Sunday evening, just one former Illinois prep athletes participated in the NBA All Star Game. Below I look into and share his NBA performance from March 7.
Robert Covington, Trail Blazers
The NBA All-Star Weekend looked a little different from years past but still had some notable moments. One of those came from Proviso West’s and current Portland Trail Blazers forward Robert Covington.
Covington was not an All-Star but the eight-year veteran was in town to perform in the 19th annual Taco Bell Skills Challenge. Unfortunately, his nerves took over early and fell short in the first round to Orland Magic’s Nikola Vucevic.
That did not really matter in the end and wasn’t even Covington’s biggest moment. Prior to participating in the challenge, Covington donated two $25,000 scholarships to two virtual fans. These fans happen to attend Covington’s alma mater, Tennessee State.
Robert Covington attended Tennessee State from 2009 to 2013. He currently is the lone NBA player to have played for a History Black College And University (HBCU).
This weekend was a big push by the NBA to support HBCUs around the country. Covington’s gift was just one of the many ways they helped out. One very recognizable element was the court which was designed by a HBCU alumni. Overall, the NBA donated over $2.5 million in funds and resources to HBCUs.
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