SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The West Virginia State University men's basketball team will take part in the Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic. The event, which is hosted by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, along with Events DC and the Chris Paul Family Foundation, will take place Dec. 4-5 at CareFirst Arena. This will be the second appearance in the event for the Yellow Jackets. 

"We participated in the first Chris Paul HBCU Classic in 2021, and are extremely excited to be invited back for this year's event!" WVSU head coach Bryan Poore said. "I want to thank Chris Paul, his foundation and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for recognizing the importance of the Division II HBCU basketball programs and providing such an amazing, first class experience for them."

The Yellow Jackets will open the event by taking on Virginia State on Friday, Dec. 4. Their game on Dec. 5 depends on the results of Friday's games. The other Division II teams participating in the event are Winston-Salem State and Clark University Atlanta. In non-Division II action, Florida A&M, Hampton, Grambling and Tennessee State will also take part. 

The Hall of Fame calls this the third annual Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic, based on the Toyota-branded format that brings together Division I and non-Division I teams. The Chris Paul Family Foundation held earlier HBCU events under the Tip-Off Classic and HBCU Challenge names at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. The 2025 Classic was held at the Gateway Center in College Park, Georgia.

"I would be remiss to not mention the first African-American to play in the NBA and graduate of WVSU, Earl Lloyd," Poore continued. "His legacy has opened many doors for our program and we look forward to representing him and WVSU in Washington, D.C. in December!!"

Further information on the event, including ticket information, game times, and broadcast information will be released at a later date by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.