The Massachusetts Collective will sponsor The Commonwealth TBT, a UMass alumni team, which will be making its TBT debut.
Despite recent struggles for the Minutemen men’s basketball program, there lies a rich tradition and deep passion, which second-year head coach Frank Martin hopes to resurge. That is the purpose of The Commonwealth TBT, who will now be facing off against the Virginia Dream in the first round.
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Current Roster:
- Anthony Lee (Temple)
- Brison Gresham (UMass)
- Carl Pierre (UMass & Rice)
- Cedric Anderson (UMass)
- Chaz Williams (UMass)
- Donte’ Clark (UMass)
- Ethan Wright (Princeton & Colorado)
- Freddie Riley (UMass)
- Luwane Pipkins (UMass & Providence)
- Maxie Esho (UMass)
- Terrell Vinson (UMass)
Coaching Staff:
- Patrick McWilliams (GM)
- Mike Mannix (Head Coach)
- Javorn Farrell (Asst. Coach)
- Paul Chmura (Asst. Coach)
Region:
- Syracuse, New York
Team MVP: Chaz Williams
The last time the Minutemen made the NCAA Tournament, they were led by Chaz Williams. A legend in Amherst, Williams was a three-time All-A10 member and ranks first in the program with 702 all-time assists. Professionally, he has been playing overseas, currently for Njarðvík in Sweden.
For The Commonwealth TBT, do not be surprised to see Williams dominate the ball-handling duties. He is best known for his quickness in transition and playmaking ability, residing around the pull-up short mid-range shot. Williams is also a quality defender in the backcourt, accumulating nearly 200 steals in his UMass career.
Make-or-break Player: Carl Pierre
Pierre played for the Minutemen from 2017-21, where he was known as a lights-out perimeter shooter. He is a part of the 1,000-points club and is second in program history with 286 three-point field goals over his career. Pierre spent his final collegiate season at Rice, where he set the single-season record for most three-pointers made with 97.
The Commonwealth TBT can absolutely win a game with hard-nosed defense and rely on scoring from Williams. However, the only scenario I see them making a deep run involves Pierre catching fire.
Team Outlook
Due to unforeseen circumstances, The Rhody Way has withdrawn from TBT 2023. They will be replaced by Virginia Dream, who will assume the 4-seed in Syracuse & play The Commonwealth on July 24. pic.twitter.com/p0YVPTFNNx
— TBT (@thetournament) July 21, 2023
It is important to emphasize the importance of sponsoring a TBT team for Martin’s mission with the UMass program. Regardless of the result, it is fair to say that progress is being made behind the scenes.
Nonetheless, The Commonwealth TBT has the same ultimate goal as everyone else: to take home the $1 million prize. The first-round matchup initially featured a regional rival in The Rhody Way (Rhode Island Alumni) but they were forced to drop out due to their own logistical constraints. Instead, they will face the Virginia Dream, who does have experience in this tournament.
If The Commonwealth TBT is able to advance, they will be lined up with the defending champions and top-seeded Blue Collar U team of Buffalo alumni. The Commonwealth TBT will rely on their primary strengths of the previously discussed backcourt and length at the wing position.
[…] Dream was slotted into a four-seed spot in the Syracuse Regional and will play The Commonwealth in the first round, for a chance to potentially take on the top-seeded Blue Collar U of Buffalo […]