Michael B. Jordan brought his star power to the 2nd Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic, a college basketball showcase featuring Historic Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) co-created by the Creed actor and director.
This year’s event took place on Saturday, February 4th at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey; with the Hollywood stars courtside for all the high-flying action on the hardwood.
In the second edition of the men’s college basketball showcase, Morgan State University took on Delaware State University while Norfolk State University took on Hampton University in a doubleheader that aired on TNT.
As many fans shifted their attention between the on-pitch action and Jordan, the Creed star was spotted chatting to fellow game participants in the stands.
The Santa Ana, California native was also featured in the arena at times, prompting a surge in fans supporting the event.
Star power: Michael B. Jordan, 35, sat courtside Saturday during the 2nd Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic, which he co-founded, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey
Jordan showed off his fashion sense in a black, white and gray striped suit, which he paired with a black tee and matching shoes.
Jordan developed the Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic with WME Sports (the sports division of WME, an Endeavor company), Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and Scout Sports and Entertainment, a division of Horizon Media.
Before fans began to fill the Prudential Center, Jordan was moving about the second tier and shooting videos.
On his Instagram page, he shares footage of the arena and cheerleaders practicing their moves on the court.
Jordan also uploaded clips of the game showing a player throwing up a shot in slow motion that hit the rim and then was tapped out by a teammate.
There’s also a promotional video of the event, which showed the outside of the Prudential Center, footage of event banners on city streets outside the arena, and a shot or two inside the courthouse.
During a break in the action, Jordan took time out to attend the presentation of a $10,000 donation to the MEAC Foundation, represented by a couple of ladies.
“@snickers is proud to present @meacsports with a charitable donation to continue promoting and supporting the sport of HBCU,” read the caption of a photo of Jordan standing with the two women as they received the big check received.
As many fans shifted their attention between the on-pitch action and Jordan, the Creed star was spotted chatting to fellow game participants in the stands
Making a difference: Jordan developed the Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic with WME Sports (the sports division of WME, an Endeavor company), Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and Scout Sports and Entertainment, a division of Horizon Media
Promo Mode: The Creed star shared some clips of his Legacy Classic on Instagram
Donation: During a break in action, Jordan took time out to attend the presentation of a $10,000 donation to the MEAC Foundation, represented by a few ladies
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) is a collegiate athletic conference whose full membership has traditionally been Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
In the end, the Morgan State Bears defeated the Delaware State Hornets with a final score of 75-65, behind Kamron Hobbs’ 24 points and five rebounds.
In the other part of the doubleheader, the Norfolk State Spartans defeated the Hampton Pirates 83-71 with Joe Bryant Jr. leading the winning team with 29 points and five assists.
A portion of the proceeds from the basketball showcase will help support organizations focused on advancing black educational institutions and the local Newark community, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The event was previously called the Hoop Dreams Classic when Jordan introduced it in 2020.
For Jordan’s latest film, he not only takes on his role as Adonis Creed in the boxing drama Creed III, but also serves as director and producer.
Creed III, which also stars Tessa Thompson, Jonathan Majors, Wood Harris, Florian Munteanu and Phylicia Rashad, premieres March 3.
Jersey tied: Jordan also shared a promotional video of the game on Instagram
Making the rounds: Before fans began to fill the Prudential Center, Jordan moved around the second tier, filming videos of the arena and cheerleaders practicing their moves on the court and posting them to his Instagram page.
Man of Many Roles: Jordan is the star, director and producer of his latest film, Creed III, which hits theaters March 3