The Inaugural Court of Champions Bracket Breakfast will be March 16, 2026!

Court of Champions is an all-new, high-energy networking event the Monday morning after basketball’s Selection Sunday featuring a panel discussion with local sport experts, live auction, and basketball bracket competition. This breakfast event is THE exclusive precursor to all of RVA’s March Madness happenings! More importantly, it blends the excitement of the basketball court with the impact of Henrico CASA’s work in family court.

Because while some courts are for basketball, others change lives. For 30 years, Henrico’s Court Appointed Special Advocates have been an essential part of Henrico County’s Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court’s decision-making, protecting the rights and well-being of 4,500 (and counting!) children.

Court of Champions raises funds to support Henrico CASA’s child advocacy in local courtrooms… because every child deserves to have someone in their court.

2025 Home for Good ELECTRONIC Sponsorship Brochure

Meet the 2026 Court of Champion Panelists!

Come see our panel of local sports figures share insights on their March Madness picks and bracket predictions.

Johnny Newman

Born in Danville, Johnny made his mark as one of the greatest basketball players to come out of the University of Richmond. He led the Spiders to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a memorable 1984 upset over Auburn and Charles Barkley. Johnny was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the 1986 NBA Draft and went on to play 16 seasons in the NBA, suiting up for the Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets, New Jersey Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, and Dallas Mavericks. His impact on the game was recognized with his induction into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.

Rob Ukrop

Rob Ukrop is the primary owner of the Richmond Kickers and Richmond Ivy Soccer Clubs whose mission is Strengthening community connections by curating a joyful, authentic soccer experience in Richmond,Virginia. A 1988 graduate of Collegiate School, Rob received a BA in Classical Studies from Davidson College before embarking on a 12 year journey as a professional soccer player. Rob and his wife Shannon have two children, Peyton and Presley, and three Chinese Shar-pei’s, Copa, Ruby and Ax. They are strong advocates for local non-profits: RVAccess, SwimRVa, and Home Again.

Tim Hightower

After playing football at the University of Richmond, Tim went on to play 10 years in the NFL. He is now a businessman, best selling author, and philanthropist. He empowers individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in their quality of life and the lives of others.

Todd “Parney” Parnell

Todd “Parney” Parnell is a senior advisor for the Richmond Flying Squirrels and one of the most recognizable leaders in Minor League Baseball. Known for his energy and community focus, Parney helped establish the Flying Squirrels as a top-drawing franchise, leading the Eastern League in attendance multiple times and earning national recognition, including Baseball America’s “Minor League Executive of the Year” award and the league’s Community Champion Award.

Meet the 2026 Court of Champion Emcees!

The enthusiasm of these respected community voices will set the tone for a fun, memorable program.

Robby Robinson and Rodney Ashby

Not a single moment of VCU Men’s Basketball happens without the description hitting the radio airwaves courtesy of the Ram’s radio broadcast team of Robby Robinson and Rodney Ashby. Since 2000 Robby and Rodney have called each VCU men’s game home and away for Rams UNlimited, the multimedia hub of VCU Athletics and the home of the VCU games on the radio. With Robby providing the play by play and Rodney delivering the analysis the two bring the excitement of Phil Martelli’s squad to the ears of Ram Nation. When they aren’t calling games, hanging with their families or giving eachother a hard time about, well, everything, Robby is the Director of Business Development for VCU Sports Properties, where he handles many of the athletic department’s corporate partnerships. Rodney is the principal of Cornerstone RPO, one of the nation’s leading recruitment outsourcing companies.

DJ Ron Manilla

DJ Ron Manila has been spinning music for more than 13 years, building a career that now centers around sports entertainment. He got his start with private parties and weddings before moving into sports arenas, where he currently DJs for University of Virginia basketball, the Washington Commanders, and the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Fans can also catch him at Topgolf on Friday nights. Known for his energy and passion, DJ Ron keeps crowds engaged and game-day atmospheres electric year-round. Beyond the turntables, Ron has worked at Philip Morris for nearly 20 years and is an avid runner who has completed five marathons. Married to his wife Angela for 20 years, Ron is a proud father to three children—Alexis, Trey, and Tyson—and enjoys sharing his sports-filled lifestyle with his family.