Chris Paul is teaming up with Roadside Entertainment to produce an HBCU basketball docu-series.
The HBCU basketball docu-series will occur over the course of the 2020-21 season. And it will highlight the plight of Historically Blacks Colleges and Universities basketball programs in recruiting top-level high school basketball prospects.
The goal is to provide an intimate look at the challenges HBCUs face in competing against bigger, predominantly white institutions.
READ: Common is Joining Keke Palmer in Alice Thriller
The Oklahoma City Thunder point guard said in a statement:
HBCUs historically have been at a competitive disadvantage with their basketball programss. [They face] many challenges with funding, recruitment, misperceptions, and exposure. With the current racial awakening in our country prompting young athletes to look at where they play, it’s now more important than ever to shine a light on HBCUs. [As well as] showcase their value in sports and society.
HBCUs have historically failed to recruit top-level basketball prospects. Only two current active NBA players have stemmed from an HBCU. That is 76ers forward Kyle O’Quinn from Norfolk State and Rockets forward Robert Covington from Tennessee State.
READ: 11 Coming to America Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About
The only other recent possible NBA players have either gone undrafted. Or if they did get signed after the draft, they did not stick for longer than one season.
Detroit Pistons legend Ben Wallace, who came from Virginia Union University, was the last HBCU player to make an All-Star team. He appeared in four consecutive All-Star from 2003-2006. Before that, it was Knicks legends Anthony Mason, from Tennessee State University in 2001. And also Charles Oakley, from Virginia Union University, in 1994.
READ: 12 Favorite Martin Lawrence Characters of All Time
Prior to those three, the only other HBCU products made All-Star appearances in or before 1973.
“HBCUs have long been a passion for Chris and he has demonstrated a willingness and commitment to help these schools overcome the obstacles they face in funding and national awareness,” said Roadside Entertainment founding partner Ron Yassen. “As young athletes in high school and at the college level are considering taking their talents to HBCUs, it’s important to document this and share their stories with a wide audience.”
The schools that are participating have yet to be determined.