Tag Archives: HBCU Athletics

A Pilgrimage of Greatness: Why Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Playing at Coppin State Is More Than a Game

January 12, 2026 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , Leave a comment

CAMDEN, NJ – This Sunday in West Baltimore, the physical boundaries of the Physical Education Complex Arena will dissolve, and a hallowed basketball ritual from a bygone era will briefly return — not as a charity exhibition, but as a competitive testament to history and homecoming.

This Sunday, on a weekend set aside to honor a legacy of justice and dreams, the city of Baltimore will witness a collision of basketball eras. In the heart of the Coppin State University campus, in an arena that holds 4,100 passionate souls, the undisputed titans of women’s college basketball will take the floor. The South Carolina Gamecocks, ranked No. 2 in the nation and led by the Hall of Fame coach Dawn Staley, are not hosting a pay-to-play cupcake game. They are the visitors. They are walking into the home gym of the Coppin State Eagles, a team with a 4-14 (2-1) record battling in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), for a noon tip-off that transcends a schedule. This game is a profound gesture of respect, a rare act of pilgrimage by a modern colossus to the intimate venues that once nurtured the soul of Black athletic and artistic excellence. It is the basketball equivalent of hearing Aretha Franklin’s voice shake the rafters of a neighborhood club or watching Stevie Wonder’s genius unfold a few feet away.

The Chitlin’ Circuit and the Modern HBCU Landscape

To understand the gravity of this moment, one must grasp the historical parallel. From the 1930s through the 1960s, the Chitlin’ Circuit was the vital, life-sustaining network of Black-owned theaters, clubs, and juke joints that allowed artists like James Brown, Sam Cooke, and Dinah Washington to hone their craft and build devoted followings in a segregated America. These were not just performance spaces; they were cultural sanctuaries where artistry was refined in the crucible of a knowing, demanding community.

In the world of college sports, for decades, the conferences of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) like the MEAC and the SWAC served a parallel purpose. They were the incubators for phenomenal Black athletic talent, which, due to the barriers of “American Apartheid,” often had nowhere else to go. The games in these gymnasiums were events of communal pride and electric atmosphere. Then, as integration took hold, the talent pipeline shifted dramatically. The major Power 5 conferences—the SEC, ACC, and Big Ten—aggressively recruited the best Black athletes, and the economic and competitive gap widened.

Today, the relationship is often transactional: a financially strapped HBCU team will take a “buy game,” traveling to a powerhouse’s arena for a guaranteed payout and a near-certain loss, funding their athletic department in the process. The modern transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) economy have only made the rich richer. The chance for an HBCU to host a true national champion on its home floor, to bring the spectacle around the way, became almost unthinkable.

Coppin State Cracks the Code

One program, however, has rewritten the playbook. Coppin State University’s athletic department has made hosting the game’s elite a point of pride and principle. On December 20, 2023, they engineered a coup by hosting the defending national champion LSU Tigers, led by Baltimore’s own Angel Reese, in a sold-out spectacle that was less a game and more a homecoming celebration. That event proved a model: it showcased respect for the HBCU platform, generated immense local energy, and demonstrated that these games have value beyond a check—they have soul.

Now, they have done it again. Securing a visit from Dawn Staley’s South Carolina dynasty is a monumental achievement. Staley is not merely a successful coach; she is a foundational pillar of the sport. Her career winning percentage of .777 over 26 seasons places her among the all-time greats. At South Carolina, she has built an era of dominance: three national championships (2017, 2022, 2024), seven Final Fours in the last ten years, and a staggering 86 total weeks ranked No. 1 in the nation. She is the only Black basketball head coach, man or woman, to win multiple national titles, and she led the U.S. Women’s National Team to Olympic gold. She is, by any measure, a living legend.

The Stature of Staley and the Power of Her Pilgrimage

For a coach of Staley’s stature to schedule this game, in the middle of a grueling SEC season that includes battles against titans like Texas, LSU, and Tennessee, speaks volumes about her character and consciousness. This is not a mandated diversion. It is a choice. It is a nod to history, an investment in visibility, and a powerful act of solidarity.

  • A Bridge Between Eras: Staley’s own story connects these worlds. A product of Philadelphia’s Raymond Rosen Homes, she rose to become a national player of the year at Virginia, an Olympic gold medalist, and a Hall of Famer. She understands the ecosystem of talent that thrives in overlooked places.
  • A Teaching Moment for Her Program: For her top-ranked Gamecocks, many of whom are future WNBA stars, this is more than a road game. It is an education in the broader cultural landscape of the sport they dominate. They will play in an environment fueled by different drums, where every basket for the home team will feel like a seismic event.
  • A Beacon for the Sport: In an era where women’s basketball is soaring in popularity but remains concentrated in certain arenas, Staley is using her platform to shine a light on a different stage. She is affirming that greatness can—and should—be showcased everywhere.

Witnessing Mythical Greatness, Up Close and Personal

This is the irreplaceable magic of Sunday’s game. For the price of a ticket at the Physical Education Complex Arena, a fan will not see a distant blur of movement from the nosebleed seats of a 20,000-seat stadium. They will be close enough to hear Staley’s instructions, to see the intensity in her players’ eyes, to feel the vibration of a dunk or a blocked shot. It is the chance to witness a myth in an intimate setting.

Think of the stories told by those who saw Marvin Gaye at the Uptown Theater in Philadelphia or The Supremes at the Apollo in Harlem. They don’t just say they saw a concert; they speak of a communal experience, a brush with history that felt personal and raw. This game offers that same potential. It is a living, breathing connection to the tradition of the Chitlin’ Circuit, where the wall between performer and audience was thin, and the exchange of energy was everything.

One thing for sure, Coach Staley is gonna have that good shit on… The young women in attendance will get to see America’s best dressed coach resplendent in Louis Vuitton, Gucci, R13, Balenciaga or some other high fashion designer. 

For the young players of Coppin State, led by first-year head coach Darrell Mosley, this is the ultimate measuring stick and an unforgettable life experience. To compete against the very best, on your home floor, in front of your community, is a privilege that can redefine a player’s ambition and a program’s belief.

A Weekend for Legacy and Community

Falling on Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend, the timing is poetically resonant. Dr. King spoke of dignity, opportunity, and the beloved community. This game, in its own way, embodies those ideals. It is about the dignity of competition, the opportunity for exposure and inspiration, and the building of community across traditional divides in sports.

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The event extends beyond the court, with an official after-party at Select Lounge on Paca Street, ensuring the energy and conversation continue. It becomes a full-day celebration of Baltimore, of HBCU culture, and of basketball excellence.

In the end, the final score on Sunday is almost secondary. South Carolina, with its 17-1 record and overwhelming talent, is the heavy favorite. The true victory was secured the moment the game was scheduled. It is the victory of audacity over convention, of respect over transaction, and of history over oblivion.

When the Gamecocks take the floor in West Baltimore, they will not be slumming. They will be honoring a legacy. And for those lucky enough to be in the arena, they will witness something increasingly rare: not just a game, but an event—a moment where the walls between past and present, between powerhouse and proving ground, between legend and neighbor, beautifully, and temporarily, come down. Do not miss the chance to be there when it happens.

A Tale of Three Coaching Hires: Temple, Norfolk State, and Delaware State

December 27, 2024 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , 1 Comment

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Temple University’s recent hiring of K.C. Keeler as head football coach has raised eyebrows, especially when juxtaposed with the bold moves by Norfolk State University and Delaware State University. Both HBCUs have decided to roll the dice, following the Jackson State blueprint and hiring high-profile former NFL stars to lead their programs. The contrast is striking, and it raises questions about the strategic decisions underpinning each hire. Is Temple’s choice a calculated move grounded in a traditional approach to developing college football programs, or is it an exercise in playing it safe in the NIL/transfer portal era when bold action is sorely needed? Let’s talk about this shit.

Delaware State Head Coach Candidate, Desean Jackson

Temple Football: A Program in the Abyss

Let’s not mince words: Temple football is ASS! Over the past five seasons, the Owls have compiled a dismal 13-42 record. In an era dominated by NIL deals and the transfer portal, the Owls are woefully unequipped to compete. So much so, that on November 18, 2024, Inquirer Columnist Marcus Hayes argued that the Temple football “program probably needs to go away.” Quarterbacks at other programs are pocketing millions, while Temple’s head coaching position doesn’t even come close to matching that level of compensation. Add to this the widespread perception of an unsafe campus in North Philadelphia—a reality punctuated by frequent reports of murders, armed robberies, and home invasions involving students—and you’ve got a program fighting a gunfight with a butterknife.

The Owls’ attendance woes at Lincoln Financial Field underscore their plight. While the Eagles sell out every game with an average attendance of nearly 70,000, Temple struggles to draw even 14,000 fans on Saturdays. To put it bluntly, they can’t give away tickets. Nobody is paying hard earned money to watch Temple struggle against Coastal Carolina and North Texas.

Recognizing these challenges, on November 26, 2024, Black Cager Sports publicly called for Temple to consider hiring a high-profile former Eagle, like Brian Dawkins or Jason Kelce, to rejuvenate the program. The logic was simple: inject star power, attract media attention, and leverage NFL prestige to appeal to recruits and reignite fan interest. Philadelphia is, after all, a football town, albeit one where the Eagles monopolize the energy. A beloved former Eagle at the helm could have been the spark Temple football desperately needed.

Norfolk State and Delaware State: The Prime Effect

While Temple opted for tradition with Keeler, Norfolk State and Delaware State have embraced the Coach Prime model. On December 2, 2024, Norfolk State introduced Mike Vick as its new head coach in a press conference that felt more like a star-studded gala. With Allen Iverson and Bruce Smith in attendance, the hire radiated cultural significance and media magnetism.

Similarly, Delaware State is finalizing a deal with DeSean Jackson. Like Vick, Jackson brings NFL pedigree, charisma, and name recognition to the table. Both hires reflect a growing trend among HBCUs: leveraging the cultural capital of NFL stardom to transform their football programs. It’s a strategy pioneered by Deion Sanders at Jackson State and now being tested at Norfolk State and Delaware State.

These moves are not without risk. Neither Vick nor Jackson has extensive coaching experience. But as Sanders demonstrated at Jackson State and now at Colorado, NFL stardom is a currency that resonates deeply with recruits. It’s not just about X’s and O’s; it’s about access, visibility, and credibility. Recruits see an opportunity to learn from and be mentored by someone who has reached the pinnacle of football success.

Arthur Johnson, Athletic Director, K.C. Keeler, Head Coach and President John A. Fry

Temple’s Safe Play: K.C. Keeler

On December 1, 2024, Temple announced the hiring of K.C. Keeler, a seasoned coach with a proven track record. Keeler boasts national championships at Delaware and Sam Houston State, along with a history of consistent postseason appearances. His credentials are impeccable, and on paper, he’s an excellent hire.

But here’s the rub: credentials alone won’t solve Temple’s myriad challenges. The Owls don’t just need a competent coach; they need a savior. Someone who can galvanize a fractured fanbase, attract top-tier recruits, and restore relevance to a program that has become an afterthought in its own city.

Can Keeler convince top prospects to live, learn and practice on North Broad Street? Will he be able to lure impact transfers from the portal to Norf Philly? What’s his pitch?

Keeler is a traditional choice, a steady hand on the tiller. But steady doesn’t sell tickets, and it doesn’t land four-star recruits. In the NIL era, Temple needs more than competence; it needs charisma and cachet.

Kelce, Dawkins, Vick and Jackson ooze that shit… Each and every one of them is DAT DUDE…

The Quasi-Experiment

With Temple taking the traditional route and Norfolk State and Delaware State betting on NFL stardom, we have a real-time quasi-experiment unfolding. Which approach will prove more effective in revitalizing struggling football programs? While it’s too early to draw conclusions, the early indicators are telling.

Temple’s choice reflects a belief in stability and experience. Norfolk State and Delaware State, on the other hand, are banking on the transformative power of star power. The latter approach may be riskier, but it’s also far more aligned with the realities of modern college football.

The Case for Bold Action

Temple’s decision to go with Keeler feels like a missed opportunity. In a city that bleeds green for the Eagles, hiring a beloved former player like Brian Dawkins or Jason Kelce could have electrified the program. The media buzz alone would have been invaluable for a university grappling with declining enrollment and waning athletic fortunes.

Dawkins and Kelce are not just football legends; they are cultural icons in Philadelphia. Their presence on the sidelines would have lent instant credibility to the program and created a recruiting pitch unlike any other. Imagine a high school player being recruited by a Hall of Famer or a Super Bowl champion. That’s the kind of edge Temple needs.

Conclusion

As Norfolk State and Delaware State forge ahead with their high-profile hires, Temple’s choice of K.C. Keeler stands as a stark contrast. Time will tell which approach yields better results, but one thing is clear: Temple’s football program is in dire need of a spark. Whether Keeler can provide it remains to be seen. For now, the Owls remain in the abyss, and the question lingers: What could have been if Temple had dared to dream bigger?