The Basketball Tournament 2024: Eberlein Drive Team Profile

After back-to-back first-round exits, Eberlein Drive looks to get back to their old selves and make a deep run in The Basketball Tournament.

When this tournament started in 2014, Eberlein Drive was there. Ten years later, they’re still here, and looking to make it out of Butler. Last year, they lost by 20 in the first round, a shocking performance from a team that many thought would win easily. They won’t make the same mistake again and have a roster capable of a deep run.

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Roster:

• AJ Slaughter (Western Kentucky)
• Anthony Clemmons (Iowa)
• Archie Goodwin (Kentucky)
• Daishon Knight (Illinois State and Odessa)
• Jake Stephens (VMI & Chattanooga)
• Johnny O’Bryant (LSU)
• Lesley Varner II (UTRGV)
• Max Schmarzo (Coe College)
• Michael Ertel II (ULM and UAB)
• Nate Roberts (Washington)
• Ryan Taylor (Northwestern, Evansville, & Ohio)
• Terrell Brown (Washington)
• Tyler Stone (Missouri & SEMO)

Coaching Staff:

• Gregory Vetrone (Head Coach)
• Jacob Freeze (Asst. Coach)
• Jacob Hirschmann (GM)
• Jordan Surenkamp (Asst. Coach)
• Matt Mitchell (GM)
• Vincent Vetrone (Asst. Coach)
• Zachary Hopp (Asst. Coach)

Region: Butler

All-Time Record: 11-9

First Matchup: vs. Team Arkansas (July 20 at 1 p.m. on TBT Live)

Team MVP: Archie Goodwin

In the loss last year, Goodwin was the lone bright spot, scoring 26 for Eberlein Drive and adding 6 rebounds. The former NBA player does a terrific job using his speed to get to the basket and athleticism to contribute on both sides of the court. He can shoot it from deep as well, making three in that game. If Eberlein Drive wants to make a run, they’ll need at least 20 from him again, something he is more than capable of doing.

Make-or-Break Player: Jake Stephens

In Jake’s final two years of college basketball, he was one of the best players in the country and arguably top 3 at the mid-major level. In his senior season, he averaged 22 points per game, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game. At 7’0, he has great size and becomes a matchup nightmare. He has great footwork and can even stretch the floor if needed.

What Eberlein Drive was missing last year was that second threat. With Stephens, this changes. The two of them can play off each other, and if a team can’t make adjustments, then they can pull away quickly and not look back. I wouldn’t be surprised if Eberlein Drive makes a deep run and Jake Stephens finds himself on the All-Tournament team.

Team Outlook

If Eberlein Drive wants to break their losing streak, they’ll have to beat Team Arkansas in Round 1. Team Arkansas has been one of the most consistent teams year in and year out, so that could be a challenge. If they can win, then they face the Butler alumni team in Butler. Blaming in enemy territory is not easy, and they’ll need a lot of help to make the third round.

Only two players from last year’s team return, so the chemistry will be interesting as well. However, this team has been around for a while, and the coaching staff will make sure this team brings its A-game and does what it can to succeed.