Randall Barnes Articles - Page 19

Although Dallas Mavericks fans are on a high after drafting Cooper Flagg with the number one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Nick Wright has hit the team with a harsh reality. Wright is an ardent Luka Doncić supporter who even jokes around and calls the Lakers star his “large adult Slovenian son” often on […]

While no HBCU players were drafted this year, the NBA paid tribute to three basketball pioneers on Wednesday evening. Chuck Cooper, Earl Lloyd, and Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, the first Black players drafted into and to play in the NBA, were posthumously celebrated for their courage and unwavering contributions to the integration and advancement of basketball. […]

Former Georgetown Hoya Thomas Sorber is getting the opportunity of a lifetime after being drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder, who started the week by winning the 2025 NBA Championship. Sorber was selected with the 15th pick, giving the Thunder a talented center to further add needed depth to their front-line that helped them reign […]

ESPN NBA host Malika Andrews had a bit of a gaffe during Wednesday evening’s NBA Draft coverage. While speaking about the Portland Trail Blazers drafting Washington State guard Cedric Coward, who is landing with the Memphis Grizzlies via a draft night trade, she referred to him as Fox Sports 1 host Colin Cowherd. “The Portland […]

North Carolina A&T has made a historic hire that looks to further grow the trajectory of their golf program. The institution announced Tuesday the hiring of Mesha Levister as the new director of both the men’s and women’s golf programs. With the hire, Levister becomes the first female head coach of a men’s varsity sport […]

A group of HBCUs has partnered for a unique partnership that looks to expand access to higher education. Six HBCUs have joined forces to launch eHBCU, the first fully online, accredited HBCU consortium, announced on Wednesday. The goal is to expand access to HBCU education, leveraging a digital learning platform. The consortium of HBCUs that […]

Former Maryland and Purdue University hoops standout Whitney Bay is taking her coaching talents to an HBCU. She is set to become the new head women’s basketball coach of West Virginia State University, per a statement by the institution. “I’m incredibly honored and humbled to be named the head women’s basketball coach at WV State […]

HBCU alumna LaVon Bracy Davis finds herself facing a very interesting opponent in the Florida State Senate election: her brother Randolph Bracy. The seat, which represents a portion of metro Orlando, was left open following the passing of longtime state Senator Geraldine Thompson earlier this year LaVon Bracy Davis is an attorney who earned her […]

As Marvel’s new Disney+ series Ironheart is set to premiere on Tuesday night, series star Dominique Throne made a surprise appearance at Spelman College on last week. Spelman teamed up with the Black Women Film Network to host a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) Fireside Chat featuring the editor and director of the Ironheart series. […]

The Southwestern Athletic Conference has revealed the student-athletes set to represent their teams at the 2025 SWAC Football Media Day. The event will take place on July 16 at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel in Birmingham, Alabama and will be viewed on ESPN+. Each of the conference’s 12 teams will be represented by two student-athletes and […]

Kenny Blakeney and Howard University are set for a historic matchup against basketball superpower Duke University. The Bison are set to head to Cameron Indoor Stadium to participate in the annual Brotherhood Run. The Blue Devils are hosting the event that will showcase three programs led by alumni of Duke Basketball: Duke, Niagara, and Howard. […]

At New York’s Fanatics Fest, Michael Vick was interviewed about various topics in a live conversation with fans attending the event. He gave more details about his upcoming docuseries with BET chronicling his first year coaching Norfolk State. He was asked why he decided to work with BET for the project. “Oh, you already know […]

After the Pacers blowout 108-91 win over the Thunder to force Game 7, Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault put into perspective the problems that his team faced. “First of all, credit Indiana. I thought they, obviously, earned the win. They outplayed us for most of the 48 minutes, and that’s the story of the game,” […]

After a historic season, Dawn Thornton has added an experienced FBS assistant to her Alabama A&M coaching staff. Experienced assistant Paul Reed, who has coached at Cal, Washington, and Long Beach State, is joining the Bulldogs as an associate head coach per an announcement by the athletic department. “We are thrilled to welcome Paul Reed […]

After being waived by the Minnesota Lynx, Diamond Johnson is making her next move to further her professional basketball career. According to Kyle T. Mosley of HBCU Legends, Johnson has signed a deal to join the Hefei team in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) this fall. The Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) is China’s […]

Grambling State University has terminated its official association with the Grambling University Foundation, according to a statement on the university’s website. The Foundation played a big part in the Bayou Classic, overseeing important elements such as media rights and producing revenue with the goal of benefitting the university. In concert with the Southern University Foundation, […]

Following Memphis Mayor Paul Young’s open invitation to come to Memphis, Stephen A. Smith had an eye-opening response that signals that he’s willing to learn more about the strides in the city. In a post on X, Stephen A. Smith responded to Young’s statement and invitation, saying: Good afternoon Mr. @MayorPaulYoung. Deeply appreciate your words […]

Peacock’s Love Island is heating up, and rap superstar Megan The Stallion is set to appear on Thursday night’s episode of the show. On Thursday afternoon, the show’s social media accounts posted that a “bombshell” was coming, featuring a then-unspecified hand scrolling the Love Island app. Megan then commented the eyes emoji under the picture, […]

One thing about Kenyon Martin is that he’s known for his honesty, specifically when it comes to his time playing for the Denver Nuggets. Martin has been blunt about his experience at that time and specifically his relationship with former Nuggets coach George Karl. In the latest episode of The OG’s Podcast with Udonis Haslem […]

New Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders made headlines for receiving a citation for driving 101 MPH, but it wasn’t his first time going over the speed limit. According to a report from WKBN, referencing a Medina [Ohio] Municipal Court record filed on June 6, Shedeur Sanders was stopped by the Ohio State Patrol earlier this […]

After much protest, Marva Johnson has officially been named the 13th president of Florida A&M. She was confirmed for the position following a unanimous vote by the Florida Board of Governors on Wednesday afternoon at Florida Atlantic University’s campus. “Under my leadership, I don’t expect FAMU to just survive,” Johnson said during the meeting. “I […]

One thing I love about Love Island is that it is honestly unpredictable. These past three episodes to start this third week have been a wild ride, and Wednesday being the only day of no Love Island content makes so much sense. This show is truly addictive and commands attention and commentary in a way that […]

Memphis Mayor Paul Young released a statement on Tuesday night weighing in on Stephen A. Smith’s comments about the city of Memphis amid speculation about a possible Ja Morant trade. In a segment on if the Grizzlies should move on from Morant, Smith spoke about how the alleged crime in the city makes it not an attractive […]

ESPN First Take star Stephen A. Smith is embroiled in another feud with an NBA player, this time clashing with Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant. In a segment on if the Grizzlies should move on from Morant, Smith spoke about how the alleged crime in the city makes it not an attractive destination for the […]

iShowSpeed literally showed his speed in a series of races with HBCU football player turned TikTok sensation Ashton Hall. During Speed’s live stream, a series of impromptu races took place. The duo raced four times, and Hall was bested each time. The result wasn’t surprising, as iShowSpeed has demonstrated incredible speed, even keeping pace with multi-time Olympic […]

Following a historic season, Norfolk State women’s basketball is adding another strong out-of-conference game to its future schedules. After adding a home-and-home with Duke, Norfolk State has now added a home-and-home series with Ole Miss. The Spartans are set to visit Oxford, Mississippi, to take on the Rebels on November 3, 2025. The following season, […]

I’ll just come out and say it: Love Island USA might just be one of the best TV programs I’ve ever seen. Sure, this is my first season watching the show, and I initially started watching because of Tuskegee University alumna Olandria Carthen, but it’s been hard not to be enthralled with the show and the […]

New Florida A&M head basketball coach Charlie Ward is quickly making his impression on his new Rattlers team as he has hired former Florida State assistant Jarrod Lazarus to his coaching staff, per a release by the athletic department. “Jarrod Lazarus is the perfect addition as Associate Head Coach at Florida A&M. His leadership, passion […]

With Fall fast approaching and Michael Vick gearing up for his debut season with Norfolk State, ticket prices to watch the Spartans are anticipated to rise significantly. In April, Norfolk State released its full football schedule, including five home games. The announcement revealed that season tickets will cost $200 in 2024, an 82% increase from […]

Several HBCUs are opting into the NCAA House settlement that is set to shape the future of college athletics, specifically football. Per HERO Sports Senior Analyst Sam Herder, all 12 SWAC member schools will be opting into the settlement. “FCS News: All 12 SWAC members will opt into the House settlement. The conference will not […]

As the offseason nears, there’s been much speculation about if Giannis Antetokounmpo will be traded from the Milwaulkee Bucks. Antetokounmpo, an NBA Champion and two-time MVP, is considered one of the best players in the league and is still in his prime at the age of 30. Many teams would surely want him on their […]

After an underwhelming 7-5 season in 2024, Florida A&M has added another talented quarterback to an already competitive QB room. Lawrence Wright IV, the son of Florida Gators legend Lawrence Wright III, is joining the Rattlers after leaving the Gators in the transfer portal. He announced his commitment to FAMU on his social media account. […]

After departing Morehouse College earlier this year, Douglas Whittler has reemerged in the SIAC with a conference rival. Whitter has been revealed as the head coach of Allen University, per an announcement by the institution. “I would like to thank President McNealey and Director of Athletics Wallace for this opportunity,” Whittler said in a statement. […]

As Jackson State looks to retool for next season, Mo Williams is making a play for the future. Williams has offered a scholarship to Erick Dampier Jr., the son of former NBA player Erick Dampier. He announced the offer on his X account. “Blessed to receive a D1 offer to Jackson State University. 🙏🏽. I […]

Prairie View A&M University announced on Friday the passing of former football player Jackson Bailey, who played for the Panthers in 2023. The cause of his death has not been disclosed. Prairie View A&M announced his passing on their social media accounts, saying: “🕊️ In Loving Memory: Jackson “Jacks” Bailey 🕊️ The PVAMU Athletics family […]

In an appearance on the Atlanta Falcons podcast, new Norfolk State head coach Michael Vick spoke about his journey to Norfolk State and his early experiences as a college football coach. Vick was very candid in the conversation, and gave a full summation of how his arrival with Norfolk State happened. “Norfolk State, they reached […]

Maurice “Mo” Sims, a key Deion Sanders staffer at Colorado, has departed the Buffaloes to join Florida A&M as associate athletic director for sports performance and wellness. Sims was hired to the position in May and is listed on Florida A&M Athletics website. Sims has been an integral part of Deion Sanders’ staff since joining […]

On Wednesday, Florida Memorial and Urban Edge Network announced the extension of their long-standing media partnership until 2028, per a statement obtained by HBCU Pulse on ClutchPoints. UEN will continue to serve as FMU’s exclusive streaming partner, leveraging its extensive connected TV (CTV) distribution network, which reaches approximately 115 million U.S. households. Located in Miami, […]

Ananda Lewis, HBCU alumna and legendary television host, has tragically passed away at the age of 52. The news was broken on Wednesday evening by Lewis’s sister Lakshmi in a social media post. “She’s free, and in His heavenly arms. 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔 Lord, rest her soul🙏🏽,” she posted. Lewis graduated cum laude from Howard University in […]