Portland Trail Blazers forward Robert Covington, the NBA's lone player from a Historically Black College and University, is expected to take part in the Skills Challenge during the NBA All-Star Weekend, a source told ESPN's The Undefeated.
The competition, which will feature the former Tennessee State star, will be held prior to the All-Star Game in Atlanta on Sunday. In fact, the NBA will be highlighting HBCUs across All-Star Weekend, which will also include a 3-point and dunk contest.
Covington, a 2018 NBA All-Defensive first-team selection, has had one previous appearance in an All-Star Weekend, winning the Most Valuable Player award in the 2014 G League All-Star Game. He graduated from TSU in 2013.
The NBA and National Basketball Players Association have committed more than $2.5 million in funds and resources toward supporting HBCUs and awareness around equity and access to COVID-19 care, relief and vaccines.
Moreover, NBA All-Star Weekend will feature special performances by HBCU musical groups and content from distinguished alumni and students.
Famed singer Gladys Knight, an HBCU Shaw University graduate, will perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the pregame festivities. The HBCU Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society Choir will also perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing," which is often referred to as the Black national anthem.