Detroit Pistons hosted their HBCUxNPHC Night on Feb. 5 at Little Caesars Arena against the Washington Wizards as part of the Pistons’ Black Excellence celebration for Black History Month.

Wayne State University’s National Pan-Hellenic Council performed at halftime with all organizations represented. These included Alpha Kappa Alpha , Omega Psi Phi , Gamma Iota Phi Beta Sigma Inc. , and so many more. Along with Historically Black Colleges and Universities represented there as well. 

Aaron Harvey, WSU Student and Chapter President of Gamma Iota of Phi Beta Sigma Inc., said performing in front of Pistons fans was a great experience.

“It was a great experience. I know personally I wasn’t able to participate last year, so I really wanted to make an impact this year,” said Harvey. “I feel we did a good job, it was important to us and we got the job done.”

Harvey said it is just extremely important for NPHC and HBCUs to be exposed to young African American children to see positive black role models.

“I kind of grew up in a suburban area, so I wasn’t as exposed to as many positive black role models in a sense,” said Harvey. “But seeing real black excellence thrive in front of you is real  important to you.”

“Utilizing those same black role models seeing they went to HBCU and were Ques and Sigmas made me want to be a thriving black man in my field,” Harvey said.

Current college students who are a part of NPHC weren’t the only members in attendance for tonight’s event. Alumni of HBCUs and older members who are a part of NPHC were also at attendance at that game.

Mariah Gailliard, member of the Beta Eta Chapter of AKA, said the night was just about her and sorority, but everyone representing themselves as well. 

“It was an amazing night, it was really great to see everyone fellowship and everyone to come together to represent their organization,” said Gailliard. “Not only just stroll but to see everyone cultivate their relationship and see their alumni and see their sorors.”

The night wasn’t just only about fellowship and black excellence being represented. The number one seed in the Eastern Conference still had to play against young and up and coming Wizards.

Detroit Pistons Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff spoke on the Jaden Ivey trade for Chicago Bulls Guard Kevin and the future of his team as the All Star Break.

“It’s always tough. This is a tough time of year for everybody involved. You build relationships with people, you care about people and then tough business decisions have to be made,” said Bickerstaff on Ivey’s trade.

“Nothing has changed for us. We have our standard that we live by. Every single day we play Pistons’ basketball and no matter who’s here, who’s not here — you’ve seen it earlier in the season with injuries and things like that — we just play to who we are.”

 The Wizards came out shooting 45% from three and 50% total from the field. This hot shooting would continue for the rest of the game as the Wizard, who were 17 point underdogs before tip-off, shocked the Pistons winning 126 to 117.

However, spirits are still high for Pistons fans and for Blake Clark, WSU student and member of Iota Phi Theta, said he is proud and excited for what the season will bring.

The score may not have the desired outcome for people in attendance, but the experience and exposure for HBCUs and NPHC was seen as a slam dunk.

Jeremiah Green is a Sports Editor for The South End. He can be reached at hl3743@wayne.edu.

Cover photo by Johnathan Shephard.