Nashville, Tenn. - On Jan. 15, members of the Tennessee State men's basketball team traveled to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt to take a break from the OVC schedule and give back to the community.

"We talk a lot about basketball and the stuff that goes on in our world, but I think it was important for our players to see what life is truly about and impact someone else's life," head coach Travis Williams said.

The Tigers arrived at the hospital at 11 a.m. and spent over an hour with the young patients and their parents.

Big Blue basketball players took photos with the children, signed autographs and played games.

"Seeing a lot of people stop by and the smiles on those kids' faces was really special," Williams said. "You know the kids are there for a reason, but to give them that outlet of interaction with our players was wonderful."

M.J. Rhett and Patrick Miller took on all challengers in Connect Four, while Kellen Thornton and Tashan Fredrick went head-to-head with the kids at Checkers.

Jordan Cyphers, Jordan Gaither and Robert Covington taught the children a thing or two while playing basketball and Jay Harris showed off his piano skills to all in attendance.

"Anytime we can go out into the community and give back, we are very grateful."

--TSU Tigers--