, giving the team two high‑profile matchups against other storied HBCU programs.
Head coach Nolan Smith said he is eager to test his squad against strong competition and to bring the energy of D.C. basketball to the court, describing the city's scene as electric and full of passion.
Beyond the games, the event serves as a platform to celebrate the legacy of historically Black colleges and universities, drawing attention to their athletic traditions and academic excellence.
The tournament is organized by the Chris Paul Family Foundation in partnership with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, with Events DC handling local logistics, underscoring a collaborative effort to elevate HBCU basketball nationally.