Bold statement: Aggie Nation just turned an NBA HBCU Classic into a defining showcase of impact and momentum. Here’s how they did it—and why it matters.
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 17, 2026 — Over 600 North Carolina A&T alumni traveled to the City of Angels to witness a heart-stopping win: the Aggies beat Hampton University 71-70 in the NBA HBCU Classic. The victory didn’t just end in a scoreboard; it sparked a moment that quickly became a college basketball standout.
Across four days, A&T alumni filled Los Angeles with energy and purpose. The weekend kicked off with a welcome gathering at the L.A. Live Event Center, then culminated with NBA All-Star Weekend activities on Sunday. Highlights for attendees included a packed pre-game mixer on Friday and a successful fundraising dinner on Saturday, both hosted at the Hyatt Regency LAX.
“Aggies make a difference,” declared Tamara Michel Josserand, vice chancellor for Advancement. “Watching the Aggies come from coast to coast—energized, engaged, and invested—was a powerful reminder of our students’ moment in the national spotlight and the enduring Aggie spirit.”
The party began earlier than most expect, with alumni arriving as early as Tuesday to soak in Southern California sunshine and set the stage for the weekend. Thursday’s events at L.A. Live brought together A&T and Hampton with a lively mix of bands, games, music, and a Foot Locker merchandise pop-up that drew sizable crowds.
Friday’s program featured two marquee experiences at the Hyatt Regency LAX: an intimate morning meet-and-greet with NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and a high-energy afternoon pre-game mixer. Attendees enjoyed a generous buffet, music, and remarks from Chancellor James R. Martin II plus Willie A. Deese ’77, a pivotal voice in the All Aggies, All In athletics capital campaign.
From there, the action moved to the Kia Forum—the former Lakers home—for the HBCU Classic. The game was tightly contested from the start. The Aggies opened with the first bucket, but Hampton surged ahead, at times by nine points. NC A&T refused to bow, closing the gap in the final two minutes to seize a dramatic victory.
The arena’s roar echoed across SportsCenter’s notable highlights, underscoring the night’s significance beyond a single win.
The excitement extended into Saturday night, when 300 Aggies gathered for “Aggie Love: From the Heart to the Sole.” This dinner raised nearly $320,000 for the All Aggies, All In campaign—the program’s inaugural fundraising event for Aggie Athletics and a resounding success.
“We’re thrilled by such strong support for our student-athletes, both in competition and in academics,” said W. Thomas Stanley, a NC A&T Board of Trustees member and All Aggies, All In campaign co-chair. “This momentum gives us a powerful platform to elevate North Carolina A&T athletics to the next level.”
Why this matters—and what you can take away
- The weekend demonstrates how alumni engagement can translate into tangible support for athletic and academic programs, fueling both performance and opportunity.
- A&T’s strategic blend of social, fundraising, and competitive events creates a holistic experience that strengthens community, visibility, and alumni loyalty.
- The fundraising milestone shows that passion for school spirit can move into meaningful funding for campaigns and facilities, potentially accelerating improvements across sports and academics.
Commentary and questions for readers
- If you were watching, did the weekend change your view of how alumni networks influence a university’s trajectory? Why or why not?
- Some might argue that sports marketing should prioritize local engagement over national events. Do you think national showcases like the NBA HBCU Classic are essential for broad visibility, or is there a better balance?
- How would you leverage this momentum in your own community to support students—through mentoring, fundraising, or other initiatives? Share your ideas and experiences.
