The NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has become a proving ground for undrafted talent, and this year two standout players from historically Black colleges and universities are set to showcase their skills on a national stage.
Aaron Nkrumah, a 6‑foot‑6 guard who capped his collegiate career at Tennessee State, signed an Exhibit‑10 contract with the Denver Nuggets. In his final season he posted 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.9 steals per game, helping the Tigers finish 23‑10 and share the OVC regular‑season title. Nkrumah also earned a No. 47 spot on ESPN’s pre‑draft board.
Bryce Harris, who completed his eligibility at Howard University, agreed to a Summer League deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Harris averaged 17.3 points and 6.9 rebounds while dishing out 2.5 assists per game, contributing to three NCAA Tournament appearances for the Bison. He was also recognized as the 2026 MEAC Player of the Year.
Summer League Showdown in Las Vegas
Both players will meet in the Las Vegas Summer League this July, where they will join a field that includes former NBA contributors such as Robert Covington and Anthony Mason, as well as veteran Dick Barnett, who has long served as a benchmark for HBCU alumni in the league.
Their contracts also open doors for potential two‑way or Exhibit‑10 conversions, giving the athletes a chance to earn guaranteed money and develop under NBA coaching staffs. The move underscores a growing pipeline of talent emerging from HBCU programs.
The achievements of Nkrumah and Harris echo a broader narrative of HBCU athletes breaking through traditional barriers, a trend that has seen legends like Dick Barnett and Anthony Mason carve out lasting legacies in the NBA.