In this episode of the Sports Philanthropy Podcast, host Roy Kessel sits down with former NBA player and referee Haywoode Workman, the visionary behind the HBCU Hoops Invitational. Haywoode shares his remarkable journey from competing alongside legends like Dominique Wilkins and Reggie Miller to becoming one of only three former NBA players to transition into officiating. He discusses the inspiration and mission behind the HBCU Hoops Invitational at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports — an event created to highlight HBCU athletic excellence, generate vital resources, and expand academic and career opportunities for student-athletes. Tune in to hear how Haywoode blends basketball, education, and philanthropy to create lasting impact and elevate HBCU programs nationwide.
Haywoode Workman
Haywoode Workman is a respected figure in basketball whose remarkable career has spanned from player to referee to visionary leader. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, he played collegiate basketball at Winston-Salem State and Oral Roberts University before being selected by the Atlanta Hawks in the 1989 NBA Draft. Over eight NBA seasons, he played for teams including the Washington Bullets, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Toronto Raptors. Known for his leadership, athleticism, and court vision, Workman became one of the league’s most reliable point guards during the 1990s.
After retiring as a player, Workman made a rare and impressive transition into officiating, becoming one of only a few former NBA players to serve as an NBA referee. His experience as both an athlete and an official gives him a unique perspective on the game, allowing him to bridge the gap between players and referees with a deep understanding of fairness, preparation, and professionalism. His work has helped elevate the standards of officiating and inspired other former athletes to consider careers in refereeing.
Today, Haywoode Workman continues to make an impact through his role as the visionary behind the HBCU Hoops Invitational, held at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports. The event highlights the talent and determination of student-athletes from historically Black colleges and universities while creating opportunities for scholarships, exposure, and workforce development. Through this initiative, Workman aims to empower young athletes on and off the court, building pathways for education, leadership, and long-term success while celebrating the culture and excellence of HBCU athletics.
HBCU Hoops Invitational
The HBCU Hoops Invitational is a non-conference, four-day pre-season basketball tournament exclusively featuring women’s and men’s teams from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Scheduled for December 4–7, 2025 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, the event is designed to elevate HBCU athletic programs through the platform of college basketball. It combines high-level competition with cultural celebration, educational enrichment and community engagement.
At its core, the Invitational exists to raise national visibility for HBCUs, promote enrollment by showcasing institutional legacy and value, provide scholarships and academic support for scholar-athletes, and offer career-readiness initiatives such as internships and leadership development programs. It also seeks to create a pipeline of opportunity for underserved youth through sport, mentorship and education.
The organization behind the tournament, HBCU Hoops Global, Inc., serves as the educational and philanthropic arm of the event. Beyond the games, HBCU Hoops Global supports student-athletes through academic services, college-admissions fairs, and year-round career development opportunities, ensuring the impact of the Invitational extends far beyond the basketball court.
0:04 – 2:00 | Early Passion for Sports
Haywoode Workman recalls his childhood days at the local recreation center, where he and neighborhood friends played every sport available. They imagined themselves as sports legends like Tony Dorsett, Johnny Bench, and Reggie Jackson, experiences that fueled his lifelong enthusiasm for athletics.
2:00 – 3:30 | High School Excellence
At Myers Park High School in Charlotte, Haywoode was an All-State athlete in football and track, while also excelling in basketball. His athletic versatility made him one of the standout students of his class and earned him a football scholarship to Winston-Salem State University.
3:30 – 6:40 | Shifting Focus to Basketball
Although he began college on a football scholarship, Haywoode’s heart was in basketball. After one year, he transferred to Oral Roberts University, where legendary coach Ted Owens helped shape his basketball career. Despite team challenges, his performance stood out, and in 1989 he was drafted into the NBA.
6:40 – 9:00 | Entering the NBA
Haywoode was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks, joining a powerhouse roster featuring Dominique Wilkins, Moses Malone, and Doc Rivers. He humorously recalls his rookie experience—driving veterans to training camp and learning the professionalism and discipline required at the elite level.
9:00 – 14:00 | Professional Career Journey
His NBA career included stops with the Washington Bullets, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Toronto Raptors, along with international stints in Italy and Israel. He reached the Eastern Conference Finals with the Pacers, overcame serious knee injuries, and finished his playing career with Hapoel Jerusalem, marking an impressive global basketball journey.
14:00 – 16:30 | Transition to Officiating – “The Dark Side”
After retiring as a player, Haywoode transitioned to NBA officiating, jokingly calling it “the dark side.” Inspired by former players Bernie Fryer and Leon Wood, he became only the third ex-NBA player ever to become an NBA referee, appreciating the stability and integrity the role offered.
16:30 – 17:45 | Earning Respect as a Referee
He shares that his player background often drew extra scrutiny, as athletes would challenge his calls more, saying, “You know better, Haywoode!” Yet, over time, his knowledge of the game earned him respect and credibility among players and coaches.
17:45 – 20:50 | Founding the HBCU Hoops Invitational
Haywoode’s roots at Winston-Salem State University inspired him to create the HBCU Hoops Invitational, an event designed to provide exposure and funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. His vision was to build an HBCU version of the Maui Invitational, blending sports, education, and community impact.
20:50 – 23:30 | Partnerships and Inaugural Event
The first HBCU Hoops Invitational will be held December 4–7 at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports (Disney, Florida). It features eight teams—four men’s and four women’s—including Florida A&M, Bethune-Cookman, Edward Waters, Florida Memorial, Hampton, Livingstone, Tuskegee, and Barber-Scotia. Major partners include ESPN, Disney, Advent Health, Delta, Ebony Magazine, and Getty Images.
24:50 – 30:25 | Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Haywoode hopes to secure a multi-year partnership with Disney, expanding opportunities for student-athletes through internships, scholarships, and career pathways. He also advocates for uniform basketball rules from youth to professional levels, helping players develop consistently within the sport they love.
