Prior to the game, the NBRPA hosted a celebrity pre-reception tip-off party in the Comerica Center Club Lounge hosted by Dale Ellis, Reggie Johnson, Sam Perkins, Shawn Marion, Jerome Williams, Jeremy Pargo, and Choo Smith.
The pre-reception tip-off party, which was open to local media and fans of both participating teams, served as an introduction for many to the NBRPA, its mission and charitable work as an organization, and its dedication to fostering a college to NBA pipeline for the young athletes involved.
In this exciting inaugural contest, Tennessee prevailed over Gonzaga 99-80 in front of an energized crowd of dedicated fans. After the game, players from both teams had the opportunity to take photos with their fanbase and meet the NBA Legends in attendance, spurring additional mentorship opportunities and showing the NBRPA’s commitment to growing the game at the college and professional level.
This inaugural event was a success from every angle –– from the players meeting their NBA idols to the substantial donation to the McLendon Foundation made possible by the fans who bought tickets and streamed the game online –– setting the stage for future charitable exhibition showdowns hosted by the NBRPA.
Just one month after the inaugural Legends of Basketball Classic, the NBRPA, Intersport, the McLendon Foundation and iNDEMAND jointly announced plans to extend the partnership through 2023 and add additional Legends of Basketball Classic matchups to the slate of men’s college hoops action. Stay tuned throughout the year, and in many years to come, for more Legends of Basketball Classic rivalries around the country!
