HBCUs have historically produced loads of basketball talent and notable upsets in the NCAA tournament, and this year’s HBCUnited squad returns to TBT for what might be their best chance to win it all yet.
HBCUnited has 9 former MEAC/SWAC players on their roster this year, as well as Saiquan Jamison from DII Bowie State, Tajh Green from DII Benedict, and Walter Williams III from DII Virginia State.
Despite also having former NBA center Kyle O’Quinn, the most notable player on the team may be viral sensation “Snacks” Lee, who went viral for hitting a three while working as Jackson State’s team manager.
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Current Roster:
- Dana Tate Jr. (Norfolk State)
- Derrick Griffin (Texas Southern)
- Devante Carter (Norfolk State & Nicholls State)
- Joe Bryant (Norfolk State)
- Kyle O’Quinn (Norfolk State)
- Malique Trent (TCU & Hampton)
- Roger Ray Jr. (Livingstone)
- Pendarvis Williams (Norfolk State)
- Saiquan Jamison (Bowie State)
- Stanley Davis Jr. (Morgan State)
- Tajh Green (Benedict College)
- Thomas “Snacks” Lee (Jackson State)
- Walter Williams III (Virginia State)
Coaching Staff:
- Steven Whitley (GM)
Region:
- Lubbock, Texas
Team MVP: Joe Bryant
Joe Bryant is a terrific scorer and a huge reason for Norfolk State’s recent success. He averaged 17.8 points per game last season for Norfolk State, and scored just under 1750 career points, an impressive feat. High volume scorers typically fare well in TBT, and HBCUnited will certainly look for him to carry the load scoring wise.
Make-or-break Player: Derrick Griffin
Griffin was a terrific college player, averaging a double-double in both seasons at Texas Southern. Since then, he hasn’t really been able to find his footing, bouncing around the G-League and not really finding a home. If we see a Griffin who is a glass eater and is constantly providing second chances for HBCUnited, then this team can go far. He’ll have to work a little harder to make sure HBCUnited can reach its potential.
Team Outlook
WE’RE BACK! https://t.co/IU0H4GAnAj
— HBCUnitedTBT (@HBCUnitedTBT) January 31, 2023
Seeded as the 3 seed in the Lubbock Region, HBCUnited has the makings of a team that is severely underrated. Yes, the team has Kyle O’Quinn, but also the former SWAC player of the year (Derrick Griffin,) a former MEAC player of the year (Pendarvis Williams,) the 2015-16 NCAA scoring leader (James Daniel), and Hampton’s all-time scoring leader (Jermaine Marrow Jr.)
This team has the potential to make waves in this year’s version of TBT. They’ve got a young squad, and have put up prolific collegiate numbers. From top to bottom, this team has talent and production all around.
As the 3 seed in the Lubbock region, HBCUnited goes up against In The Lab in the first round, who are making their TBT debut. A win in the first round would mean a likely matchup against 2 seed Bleed Green, the North Texas Alumni team. HBCUnited, however, has the talent to make a deep run. This team is good, and it’s deserving of a higher seed than what it received. Don’t be surprised if this team wins Lubbock.