Claflin University Athletics to Host inaugural Paws Up HBCU Classic
PAWS UP HBCU BASKETBALL CLASSIC HOMEPAGE
ORANGEBURG, SC - The Claflin University Department of Athletics will host this year's premiere basketball event for Historically Black Colleges/Universities (HBCUs) in the state of South Carolina when the Inaugural PAWS Up HBCU Basketball Classic begins on December 3-4 at the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex. The two-day event will include exciting basketball action, community engagement activities, and opportunities to learn more about the enduring legacies of South Carolina HBCUs. Benedict College, Morris College, and Voorhees College are the other participants.
"I am extremely excited about bringing this spectacular event to the city of Orangeburg," said Claflin University Director of Athletics Tony O'Neal.
In addition to showcasing HBCU basketball, the Paws Up HBCU Basketball Classic will also provide high school and community/technical colleges students an opportunity to learn about the outstanding academic programs offered at these institutions. A symposium that will include presentations by counselors from each institution is scheduled for Friday, December 3, at Claflin's James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel. High School students are invited from 9-11 a.m. and community/technical college students can attend from noon - 2 p.m.
Activities for the first day will end with an alumni networking reception from 7-9 p.m. at the Claflin University Downtown Center.
On Saturday, December 4, Claflin will host the PAWS UP Women's Brunch featuring NBA Moms at 10 a.m. at the Orangeburg County Conference Center.
The brunch will feature the mothers of former and current stars: Lucille O'Neal, the mother of NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal; Michelle Carter, mother of former NBA All-Star and Slam Dunk Champion Vince Carter; and Jamie Morant, mother of one of the league's newest stars, S.C. native Ja Morant. The mothers of these NBA history makers will be recognized for their community service, entrepreneurship, and visionary leadership for developing programs that promote educational, cultural, and social development.
Following the brunch, the Claflin Lady Panthers will play the Benedict Lady Tigers at 2 p.m., followed by the Morris College vs. Voorhees College men's matchup at 4:30 p.m. The Claflin and Benedict men's teams will meet in the Classic's finale at 7 p.m.
PAWS UP activities will conclude with a post-game comedy show featuring Rod Z will be held in the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex.
For information on tickets or sponsorship, please contact the Claflin University Department of Athletics at (803) 535-5504. For more information about Claflin Athletics, contact the Office of Athletic Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or
www.athletics.claflin.edu.
