Portland Trail Blazers forward Robert Covington, the NBA’s lone player from a Historically Black College and University, is expected to take part in the Skills Challenge during the NBA All-Star Weekend, a source told ESPN’s The Undefeated.
The competition, which will feature the ex-Tennessee State star, will be held prior to the All-Star Game in Atlanta on Sunday. In fact, the NBA will be highlighting HBCUs across All-Star Weekend, which will also include a 3-point and dunk contest.
Covington, a 2018 NBA All-Defensive first-team selection, has had one previous participation in an All-Star Weekend. He won the Most Valuable Player award in the 2014 G League All-Star Game. He graduated from TSU in 2013.
The NBA and National Basketball Players Association have committed more than $2.5 million in funds and resources toward supporting HBCUs and awareness around equity and access to COVID-19 care, relief and vaccines.
Moreover, NBA All-Star Weekend will feature special performances by HBCU musical groups and content from distinguished alumni and students.
Famed singer Gladys Knight, a HBCU Shaw University graduate, will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the pregame festivities. The HBCU Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society Choir will also perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the Black national anthem.