TBT Top 25, #1 (04/21/21)

6.

Team Hines (74 pts): “Playing without its namesake, Team Hines lost a 93-91 thriller to eventual runner-up Sideline Cancer. The team still had a stacked roster that included Ethan Happ, Marcus Thornton and Brandon Paul (will House of ‘Paign snatch him up this year?).  If any of those pieces stick around for the expected return of Kyle Hines and Nick Calathes, this team will be fun to watch.” – CV

7.

Armored Athlete (63 pts): “Name recognition. Armored Athlete is a staple of TBT and is number-five on TBT’s all-time wins’ list. They lost a close game to Overseas Elite in 2020, and if the backcourt of Scott Machado and John Roberson returns, AA would be on the radar again. Jordy Hulls of Indiana Hoosiers’ fame has been linked to the 2021 squad.” – CV

8.

Herd That (60 pts): “The darlings of last year’s TBT, but it was more than just a Cinderella run. Herd That sticks closely to the principles taught by Dan D’Antoni at Marshall: they run and shoot 3s. They’ll be a tough matchup for any team in the field.” – CV

9.

Team Arkansas (58 pts): “After a short absence due to a pandemic shortened year, Team Arkansas has made the recruitment move of the year, adding the Underdawgs supernova guard Jaylen Barford to turn a strong team into a legitimate contender.” – Andrew Haner

10. (tie)

Eberlein Drive (56 pts): “There might not be a more motivated team in the 2021 field. COVID-19 burst Eberlein’s bubble before they could play a game last year, so this team is chomping at the bit to get on TBT courts again.” – Chris Vosters

10. (tie)

The Money Team (56 pts): “They played in maybe the best game of TBT last summer, losing a 102-99 thriller to Herd That in the round of 16. They had a very deep roster, including Jordan Crawford and Kyle Wiltjer, and all signs point to a reload for 2021.” – Chris Vosters

12. (tie)

House of Paign (54 pts): “One of the surprise teams of the tournament last year, Illinois’s basketball profile continued to rise during the college season. Will that boost Mike LaTulip’s ability to recruit alumni to The Basketball Tournament squad? If Mike Daum returns, this team could be dangerous again.” – Chris Vosters

12. (tie)

Best Virginia (54 pts): “A regional final in Charleston between co-hosts Best Virginia and Herd That would make John Denver proud. Best Virginia watched as Herd That became a sensation during TBT 2020. They’ll look to send a message in 2021.” – Chris Vosters

14. (tie)

Boeheim’s Army (53 pts): “Is Buddy Boeheim walking through that door? That’s a long shot (for 2021, anyway), but look for the Army to have plenty of weapons for this year’s run. Boeheim’s Army has the most dedicated fan base in the field, and few people are as connected to both Syracuse and TBT culture than GM Kevin Belbey.” – Chris Vosters

15.

Team Brotherly Love (51 pts): “Brotherly Love looks to reach TBT’s quarterfinal for the third straight year. They played Golden Eagles tough in 2020.” – Chris Vosters

16.

Team Challenge ALS (48 pts): ” Always a sentimental favorite, Sean Marshall’s squad knows how to win in TBT as well (2017 runner-up).” – Chris Vosters

(Note: Vote prior to adding Jerome Randle)

17.

Big X (32 pts): “Carmen’s Little Brother suffered a tough upset at the hands of D2, will they come back to Columbus with revenge on their minds?” – Andrew Haner

18.

War Ready (31 pts): “This team (branded as War Tampa in 2020) brought a really exciting roster to the field last year, but laid an egg in the opening round. TBT experience matters a ton, and five players on this roster made their tournament debuts in 2020. Bryce Brown and Horace Spencer are expected to return, so this team should be ready to roll come July.” – Chris Vosters

19.

Aftershocks (26 pts): “TBT returns to Wichita after record-setting crowds packed Charles Koch Arena in 2019. However, the Afterschocks were shocked in the second round by Sideline Cancer in 2019, and lost the chance to play in the regional final in their home gym. Afterschocks was not in the field last year and will look to set the record straight this time around.” – Chris Vosters

20.

LA Cheaters (16 pts): “Drew League legends, headlined by do everything guard Casper Ware, will be back as a major factor in the TBT 2021.” – Andrew Haner

21.

Stillwater Stars (15 pts): “The Oklahoma State alumni team has already put out an impressive roster for 2021, including Le’Bryan Nash and Markel Brown, among others.” – Chris Vosters

22. (tie)

Florida TNT (14 pts): “An early favorite for a high seed in 2020 prior to the Covid reshuffling, the lads from Florida come back with waves of high scoring options on the wings. A team to be reckoned with in Wichita.” – Andrew Haner

22. (tie)

Men of Mackey (14 pts): “Purdue’s alumni team enjoyed a successful tournament debut in 2020, knocking off Heartfire before a seven-point loss to Boeheim’s Army. The Boilermakers are one of the most consistent teams in the B1G year in and year out, and they certainly can attain that reputation in TBT.” – Chris Vosters

24.

Power of the Paw (13 pts): “PotP brought six Clemson alum to the bubble in Columbus last year, many with NCAA Tournament experience. This team has suffered close losses in each of the last two tourneys. GM Nick Isabella is a Clemson grad, who has been assembling TBT rosters since 2015.” – Chris Vosters

25.

Power of the Paw (13 pts): “Their Twitter handle, D2unheraldedTBT, says it all. You might not recognize a player on the roster, but don’t sleep on this team. D2’s two tournament losses have been by a combined five points, and they scored an opening round victory over Bluegrass Boys in Lexington in 2019. They play selfless team basketball, and you bet they have a chip on their shoulder.” – Chris Vosters