Los Angeles, CA - The Aggie Nation took over the City of Angels and left an indelible mark! Over 600 alumni of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University descended upon LA for an unforgettable weekend, culminating in a thrilling basketball showdown at the NBA HBCU Classic.
The event, held on February 17, 2026, was a testament to the power of community and school spirit. Alumni from across the nation gathered to witness their men's basketball team triumph over Hampton University with a score of 71-70. This nail-biting game has already earned its place in college basketball history!
But the excitement didn't stop there. The 'Aggies in LA' experience spanned four days, offering a range of events that showcased the university's vibrant culture. The festivities kicked off on Thursday with a warm welcome at the iconic L.A. Live event center, followed by the NBA All Star 2026 on Sunday. Friday night's victory was just the beginning, as Aggies also enjoyed a bustling pre-game mixer and a fundraising dinner that united the community.
"Aggies truly make their presence felt," said Vice Chancellor for Advancement, Tamara Michel Josserand. And she's absolutely right! The dedication and passion of the alumni were on full display, with many traveling from far and wide to join the celebration. And what a celebration it was! The weekend was a testament to the university's ability to bring people together and create lasting memories.
The fun started early, with Aggies arriving in LA as early as Tuesday to soak up the California sun. Thursday night's welcome event was a highlight, featuring a battle of the bands, games, and a Foot Locker pop-up, uniting both A&T and Hampton alumni. But the real magic happened on Friday at the Hyatt Regency LAX. First, an exclusive meet-and-greet with NBA legend Magic Johnson, and later, a pre-game mixer that brought together hundreds of Aggies, including Chancellor James R. Martin II and the esteemed Willie A. Deese '77, who chairs the All Aggies, All In campaign.
And then, the main event! The Kia Forum, once home to the L.A. Lakers, hosted the HBCU Classic. The game was intense from tip-off, with the lead changing hands throughout. Hampton took an early lead, but the Aggies refused to back down, mounting a thrilling comeback in the final minutes to seal the victory. The crowd went wild, and the game's dramatic conclusion soon made headlines on ESPN's SportsCenter.
But here's where it gets even more exciting. The Aggies' passion for their community and university was on full display at the 'Aggie Love: From the Heart to the Sole' dinner on Saturday night. This inaugural fundraising event for Aggie Athletics raised an astonishing $320,000, demonstrating the incredible support for the university's student-athletes. And this is the part most people miss—it's not just about the money. It's about the belief in the power of education and sports to transform lives.
"The enthusiasm and generosity of our alumni are truly remarkable," said W. Thomas Stanley, a Board of Trustees member and co-chair of the All Aggies, All In campaign. And he's right! This historic fundraiser is a stepping stone to even greater heights for North Carolina A&T athletics. But what do you think? Is this just a win for the Aggies, or does it signify something bigger for HBCU sports and the power of community?
