It was a year of firsts for the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) and NBA, as the inaugural class of Legends Scholars was recognized at the NBA HBCU Classic between Howard University and Morgan State University during the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend.
Four of the five 2021-2022 Legends Scholars* — Damon Bryan (South Carolina State University), Erin Foster (Spelman College), Saniya Keeton (Tuskegee University) and Jayla Thornton (North Carolina A&T State University) — flew to Cleveland for the All-Star festivities.
It was the first plane ride or trip out of state for some of the honorees.
Even though the Scholars met for the first time in person on Saturday of All-Star Weekend, the camaraderie and excitement among the group was electric. After a brief visit to the Legends Lounge, where they opened their swag bags with lightning speed, it was time to head to the HBCU Classic.
The Scholars walked into the Wolstein Center while “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was being performed and filmed the historic moment with their phones.
Sitting courtside by tip-off, they soaked in the first half of the HBCU classic with the best seats in the house.
“The HBCU Classic is unmatched! It’s so exciting.” - Jayla Thornton
“The HBCU Classic is amazing, photogenic and I love the culture.” - Saniya Keeton
“I feel the HBCU energy in the air!” -Damon Bryan “The HBCU Classic is something that I’ll remember forever.” -Erin Foster
As halftime wound down, the familiar music from the Legends HBCU Scholarship promotional video filled the arena. The Scholars waved while being introduced on the jumbotron.
After the game, the Scholars had a fun meeting with NBRPA Board Members Grant Hill and Shawn Marion. They wrapped up the experience by taking pictures and videos on the court and at the scorer’s table.
Community service and positively impacting the world are synonymous with the spirit of who the Legends Scholars are. This is why before the HBCU Classic, early arrivals Jayla Thornton and Saniya Keeton joined NBA and WNBA Legends who volunteered at the Legends Care Drive-Thru Food Distribution event.
The following day, the Scholars got ready for the NBA Legends Awards while figuring out which Legends they wanted to meet.
Upon arriving at the “star-studded” — to quote Erin Foster — Cleveland Convention Center, NBRPA Founders Dave Bing and Archie Clark, Dr. J, NBRPA Board Chairman Johnny Davis, NBRPA Board Members Sam Perkins, Thurl Bailey, Chasity Melvin, Bill Walton and Rick Barry welcomed the Scholars into the Legends family. Each Legend spent time getting to know the young honorees, asking genuine questions while sharing heartfelt advice and inspiration.
The Legends Scholars were in awe of seeing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. up close, as they were sitting in seats made just for them. Their eyes grew wide when Magic Johnson took the stage. They listened intently to Dikembe Mutombo closing his acceptance speech with, “It’s in your hands to make the world a better place. Go out, do it.”
They loved when Carmelo Anthony appeared wearing a pink hoodie under his NBA 75 blazer. And dashed over to Miles Brown, a star from the hit show Black-ish, once the ceremony was over.
As they prepared to head back to the airport, the Scholars could not stop expressing their gratitude for the entire experience. Damon Bryan said that the memories created at All-Star Weekend could never be forgotten.
“All-Star Weekend inspired me to continue to reach for my goals,” said Saniya Keeton. And we, the NBRPA and Legends Care will always be there to support our Legends Scholars as they strive for their goals and will continue to assist them in creating memories.
*The fifth Legends Scholar, Tyrell Miller-Johnson (Central State University), could not attend due to his military obligations with the U.S. Army. We thank him for his continued service.
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