Joe Bryant Jr. Named Co-MVP of 2023 Reese's College All-Star Game
HOUSTON — The two-time MEAC Men's Basketball Player of the Year, Joe Bryant Jr., put on a show at the Reese's College All-Star Game in Houston, TX. The living HBCU legend finished the all-star game as the Co-MVP after scoring 22 points and grabbing six rebounds, one assist, and a steal.
Bryant Jr. was a member of Team East. He was coached by Iona's new head coach Tobin Anderson leaned heavily on Bryant's accuracy and activity throughout the contest.
As the game was winding down, after Bryant missed a layup with less than 30 seconds on the clock. After a defensive stop, Team East trailing by 3 points, 93-90, got the basketball back in Bryant's hands. The HBCU star launched and sanked a shot from Downtown Houston that only Steph Curry would have enjoyed watching. His three-point bucket sent the all-star game into overtime squared at 93.
"Big-time players make big-time shots," Joe Bryant Jr. told HBCU Legends. It was a critical play in the game. I knew I had to make a three for my team. My guy Tucker passed me the ball, and I was able to knock it down."
Hitting crucial baskets isn't unusual for the Norfolk Spartan star.
Read More
An all-star player rarely has a double-duty weekend participating in two premier all-star events located in the same city. On Sunday at the HBCU All-Star Game, Bryant will put in more work for Team Dr. Dick Barnett in front of a live audience of millions watching on CBS.
"It's an amazing experience. Amazing opportunity to put on for HBCUs and for Norfolk University, as well. Shout out to Travis Williams for putting this thing together and allowing me to be a part of this 2nd Annual HBCU All-Star Game."
"Bryant has led the Spartans to a 20-10 record, averaging 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per contest while shooting 43.2 percent from the floor, 37.9 percent from behind the arc, and 84.2 percent (MEAC-best) from the free throw line. He's recorded 20 or more points on ten occasions this season, scoring a season-best 29 points at the Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic against Hampton." Norfolk Athletics
The West squad eventually pulled away for the East squad to win 104-99. But Joe Bryant left a huge impression in the minds of scouts after playing with Division I players outscoring most of them to claim the Co-MVP game honors. Bryant has the look and heart of a professional. I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes the first HBCU player in years to have his name called in the upcoming 2023 NBA Draft.
