Former NBA player Shawn Marion, middle right, and members of his team pose for a group photo ahead of the Celebrity Slam Jam in Phoenix, Arizona on April 3rd, 2025. (Photo by Ethan Holtzinger/Cronkite News)
PHOENIX – Television host and former NFL player Anthony “Spice” Adams only had one message for the opposing team ahead of Celebrity Sweat’s Slam Jam celebrity basketball game on Thursday night:
“Move out the way.”
Adams took part in the Slam Jam last year as well, so he knew exactly what to expect at Grand Canyon University’s Global Credit Union Arena this time around.
“Oh, it’s always good, man, I love coming back here,” Adams said. “It’s electric, man; it’s contagious, man; I love it.”
The event kicked off Final Four weekend at GCU in honor of active military, and it included former NBA players Shawn Marion and Mike Bibby as coaches among the rosters of 20 celebrities and influencers.
Former NFL player Robert Griffin III was originally slated to compete in the Slam Jam as well, but the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner got sick at the last minute and apologized for his absence in a video clip on the video screen. Hall of Famer Charles Barkley and WWE Superstar The Miz also appeared on screen ahead of the game to voice their support for the cause.
Rapper Roscoe Dash was out on the court over an hour before tipoff. He couldn’t wait to get started and was the embodiment of enthusiasm throughout the entire night. Dash participated last year, too, and he was just thankful for the opportunity to return.
“I really just love Celebrity Sweat and what they stand for, and I love giving back to my community,” Dash said. “This gives me an opportunity to be able to do that and to do it the right way, so I just appreciate being involved.”
Pro dunker Chris Staples signs gear and chats with fans following an action-packed Celebrity Slam Jam game in Phoenix. (Photo by Ethan Holtzinger/Cronkite News)
Marion arrived at the scene about 30 minutes later. He was instantly swarmed by several media members and had to shout over the spirited acoustics of the Thundering Herd Pep Band in response to each question.
“First responders, active military, man this is what it’s all about,” Marion said. “I’m looking forward to giving back, creating a great experience for everybody, and we’re definitely going to put on a show tonight.”
The GCU community embraced the event with open arms – over 50 fans were already seated just a few minutes after the doors were opened, and before long, hundreds of seats were filled. The passion from the crowd ahead of the game rivaled that of the college playoffs. A bystander outside would believe that every seat had been filled.
JD from “The Morning Mess” radio show mentioned that the atmosphere was his favorite part of the Slam Jam last year. He was filled with confidence ahead of the game, emphasizing that there was no one on the other team to worry about.
“We have a solid team, and then of course I’m just a gifted athlete,” JD said. “If we were to lose it would only be because we beat ourselves.”
Each team got acquainted for the first time, the national anthem was played, and then the game began. Team Bibby took an early 5-0 lead after rapper Bdot followed up a three-pointer with a steal and a layup that got the audience roaring right away. Team Marion trailed for the majority of the first half, and by halftime Team Bibby was leading 61-50.
Whit3 Iverson poses with fans after earning MVP honors for his performance in Team Marion’s 119-114 win at Celebrity Slam Jam in Phoenix. (Photo by Ethan Holtzinger/Cronkite News)
That margin between the two teams didn’t waver much during the first 10 minutes of the second half, but then Team Marion began to steal some momentum, with social media influencer Whit3 Iverson leading the charge. The game was tied with just a few minutes remaining, and from there the lead changed hands multiple times.
Ultimately, Team Marion was able to rein it in and close out the final moments for a 119-114 victory. Whit3 Iverson was awarded the Celebrity Slam Jam MVP trophy, and everyone involved gathered at halfcourt for a group photo.
Though her team lost, influencer Hannah White was proclaimed team MVP by teammate Roscoe Dash after a performance that shocked the entire stadium. White drained several 3-pointers while showing off a fierce competitiveness and some impressive moves that few saw coming.
“Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect for myself, but I think one thing that I’ve learned about myself is that when I get on the court I just lock in,” White said. “My team did so well, too. We worked together really well, and I’m just really proud of us. We kept it close.”
Unlike many of the other celebrities and notable figures in attendance, this year was Arizona Cardinals receiver Greg Dortch’s first time playing in the Slam Jam, and he was quick to express his interest in returning for next year.
“Man, the atmosphere was explosive,” Dortch said. “This was my first time doing this, but I’ll definitely be back for sure. We didn’t get the W, and I missed a couple shots, but we played hard. That’s all you can ask for.”
Everyone stayed out on the court well after the game’s end to greet fans, sign merchandise, and talk with the media. The energy in GCU Arena was upbeat and laid back as everything began to wrap up, and positive spirits made it appear like both teams had won after putting on a show for active military and the GCU campus.