When Team LeBron and Team Durant face off in Atlanta this weekend, they will tip off on an HBCU-themed All-Star Court.
The NBA reached out to several HBCU alumni to create custom artwork for this one-of-a-kind design for the hardwood.
The colorful take features educational symbols such as open books and graduation caps, as well as musical instruments and a marching band figure in a nod to HBCU culture.
First look at the @NBA's 2021 #NBAAllStar HBCU-themed court. 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/zyITg79sib
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) March 4, 2021
Marching bands from Grambling State and Florida A&M will perform during player introductions.
Previously, NBA officials said the league and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) would commit more than $2.5 million in funds and resources toward Historically Black Colleges and Universities and “support and awareness around equity and access to COVID-19 care, relief and vaccines.”
This will include $500,000 in scholarship funding to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and the United Negro College Fund.
An additional $750,000 will be distributed to various organizations based on competitions within the game, such as awarding whichever team leads at the end of the quarter $150,000 to donate to an organization.
LeBron James and Kevin Durant will choose their squad from a pool of 23 players.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis is out with an injury.
Each captain can pick 11 players regardless of their conference affiliation.
The 70th NBA All-Star Game is scheduled for March 7 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Coverage starts at 5 p.m. ET on TNT, followed by the Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest, starting at 6:30 p.m.