Breaking down the West Virginia region of TBT
The basketball tournament has released its 2022 tournament roster. Here’s a look at the West Virginia region.
Best Virginia (West Virginia Alumni): Co-headliner for the West Virginia region, Best Virginia is made up of your favorite West Virginia University players. After reaching the regional semifinals last year and losing to the 2021 TBT runners-up Team 23, Best Virginia is looking to make it to Dayton for the championship rounds. This is their third year in the tournament. Familiar faces in the WVU fandom join the team such as John Flowers, Kevin Jones and Juwan Staten. They are led by chef John Flowers and assistants Jevon Carter, a WVU All-American, and Dave Tallman, the current head coach of Morgantown High School.
Herd That (Marshall Alumni): West Virginia area co-headliner Herd That, a team made up mostly of former Marshalls, is looking to make a run this year. After a grueling loss to 2021 TBT finalist in the regional quarter-finals, Herd That is looking to make it to Dayton this year. Herd That is run by Jon Elmore, one of Europe’s top basketball players, and his brother, Ot, who is goalkeeper and general manager of the team.
Bucketneers: (Eastern Tennessee State Alumni): A surprise in last year’s TBT, the Bucketneers lost in the round of 16 to Sideline Cancer on a three-pointer from Marcus Keene’s Elam Ending. While this team doesn’t have too many recognizable names for those outside of ETSU and TBT, they play a great brand of scrappy team basketball which is enjoyable for most basketball fans. They have a good chance of making a run this year with the return of TBT Champion Courtney Pigram and outstanding 2021 TBT Tray Boyd.
Founding Fathers: After a strong showing in the first round of last year’s TBT, narrowly losing to Sideline Cancer, James Madison Alumni’s team has what it takes to make a strong run in this year’s tournament. Behind some solid leaders are longtime away veteran Devon Moore and WNBA guard Kamiah Smalls, the Founding Fathers have a solid team that could carry them through the tournament.
Fully Loaded: Brand new to tournament basketball, Fully Loaded is an alumni team from an AAU program of the same name. This team has some solid players with 2019 A-10 Player of the Year Jon Axel Gudmundsson and Hampton defensive player Duvaughn Maxwell.
War Ready: After enjoying success for the past few years, War Ready saw early on had four consecutive first-round releases. This team of Auburn alumni provided solid help from off campus, with former UAB student Chris Cokley and former NBA veteran and LSU starter Tim Quarterman joining the team. . Auburn alumni also bring strength, with defenseman Laron Smith and longtime outsider veteran Quantez Robinson bringing needed skills and experience to the team.
WoCo Showtime: The Wofford Alumni team nearly came back in the Elam Ending of the last tournament, narrowly losing to Best Virginia. This year, they return to the stacked area of West Virginia for revenge. With players like Fletcher McGee, the NCAA’s all-time leader in three-pointers, and Neil Rasnake, who has competed with WoCo Showtime since the team’s inception in 2014, this team has both the talent and experience to take them far.
Mid-American Unity: Entering their fourth TBT, the Mid-American Athletic conference team is looking to make progress. Last year, the MAC alumni lost to Carmen’s Crew in the first round 77-65. Although this team is made up of mid-majors, this team is packed with talent with former A-10 Defensive Player of the Year Jevon Bess and first-team All-MAC member Demetrius Treadwell leading the charge.