May 4, 1997
By Eric N. MooreWith the aroma of barbecue ribs floating through the Morehouse Olympic Arena, the 2nd Annual Mobil Black College Basketball Classic took a major step toward respectability last Saturday. Showcasing players from 17 different black colleges for pro scouts, an estimated live audience of 1,500 and an undetermined television viewership, the Classic presented an atmosphere that few will soon forget.
"This event represents the realization of a five year dream", said Executive Producer LaShun Lawson. "It presents an opportunity to not only display talents, but also promote Historically Black Colleges and Universities to the world."
The festivities began at a reception Friday night when Atlanta's
Extra Point Club announced its Black College All-America team.
The Club also awarded its John B. McLendon Trophy to the
outstanding male basketball player at an HBCU. In his acceptance
remarks, South Carolina State's Roderick Blakney, a junior guard
announced how he was looking forward to playing in the Classic
next year.
Saturday in the Morehouse Arena lobby, there was good food and the obligatory souvenir tee shirt sale with the Classic logo on the front. On the gym floor, there was a David vs. Goliath game setup matching two former coaching rivals and outstanding halftime show featuring the acrobatics and stunts of Atlanta's Kids Gym USA.
The South team, comprised of players from the SIAC and SWAC, was coached by Clarence "Bighouse" Gaines and former NBA great Dan Roundfield. On the opposite bench with players from the CIAA and MEAC, Cal Irvin and Walt Bellamy were calling the shots. Gaines and Irvin, who where were classmates at Morgan State, were staunch coaching rivals in the CIAA. It was the first time they had met on the court since Irvin retired from N.C. A&T 16 years ago.
Alabama A&M's Bethel Hendricks was selected Most Valuable Player
after leading a team of predominantly Division II players to a
114-103 win over much taller North squad. Hendricks scored 18
points and grabbed 8 rebounds for the South team. His 11
first half points propelled the team to a commanding 66-45
halftime lead.
Hendricks felt motivated going into the game. "I was disappointed at not making the (Extra Point Club's) All-American team so I felt I had something to prove", he said. "I also felt I had something to prove to the Division One guys and the scouts."
On paper, the North squad had a significant size advantage with three of its 11 players standing 6-7 or taller. The South's tallest player was Kentucky State's James Crutcher at 6-8. No other player stood above 6-6.
"I knew we could run the floor with our guards", said Hendricks. "But I wasn't sure how we would handle their big guys", he said.
The South used the quickness of guards William Burr (Clark Atlanta) and Darrick McGriff (Alabama State) to overcome their lack of size. Burr didn't score but handed out six assists and had five steals. McGriff, an two-time All-SWAC performer, chipped in 13 points.
The North was led by Coppin State's Reggie Welch who led all scorers with 25 points. He was followed by Kimani Stewart (N.C. A&T) with 19 points and Eric Harris (St. Augustine's) with 18. Morgan State's Chris Watson was the games top rebounder pulling down 10 boards in just over 22 minutes of play.
With corporate sponsorship from Mobil Oil, And 1, and McDonalds, the Classic appears to be finding the financial support to grow and develop. Lawson hopes that a developing relationship with Host Communications will help expand corporate support of the game.
Lawson and her Target Sports Marketing organization also enjoy a large and dedicated volunteer group. Following the game, several volunteers, some who drove nearly four hours to be at the contest, talked about their commitment to the classic and promoting Black Colleges.
"I believe in LaShun's vision", said Cynthia Hill, a black college graduate and former resident of Atlanta who drove from Birmingham to help sell t-shirts in the lobby. "We need to do whatever we can to promote our colleges."
 Front Page |  Newsroom Index |