HBCUnited, the first TBT team composed entirely of HBCU grads, is fresh off a historic run. The team delighted the basketball world by smashing through its first two games in the Rucker Park Regional; they left the tournament after a loss to Americana for Autism, who ended up falling to Blue Collar U in the Dayton championship.

E&J Brandy sat down with a few members of HBCUnited to talk about TBT, their HBCU experience, and what makes a team come together. And they should know—the world watched them do just that.

What skills did you bring from your HBCU experience to TBT?
I attended the University of Maryland Eastern Shore because I wanted to show the world that HBCU basketball is still top level and elite. What makes HBCU students elite is the way we represent our culture and beat the odds that are set against us; I brought that underdog mentality and grit to TBT.

What does playing for HBCUnited mean to you?
My dad introduced me to the game of basketball when I was five years old. It meant everything to play in TBT because I was able to wear “HBCU” across my chest; and knowing that this is the only HBCU team made it even more special—because we had to make sure we represented HBCUs the right way.

What was the most memorable moment of the Tournament?
The most memorable part of TBT was knocking off the #1 seed. My biggest advice for next year’s ballers is to never underestimate your opponent.

What did your HBCU experience give you?
I loved the city, I loved the coaches and staff at the school, and I loved being part of an HBCU. HBCU athletes are unique because they don’t get the same resources, and it makes you work harder to get what you want in life—and helps you learn that nothing is easy. But at an HBCU, it’s like everybody is a family, everybody understands everybody, and people just want to see you win.

What do you bring to HBCUnited?
I bring fighting, never giving up on the team, and heart. It meant a lot to play with guys who went through the same struggles as I did in college, and know the grind it was to get to where we are now.

What sets HBCUnited apart?
It was special how this group came along so quickly, got along so good, and played together great also. Winning that first game and just showing everybody that HBCUnited can play with anybody in the world—all we need is the platform.

Why did you choose to attend an HBCU?
I attended a HBCU because of the family feel and also because of the traditions from the marching bands to the homecomings to the athletic programs. I believe perseverance makes the HBCU athletes unique because of the lack of opportunities and exposure [for us]. Once we get opportunities to showcase our abilities and value, I feel like it gives us that extra boost. HBCU students have swagger and confidence, and a genuine kindness and family feel they give off to others.

What was special about this year’s HBCUnited roster?
It means a lot to me to see how everyone embraced the task of representing our culture and took pride in the opportunity to represent globally. This year’s roster was a family from training camp to the tournament. We all had chemistry on and off the court. It was an amazing experience from the media coverage to the relationships built with the GM, coaches, and teammates. One of my best experiences so far.

What advice would you give aspiring TBT players?
My advice would be to continue to stay together through the highs and lows of the game, and always have good culture. We had a lot of chemistry this year because everybody treated everyone like family. I would tell them to stay ready for opportunity and be ready to maximize it if the opportunity affords itself.

Tell us about your basketball journey.
Growing up I was always around sports. I gravitated towards basketball because it was more so an inside sport. I would describe my journey with basketball as a fun learning and traveling marathon.

What was the most memorable part of TBT?
The most memorable thing from the Tournament was of course my Elam Ending shot to win against Skip to My Lou in NYC. It was cool playing with other HBCU guys from around the country. We got a chance to make history and get to the regional championship. Playing in TBT was also a great experience for me because my family and friends got a chance to see me play on ESPN, and it helped me gain more exposure for my career.

What sets HBCU graduates apart?
HBCU students are the best students honestly, because of the cultural things they bring to the University—whether it’s repping where they are from or bringing different personalities and mindsets to campus. I think I brought heart, energy, and swag to TBT being that it was at Rucker Park. That’s what it’s all about, being from an HBCU—live energy.

What brought you to basketball?
My dad put me in basketball and taught me everything I know. From the beginning, it’s been my calling and peace maker so I continue to stick with it. I went to Norfolk State because I felt like that was the best opportunity for my college career, and close enough that my family and kids could come watch me play.

What did it mean to be a part of TBT?
Playing in the Tournament meant a lot. One, it brought more opportunity; but two, to represent HBCUs on one of the biggest platforms and do well, to bring more light to HBCUs. Hopefully we can [encourage] those younger than me to want to attend HBCUs and join the culture.

What set this year’s HBCUnited roster apart?
It was fun and a blessing, because although we all were in mostly different graduating classes we all could connect to one another and share the same purpose.

What was your HBCU experience like?
I attended Hampton University so that I could experience some of the best African American culture that HBCUs have to offer. HBCU athletes have a different drive and motivation being that we are not only playing the sport we love, but we are also representing something that is bigger than ourselves. Being an HBCU student provides you with the opportunity to learn about African American life and history you typically wouldn’t have the opportunity to study at other institutions. It also provides you with connections in the Black community that aren’t easily accessible to anyone and everyone. My time at Hampton University provided me with the ability to interact and perform better with my HBCUnited teammates, seeing as most of us had a previous relationship with each other in college in one way or another.

What did playing in TBT mean to you?
Playing in the TBT was an outstanding blessing, being that it is an opportunity that most people across the world do not get to experience. It was an absolute honor to be a part of HBCUnited and represent historically black colleges and universities all across the nation. This year's TBT specifically was special for us because we were able to achieve more than what was expected of us while leaving an incredible mark in TBT and Rucker Park history.

What is your advice for future TBT players?
I hope that the upcoming HBCUnited team will look at this 2022 team as a great learning opportunity. The biggest lesson being that, in order to win, you must have that million dollar intensity for all 36 minutes! And as for those who have aspirations to play in the TBT, I would highly recommend staying in shape and practicing high level basketball all year-round, in addition to developing a great relationship with the team before arriving at the Tournament.

Have a message for HBCUnited players? Drop it in the comments below!