NORFOLK, Va. – After a successful showing together at the 2023 HBCU All Star Game in Houston, Texas, Norfolk State seniors
Joe Bryant Jr. and
Kris Bankston will suit up together once again – this time with a familiar face on the sidelines.
Bryant and Bankston have been selected to play in the 2
nd Annual "Classic for Columbus" Basketball All-Star Game & Extravaganza on Saturday, Apr. 22 at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio. Their team will be led by Norfolk State head coach
Robert Jones.
The matchup will pit the trio's "HBCU All-Stars" against a team of "Ohio All-Stars," coached by Jim Cleamons. Jones and Cleamons led the two teams in last year's inaugural event as well.
"It's an honor to be asked to coach this game again," Jones said. "Last year was a competitive game, down to the wire. Many guys from that game received pro opportunities. I'm excited about coming back to Columbus this year – and equally excited to coach Joe and Kris one last time.
The recognition comes after a tremendous weekend in Houston, Texas for the Norfolk State seniors. Bryant opened the festivities by earning MVP honors for the East team in the NABC Reese's Division I All-Star Game, scoring 22 points and grabbing six rebounds. Just two days later, Bryant and Bankston played in the HBCU All-Star Game, making multiple highlight plays.
The game will tip-off at 5 p.m. as part of an action-packed day. Festivities will begin at 12 p.m., including the Greater Columbus Basketball Legends Hall of Fame Induction Celebration. Following the game and awards presentation, Grammy-winning musical group The Isley Brothers will perform to close out the night.
Tickets can be purchased on classicforcolumbus.com.
