Philadelphia guard Diamond Johnson will be the only female playing in The Iverson Classic’s 24K Showcase.
Basketball fans in the Philadelphia area made serious noise when Neuman Goretti guard Diamond Johnson was not named to the McDonald’s All-American Game.
The McDAAG Co-Chair had to issue a statement in response to the backlash. Neuman Goretti coach Andrea Peterson called it a robbery. Johnson’s future coach at Rutgers, Hall of Famer, C. Vivian Stringer, also responded.
Allen Iverson and The Iverson Classic have responded in their own way.
For the first time, The Iverson Classic will also host its 24K Showcase this year. It features additional top national talent and will take place on April 22, two days before the Iverson Classic All-American Game on April 24. And for the first time, a girl will compete alongside boys in a game of this magnitude.
Diamond Johnson has been invited to play in the 24K Showcase.
This marks the first time in sports history that a woman has integrated a men’s game at this level.
Diamond Johnson has racked up 2,741 pts and an endless list of accolades, including PA Gatorade Player of the Year, SLAM Summer Classic MVP, All USA Today PA First Team, EYBL MVP and more.
The Iverson Classic has dedicated the 2020 Games to Kobe and Gianna Bryant. It’s in that spirit that makes the selection of Diamond Johnson even more special.
