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History will be made tonight as the NBA prepares for its 70th All-Star Game. For some players, such as Portland Trail Blazers wing Robert Covington, there will be a special significance. This year’s event will put extra emphasis on recognizing HBCUs, also known as Historically Black Colleges and Universities, with the National Basketball Player’s Association pledging to generate $3 million, as well as the exposure that comes from the NBA’s platform. According to Paul Marshall of OPB, Covington sees his involvement as part of his legacy.
“It’s beyond important. I’ve built a legacy and impacted lives,” Covington said.
Robert Covington Falls Flat In First Round Of Skills Challenge
Robert Covington struggled in the Skills Challenge, but his biggest impact at All-Star weekend was saved for HBCUs.
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Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Robert Covington struggled in the Skills Challenge, but his biggest impact at All-Star weekend was saved for HBCUs.
Robert Covington, rocking his alma mater s uniform, did every historically Black college and university across the country proud on Sunday. But unfortunately for the Portland Trail Blazers wing, he failed to put his best basketball foot forward in the Taco Bell Skills Challenge.
The lone non-All-Star selected for the event, Covington faced off against Nikola Vucevic in the first round of the Skills Challenge. He fell behind the Magic big man early after misfiring on his first pass attempt, ultimately losing when Vucevic got down the floor first to launch a made three-pointer.
More support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities is coming from the NBA.
The league announced that it will commit more than $2.5 million in funds and resources to HBCUs as part of this year s All-Star Game.
The funding will be given in partnership with the National Basketball Player s Association. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the All-Star Game will honor the vital role HBCUs play in our communities.
The NBA announced its plans to hold the All-Star Game on March 7 in Atlanta with the event pledging charitable contributions to HBCUs and COVID-19 relief.
The game will also shine a light on equity and access to COVID-19 care, relief and vaccines.
The NBA and NBPA officially announced all the details, including health and safety protocols, for the 2021 All-Star game. Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are potential picks to be in the game.