TALLAHASSEE, FLA. / SPRINGFIELD, MASS. -- Florida A&M University will compete in two games at the third annual Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic, the Chris Paul Family Foundation and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced.

The Rattlers will meet Hampton on Friday, December 4, and Tennessee State on Saturday, December 5, as part of the event's move to CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C., for the first time. Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, will serve as host partner for the two-day showcase.

FAMU'S SCHEDULE

Friday, December 4 — Session 2
Florida A&M vs. Hampton

Saturday, December 5 — Session 2
Florida A&M vs. Tennessee State

FULL FIELD OF TEAMS

Friday, December 4
Session 1: Winston-Salem State vs. Clark Atlanta | Virginia State vs. West Virginia State
Session 2: Florida A&M vs. Hampton | Grambling vs. Tennessee State

Saturday, December 5
Session 1: 3rd Place Game (Non-Division I) | Championship Game (Division I)
Session 2: Florida A&M vs. Tennessee State | Hampton vs. Howard

 "Being part of the Chris Paul HBCU Classic is a great opportunity for our program and for FAMU. This is exactly the kind of stage our guys deserve, and I'm excited for Rattler Nation to see us compete on it. Chris Paul has built something special for HBCU basketball, and we're proud to be part of it," said FAMU head men's basketball coach Charlie Ward.

The Rattlers head to the nation's capital for a marquee national platform, joining Hampton, Howard, Grambling, Tennessee State, Winston-Salem State, Clark Atlanta, Virginia State and West Virginia State in a two-day celebration of HBCU basketball. Chris Paul, a Naismith Hall of Fame partner and longtime advocate for HBCU athletics, executive produced Why Not Us on ESPN+, a series that spotlighted FAMU Football alongside North Carolina Central Basketball, Southern University Dance and Grambling Dance, underscoring the deep ties between Paul's platform and the FAMU brand.

"The Basketball Hall of Fame is proud to continue our partnership with Chris Paul in his passionate endeavor to provide HBCU student-athletes with impactful opportunities and a platform to showcase their talent," said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. "Bringing the Classic to CareFirst Arena, a Monumental Sports & Entertainment building, is especially meaningful given Sheila Johnson's role on our Board of Directors, and we look forward to bringing the teams, their fans, and the vibrant culture of HBCU basketball together under one roof in Washington, D.C., this December."