JAB Classic 2026 Delivers Elite Talent, Big Performances and a Powerful Message Against Hate

Eight teams, three days, and one million dollars later, the first-ever JAB classic is in the books. After watching the first two days on YouTube with Basketballnews, I made my way down to Philly to experience the final day in person. I was able to catch up with players and coaches and experience what the JAB Classic is really about.

Texas’ Trusted Vision faced an uphill battle against Philadelphia’s own Chuck Ellis Workouts.

From the jump, the home team crowd brought relentless energy, but Jonathan Simmons and Texas weren’t going down easily. They kept the game tight, trailing just five points at halftime.

Trey Burke and the Morris twins helped blow the game open in the second half, though, as Chuck Ellis cruised to a 29-point victory. Zid Powell took home MVP honors after going on a wild solo run at the end of the game, to the delight of the Philly crowd.

Following the championship ceremony, I caught up with players and coaches to hear their thoughts on the three-day event. 

First, I spoke with Trey Burke, who put on a show throughout the tournament. He described what an honor it was to win the tournament in Philly, for Philly, before inviting Dion Waiters to join them in next year’s tournament.

I also had a few words with Marcus Morris, who echoed the same pride in representing Philadelphia and added his excitement about seeing the tournament grow into something amazing. “I think we can make this into something really big,” the thirteen-year NBA veteran stated. 

That vision was shared by coach Chuck Ellis, who spoke about what made the tournament special beyond basketball itself. “All different races, all different religions, all different colors, you have people coming together through the game of basketball,” he said. That’s what it’s all about. 

The Bigger Picture

And that’s something that really hit me during G Herbo’s halftime performance. Everybody in the arena, regardless of age, race, or background, was on their feet, enjoying the things that we all love together.

The music, the special-edition donut, and, of course, the game of basketball itself are pieces of one bigger goal. To bring people together. And this is just the first installment of what is already an amazing event.

Pros like Marquis Teague went on the record talking about the elite talent they witnessed during the tournament.

Celebrities like Meek Mill made the trip to see what the JAB was all about. The atmosphere, the talent, and the energy made it clear that this was more than just a basketball tournament.

So while the first annual JAB Classic was most definitely a success, it’s just barely scratching the surface.