NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – On and off the court, Tennessee State University alumni are working overtime in the business of basketball. This summer, three TSU graduates are participating in the NBA HBCU Fellowship, an internship program that provides current and former students from Historically Black Colleges and universities with hands-on career experience in the sports industry.
Now in its fifth year, the 10-week fellowship places participants with NBA teams and league offices across the country, offering real-world experience in marketing, ticket sales, analytics and human resource management. This year, just 70 fellows were selected from more than 10,000 applicants nationwide.
Among this year’s cohort are Sydney Hall, Jonathan “Miles” Hammock, and Peyton Tripp, who are interning with the Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons, and Utah Jazz, respectively.
Hall, a 2026 TSU graduate with a degree in business administration and a concentration in marketing, is gaining experience in ticket sales and services with the Charlotte Hornets. She said being selected for the fellowship reaffirmed her aspirations of building a career in the sports industry.
“My experience has been nothing short of amazing,” Hall said. “I have made so many meaningful connections with like-minded individuals in my cohort as well as business professionals and executives who want to see you thrive in this space. Additionally, this opportunity is creating pathways for us to gain valuable experience, build connections, and see ourselves represented in spaces we aspire to be in.”
Hammock, who is pursuing a master’s degree in data science is working in the Detroit Pistons’ Business Strategy and Analytics Department. His responsibilities include analytics, reporting, business intelligence, fan engagement insights, and supporting data-driven decision-making across the organization.
Hammock, who also holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance from TSU, said being selected for the fellowship affirmed the hard work he has invested in his academic and professional journey. “It felt like validation that years of hard work, persistence, and continued investment in my education were paying off,” said Hammock, a lifelong basketball fan with a deep passion for the game. “Being immersed in the Detroit Pistons organization has been incredible. The people genuinely believe in the work, the mission, and the impact basketball can have on communities.”
Hammock said the fellowship’s impact extends beyond individual participants, creating opportunities for HBCU students and alumni to succeed in the sports industry while opening doors for future generations.
“The NBA HBCU Fellowship creates access and removes barriers that might otherwise prevent talented students and alumni from pursuing opportunities like this,” he said. “Programs like this level the playing field and allow talent to shine. Every day, I strive to represent Tennessee State University well, open doors for future Tigers, and demonstrate what TSU excellence looks like on a national stage.”
For Tripp, a repeat participant in the NBA Fellowship program, she is enjoying a rare moment. Her previous internship in 2025 was extended through the 2026 fall semester, providing her additional opportunities to develop professionally and build relationships within the Utah Jazz organization. She returns to the organization’s people and culture department, where she previously served.
“This is my second consecutive year participating in the NBA x HBCU Fellowship Program, and it has been such a joy to be part of it,” said Tripp, who graduated in May with a degree in mass communications and a concentration in integrated marketing. “When applications launched this year, I reflected on the lessons I learned, the connections I made, and the opportunities I fostered as part of the program, and used that reflection as motivation to apply again.”
Tripp said the fellowship’s focus on mentorship and career development has been one of its most valuable aspects. “HBCU students are worthy of opportunities,” she said. “The NBA has definitely done that, bridging the gap between students and a billion-dollar industry to make sure fellows are seen and in the right rooms.”
Collectively, the three fellows represent a range of academic disciplines and career interests, highlighting the talent emerging from Tennessee State University. Through their work with NBA organizations and connections with league executives and industry professionals, they are gaining experiences that will help shape the next chapter of their careers while proudly representing TSU on a national stage.
