HAMPTON, VA … Hampton basketball standouts Marquis Godwin and Najee Garvin have been invited to participate in the inaugural HBCU All-Star Dream Classic. Some 40 of the best players from HBCU institutions will play in the men's and women's showcase event. The Classic is slated for Saturday, August 5 at Rucker Park in New York. The women's showcase is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. followed by the men at 7:00 p.m.

A native of Hampton, Va., Godwin played at Old Dominion University before transferring to Hampton. Last year, the 6-5 guard averaged 12.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, with 19 assists and 14 steals for the Pirates. Garvin averaged 15.2 points, 6.6 boards and 1.7 assists in 2021-22. The 6-8 forward is a native of Red Bank, S.C. and transferred to Hampton after playing at Nicholls State.

In addition to the on-the-court basketball action, other festivities include performances by D9 Step Performances, bands, cheerleaders, live DJ and music. Highlighting the event will be the awarding of scholarships awards.

The activities are being produced by Rachel E. Naughton and Darryl K. Roberts of Bridging Structural Holes, Inc.

"Watching the HBCU All-Star Dream Classic at Rucker Park will be like witnessing history in motion," Naughton said. "The passion and skill displayed by the men's and women's teams will be a testament to the power of the sport to bring people together with intention."

According to Roberts, "We found that a special mixture of everything you experience at an HBCU. Bringing together these players and placing them under the lights of Broadway is unprecedented and epic."