Iverson Classic Announces History-Making 2021 All-American Rosters
On today's episode of their SHOWTIME® Basketball series What's Burnin', NBA Champions Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson unveiled the rosters for the 2021 Allen Iverson Roundball Classic, popularly referred to as the Iverson Classic. The #1 ranked All-American game will tip-off in Memphis, TN on May 7th and 8th with Barnes and Jackson joining fellow NBA legends Rasheed Wallace, and Bonzi Wells as coaches.
"This event has always been about creating opportunities," said basketball legend, Hall-of-Famer and event co-founder Allen Iverson. "I know what it's like to have to fight for an opportunity. Now, it's an honor for me to be able to open doors and help break down barriers for this next generation."
Top-ranked players including 7’1” sensation, Chet Holmgren, electrifying point guard JD Davison, and the first woman to ever integrate a men's All-American game, Raven Johnson; will battle it out in two exciting nights of elite basketball. Johnson is the 2021 Naismith Girls High School Player of the Year, a special talent who led her team to a staggering 4 state championships. Though other All-American games have featured separate, all-female games, no female player has ever joined the court with the male players.
"Raven is a special talent. She embodies the heart and competitive spirit that this game is built on" stated Iverson Classic Co-Founder Jai Manselle (Twitter.com/JaiManselle) on the industry-first decision.
Johnson won't be the only elite player to only play in one All-American game this year. The other two major All-American games, The McDonald's All-American Game and The Jordan Brand Classic were both canceled over COVID-related restrictions. The Iverson Classic will stand as the only major All-American game played this year. The organizers spent months developing safety protocols and processes to hold the game safely.
"We fought hard to ensure this event could happen and that it could happen safely for these young athletes," said Iverson Classic Co-Founder Bobby "Bo" Bates Jr. about the decision to organize the game this year. "Every single one of them deserved this opportunity and we stepped up to ensure that they got it."
Limited public seating goes on sale today for the 2021 Iverson Classic at IversonClassic.com/2021. Tickets can be purchased for the May 7th and 8th events online. The May 7th Iverson Games is a night of basketball featuring a gauntlet of events that include a dunk content, 3-on-3 game, and more. The All-American game itself will be played on May 8th.
SHOWTIME ® Basketball, home to an unparalleled lineup of basketball content, will serve as a presenting sponsor of the popular high school All-American game. This will mark the second partnership between the two leading basketball brands, following the Iverson Classic: Battle in The Bluff showcase that took place in December 2020. SHOWTIME Basketball will create exclusive content surrounding this year’s Iverson Classic events, including a short-form documentary.
Full rosters:
Team Loyalty:
Paolo Banchero
AJ Griffin
JD Davison
Johnathan Lawson
Tyrese Hunter
Raven Johnson
TyTy Washington
Peyton Watson
Hunter Sallis
Bryce Mcgowens
Benny Williams
Matthew Cleveland
Terquavion Smith
Brandon Huntley-Hatfield
Jordan Nesbitt* (inactive)
Team Honor
Chet Holmgren
Michael Foster
Kowacie Reeves Jr
Jaden Akins
Joshua Minott
Nolan Hickman
Daimion Collins
Kendall Brown
Trey Alexander
Jordan Longino
Ahamad Bynum
Daeshun Ruffin
Bryce Hopkins
Trevor Keels
Kennedy Chandler* (inactive)
About the Allen Iverson Roundball Classic
The Allen Iverson Roundball Classic, the #1 All-American game in the country by social viewership, held its first All-American game in 2017 and represents a disruptive, independent new force in the sports world. The AIRC is truly a unique experience. It’s the only grassroots basketball event of its caliber that is run by a Hall of Fame legend who is hands-on, engaged, and involved directly with the players. These soon-to-be NBA stars actually train and compete under the guidance of Allen Iverson and other NBA legends. The week-long event is owned and operated by Iverson Manselle Bates Enterprises, a sports and entertainment company co-owned by Allen Iverson, Jai Manselle and Bobby Bates.
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Iverson Classic Media Dept
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