The HBCU Tip-Off Championship basketball tournament, scheduled to begin Nov. 9 at Philips Arena, was postponed until 2014.
Organizer Kevin Clayton said the event won’t be held this year because two key sponsors weren’t able to provide the support that they committed. Clayton declined to name the sponsor or how much more money was needed.
“We weren’t able to close the gap to what was needed to put on the type of event that was envisioned,” he said. “It’s not about just basketball. We wanted to raise money for other causes and put on a first-class event.”
When the event was announced in March, Clayton said he wanted to hold job fairs, health fairs and other ancillary events that he hoped would benefit students and alumni of historically black colleges and universities. However, the field of teams wasn’t finalized until August.
Clayton said a tournament host committee representing leaders in the community is being put together to help organize next year’s event.
Philips Arena holds options for the tournament in 2014 and ’15. Clayton said their discussions led him to believe that it wants to hold the event next year.
“Biggest disappointment was telling the coaches that their kids won’t be playing Atlanta,” he said. “Five NBA teams had requested credentials to scout players. Those schools wouldn’t have this type of opportunity if not for our event.
“That’s what fuels me to continue. I’m more encouraged now than ever. I take full responsibility. I didn’t deliver on the total package, but I’m not going to stop. This is something that has to happen. I’m confident the city and more corporate partners will come to the table.”
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