It’s Terp time. Maryland’s alumni team Shell Shock TBT makes its TBT debut and will look to make a statement.
The M of the DMV is stacked this year, with the Maryland Terrapin alumni team giving it its best shot at winning a share of $1,000,000. Led by head coach Nima Omidvar, the Terps have a strong chance to make some waves in their tournament debuts.
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Current Roster:
- Chris Lykes (Miami and Arkansas)
- CJ Williams (North Carolina State)
- Damonte Dodd (Maryland)
- Darryl Morsell (Marquette and Maryland)
- Don Carey (Maryland)
- Kevin Samuel (TCU, FGCU, and South Alabama)
- L.G. Gill (Duquesne and Maryland)
- Maurice Creek (Indiana and George Washington)
- Richaud Pack (Maryland, North Carolina A&T, and FIU)
- Robert Carter (Maryland)
- Roddy Peters (Maryland)
- Xavier Green (Maryland)
Coaching Staff:
- Nima Omidvar (Head Coach, GM)
- Max Holzman (GM)
- Reese Mona (GM)
- Lukas Varga (Asst. Coach)
- John Auslander (Asst. Coach)
Region:
- Louisville
Team MVP: Darryl Morsell
Morsell is one of the younger players on the squad this year, but make no mistake, he’s one of the best talents. The former Maryland and Marquette guard has the height (6’5”) and skills to make his presence felt in this year’s TBT. In his graduate year with Marquette, he placed top 20 in the Big East in both PPG and steal percentage. He can score on the offensive end and play great defense on the perimeter as well.
For Shell Shock TBT to truly make waves, it’ll need to put up points, especially against a Florida alumni team that has plenty of able scorers. Morsell gives them a consistent offensive threat. As the 2020-21 Big Ten defensive player of the year, he can get it done on the defensive end too.
Make-or-break Player: C.J. Williams
Williams has an NBA background, playing 53 games with the Timberwolves and Clippers between 2017-2019. Since then, he’s played in the G League, France, Turkey, and Israel. If he can reclaim that NBA form, Williams will be the most impactful player on the roster. Another tall shooting guard like Morsell, the 6’5” Williams ranked top 15 in the ACC in steals in 2011-2012.
Yes, he’s one of the older players on the team at 33 years of age. But he’s still the same C.J. Williams that played in the NBA. How many TBTers can say that? Not many. A Corey Brewer vs. C.J. Williams matchup in the first round? Sign me up.
Team Outlook
📍 Louisville #ShellShock 🐢>🐊 pic.twitter.com/MAoaYxZNNJ
— Shell Shock TBT (@TBTTerps) July 25, 2023
Shell Shock TBT is a very solid team for a 4 seed, but unfortunately, they’ve got a tough draw against a very good 5 seed, the Florida alumni team Gataverse. In addition to Morsell and Williams, Shell Shock TBT has some other critical pieces on their roster. Former Miami Hurricane Chris Lykes spent a year at Arkansas and now plays professionally in Norway. A gifted scorer at a height of just 5’7”, TBT is the perfect venue for Lykes to showcase his skills.
Big man Kevin Samuel could help anchor the team’s frontcourt. Spending time at TCU, FGCU, and South Alabama, the well-traveled center ranked first in the A-Sun in block percentage, rebound percentage, effective FG%, blocks, FG%, and RPG. He’s 12th all-time in NCAA history in FG%. He’s 14th in Big 12 history in career blocks, and he only spent 3 seasons in the conference. There’s not enough space to list all his accomplishments, but he was also defensive player of the year in his respective conferences in 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.
Maurice Creek, maker of perhaps one of the biggest shots in TBT history in 2020, joins Shell Shock this year. He could also provide an offensive spark as well. Former Maryland players Damonte Dodd, Don Carey, Roddy Peters, Robert Carter, and Xavier Green could all rep the Terps well during the tournament.
Overall, this is a very good, deep team. If they can get by Gataverse in the first round, they can certainly take out the Gutter Cats in the second round. If there’s a 4 seed that can win a region this year, it’s Shell Shock, and it won’t be a shock.