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The Basketball Tournament- Always a Brave in Illinois Region

Da Coach

Da Coach

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Staff member
The Peoria Civic Center will host the Illinois Region of the 2021 TBT and Always a Brave will have a team, along with the House of 'Paign (Illinois alumni)
https://bradleybraves.com/news/2021/...onal-site.aspx

Bobby Parker, Bradley Associate Athletics Director is the Always A Brave general manager again as he has been during the team's previous three TBT appearances.
Early commitments for the 2021 Always A Brave roster include Auston Barnes (2013-15), Tony Bennett (2004-06), Darrell Brown, Jr. (2016-20), Nate Kennell (2016-20), Walt Lemon, Jr. (2010-14), Luqmon Lundy (2017-19), Patrick O'Bryant (2004-06) and Donte Thomas (2014-18 ).
Daniel Ruffin (2003-08 ) will serve as head coach with Chuck Buescher '67 serving as assistant coach.
 
Another roster addition- Tony Bennett-
https://twitter.com/OnceABrave/statu...33925795889153

E1XC3k3XMAQOE02


Always A Brave roster includes:
Auston Barnes (2013-15)
Tony Bennett (2004-06)
Darrell Brown, Jr. (2016-20)
Nate Kennell (2016-20)
Walt Lemon, Jr. (2010-14)
Luqmon Lundy (2017-19)
Patrick O'Bryant (2004-06)
Donte Thomas (2014-18 ).
Daniel Ruffin (2003-08 ) head coach
Chuck Buescher '67 assistant coach.
 
I like seeing the good guys from the geno era getting on the team. It’s not Walt’s, Barnes’s, or Thomas’s faults those teams were so bad. They played really well and would have been starters on just about any Bradley team throughout the years.
 
egib52 said:
A Walt/DB backcourt will be something to see. Both are ball dominant guards.
Click to expand...

So is Tony Bennett. His nickname when he played pro ball and in gyms in Chicago is "Mr. 40", because he usually got his 40 points regardless how many shots it took. :)
https://www.pjstar.com/sports/20160...l-provide-scoring-punch-for-always-brave-team
https://castbox.fm/episode/Interview-with-Tony-"Mr.40"-Bennett-id1572022-id105857309?country=us

Tony's twitter handle is @TBMr40plus
https://twitter.com/tbmr40plus
 
That team is going to be tough. I think they've got a shot to win with that group if they have time to practice together.
 
Tommy said:
That team is going to be tough. I think they've got a shot to win with that group if they have time to practice together.
Click to expand...

I would love to agree, Tommy, but my optimism is not quite as high. Several of the Always a Brave team's key players (O'Bryant, Bennett, Sommerville) are now in the mid-30's or approaching 40, and have been out of regular competition for a while. And, other than POB, the team doesn't have much size. Plus, as you suggest, they may not have much time to practice together since they are spread out all over. The level of competition in The Basketball Tournament has improved a lot over the last 5 years, with many teams featuring ex-NBA players and other pros. I believe they will be competitive, but it will be tough to keep up with younger teams that have played together a lot.
 
Tommy said:
That team is going to be tough. I think they've got a shot to win with that group if they have time to practice together.
Click to expand...

2-a-days from now until game day for team Always a Brave. 3-a-days for POB.
 
Da Coach said:
I would love to agree, Tommy, but my optimism is not quite as high. Several of the Always a Brave team's key players (O'Bryant, Bennett, Sommerville) are now in the mid-30's or approaching 40, and have been out of regular competition for a while. And, other than POB, the team doesn't have much size. Plus, as you suggest, they may not have much time to practice together since they are spread out all over. The level of competition in The Basketball Tournament has improved a lot over the last 5 years, with many teams featuring ex-NBA players and other pros. I believe they will be competitive, but it will be tough to keep up with younger teams that have played together a lot.
Click to expand...

Great points indeed.
We’re probably not as talented this year, but nice to see some recent guys on the team.
If we win 1 or 2, I’d be happy.
 
egib52 said:
A Walt/DB backcourt will be something to see. Both are ball dominant guards.
Click to expand...

Wow - didn’t think about that. I imagine these 2 will be the handlers on this team.
Always fun to see Walt’s slashing, play-making, and engine that’s always going.

2 guys in the Top 10 all-time BU scoring list!
 
Heeeeeck yes. These late breaking additions show that this team isn’t planning on just making an appearance. Great mix of youth and experience. Keep building
 
I saw on Facebook that Max Bielfeldt will be playing for Always a Brave....did not see that coming:-o
 
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