After a 2-1 record last year, the LA Cheaters look to use that experience and win the million
The Drew League team has become a household name for TBT fans, competing in the last two tournaments. Led by Casper Ware Sr. and Jr., the LA Cheaters bring in a talented roster hoping that the combination of skill and experience will take them far in Wichita.
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Current Roster:
- Casper Ware Jr. (Long Beach State)
- Chris Copeland (Colorado)
- Emeka Nwabuzor (Central Arizona (JUCO) & New Mexico Highlands University (D2))
- Ervin Ware (Mount Sac Junior College)
- Garrett Nevels (Hawaii)
- Jerry Evans (Nevada)
- Kaden Anderson (Point Loma Nazarene University)
- Mark Ogden (Utah Tech)
- Sedrick Barefield (Utah)
- Terrell Carter (Fresno State)
- Ty Glover (UT Tyler)
- Van Girard II (CSU-Dominguez Hills)
Coaching Staff:
- Casper Ware (GM)
- Richard Clay (Asst. Coach)
Region:
- Wichita, Kansas
Team MVP: Casper Ware Jr.
Ware is a veteran of TBT, playing in his 5th tournament. Despite his 5’10 stature, he is a prolific scorer, especially from deep. Playing in Moskow last year, Ware shot 40% from deep, something the LA Cheaters are hoping will translate to the court. Most importantly, he’ll be an on-court leader for the LA Cheaters thanks to his experience in all types of games as well as the obvious chemistry with his father Casper.
Make-or-break Player: Chris Copeland
Copeland has NBA experience, playing in the league for four years. While it’s been a minute since then, they are hoping his size and presence will be enough to create second opportunities on offense and limit extra possessions on defense. He’s one of the oldest players in the TBT at 39 years old, but can certainly play. Availability is sometimes the best ability, and LA Cheaters will need Copeland to log good minutes, especially if they go deep in the tournament. If he can do so, this team can go far in a stacked region.
Team Outlook
Just when you thought Wichita couldn’t get any better, we’ve got one more game for you😎
LA Cheaters takes on @LiveItTBT RIGHT NOW on ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/bYnisKgeQA
— TBT (@thetournament) July 20, 2023
Mass Street and Show me Squad are getting all the attention in the Wichita 2 region, but the LA Cheaters might actually be the team to beat in the region. They start it off against Living the Dream, a team that could be a sneaky test. If they can win, then most likely face Team Heartfire. This is a really difficult region, but the biggest advantage LA Cheaters possess is experience. Several teams in the region don’t have that experience, and adjusting to TBT format, especially the Elam Ending can cause a team to slip early.
If Ware can do what he does best, and the supporting cast can provide quality play, then the LA Cheaters will make a deep run and show everyone what the Drew League is all about.