Bentravin Phillips Transfers to Xavier University of Louisiana as JCSU Football Sets Championship Tone for 2025
New Orleans, LA and Charlotte, NC – In a significant offseason move within HBCU athletics, standout basketball guard Bentravin Phillips is transferring from Dillard University to Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA), marking his fourth school in four collegiate seasons. Meanwhile, Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) football is generating strong championship momentum as it prepares for a competitive 2025 season that promises excitement and high expectations.
Bentravin Phillips, a dynamic guard and reigning HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) Tournament MVP, led Dillard University to its first conference championship since 2018 with an 18-point, six-assist, and three-steal performance in the title game. A Lafayette native, Phillips averaged 13.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.0 steals over 31 games this past season after transferring from junior college. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has made him a highly regarded player in HBCU basketball circles. Phillips will join XULA’s Gold Rush basketball team for their final season in the Red River Athletic Conference before transitioning to the Southern States Athletic Conference in 2026. The Gold Rush seek to capture their first conference title since their 2021 GCAC tournament victory, and Phillips’ arrival adds a proven scorer and playmaker to that pursuit.
“I’m excited about what Bentravin brings to our program,” said an XULA basketball coach. “His experience and winning mindset will be invaluable as we close out this chapter in the Red River Athletic Conference and prepare for the next phase in the Southern States Conference.”
In parallel, Johnson C. Smith University’s football program is entering the 2025 season with renewed optimism and a championship focus. After tying the school record with eight wins last year, the Golden Bulls are shaping their schedule to build towards a deep postseason run, including a high-profile neutral-site matchup against Morehouse at historic Harvard Stadium and a home game against Valdosta State, the previous year’s Division II national runner-up. Coach Maurice Flowers has emphasized a balance in scheduling to prepare the team mentally and physically for the grueling CIAA slate.
“This isn’t just about wins,” Flowers noted. “It’s about building a culture of toughness, resilience, and legacy. Our players have bought in, and you can feel the energy in every workout and meeting.”
The team’s spring preparation, chronicled in the *Brick x Brick* docuseries, highlighted a culture shift focused on hard work and brotherhood. Despite a canceled spring game due to weather, the Golden Bulls maintained momentum in their training, with Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Kevon Fly reminding players, “The grind never stops.” Returning standouts like wide receiver Brevin Caldwell and running back Kammarro Edmunds, combined with impactful newcomers such as Armone Harris and linebacker Quavaris Crouch – a former SEC and Big Ten star – position JCSU as a potential powerhouse in the CIAA and Division II landscape.
JCSU has also invested in infrastructure, moving into a new state-of-the-art strength training facility, symbolizing the broader transformation underway within the program. This comprehensive rebuilding effort combines physical readiness with emotional bonding, as seen in their team cool-downs that blend discipline with moments of joy and reflection.
The narratives of Phillips’ transfer and JCSU’s football resurgence exemplify the vibrant, competitive spirit driving HBCU athletics beyond just the scores. These institutions are not only developing elite athletes but also cultivating legacy, pride, and community engagement that resonate deeply with alumni, current students, and fans.
Upcoming games to watch include XULA’s early Red River Athletic Conference matchups, where Phillips will strive to make an immediate impact, and JCSU’s opening season clash versus Morehouse at Harvard Stadium, a historic venue that adds national attention to their campaign.
As HBCU sports continue to grow in visibility and influence, stories like these reinforce the importance of these programs in the fabric of American sports culture – blending rich traditions with modern athletic excellence and transformative opportunities for student-athletes.
By focusing on championship goals, player development, and cultural authenticity, both Xavier University of Louisiana basketball and Johnson C. Smith football embody the unique vigor and resilience that define HBCU athletics.
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