NEW YORK, N.Y. --- Former Norfolk State women's basketball standout Carmen Kweti will return to the court on Saturday, Aug. 8, competing alongside some of the top recent HBCU women's basketball players in the 2026 HBCU All-Star Dream Classic at historic Rucker Park.

The women's game is now scheduled to tip off at 3 p.m., moved up from its originally scheduled time due to expected weather in the New York area.

Kweti will suit up for Althea's Aces, one of two women's teams competing in this year's event, with another former Spartan helping guide her from the sideline. Norfolk State alum Deja Francis will serve on the coaching staff for Althea's Aces, returning to the HBCU All-Star Dream Classic after previously competing in the event as a player.

Francis played four seasons at Norfolk State from 2018-22, establishing herself as a key contributor for the Spartans before continuing her basketball career beyond NSU. Her return to the Dream Classic in a coaching role adds another Norfolk State connection to Saturday's showcase.

Althea's Aces will square off against Megan's Stallions in a showcase featuring standout players from across the HBCU landscape pursuing professional basketball opportunities.

The 2026 HBCU All-Star Dream Classic features men's and women's all-star games, providing participants an opportunity to showcase their talents in front of fans, scouts and basketball professionals on one of the sport's most iconic courts.

Kweti joins an Althea's Aces roster that includes Kiarra Henderson (Alcorn State), Neveah Reaves (Delaware State), Arianna Durrell (Tuskegee), D'Ayzha Atkinson (Shaw), Ashari Lewis (Claflin), Daeja Holmes (Texas Southern), Jhakia Gist (Bluefield State), Nile Miller (Howard), Amina Seck (Kentucky State), Bruni Martinez (Virginia Union) and Baylee Goins (West Virginia State).

Kweti appeared in 29 games with four starts for the Spartans during the 2025-26 season. She averaged 4.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 steals per game, leading the MEAC in blocks per game while ranking second in the conference with 40 total blocks. Her defensive presence earned her consecutive MEAC Defensive Player of the Week honors on Jan. 26 and Feb. 2.

Norfolk State finished the 2025-26 campaign with an 18-15 record, advancing to the MEAC championship game for the fifth consecutive season and earning the program's second WNIT berth. The Spartans finished the year ranked second nationally in field goal percentage defense and third in 3-point field goal percentage defense.

Saturday's appearance gives Kweti another opportunity to showcase the defensive ability and rebounding presence that defined her final season in the Green and Gold, while sharing the Dream Classic stage with a fellow Spartan alum.

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