The North Texas alumni finished runners up in last year’s TBT and look to finish the job in 2024.
In 2023, We Are Bleed Green backed up the hype by advancing all the way to the championship before falling to Heartfire, 78-73. That was their first run and they did it as a two-seed. Now, as the top seed in the regional, Bleed Green will especially have a target on their back.
They are certainly prepared, though. We Are Bleed Green return each of their top four scorers and will be prepared to execute their own unique playing style.
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Current Roster:
- Brandon Jefferson (MSU Denver)
- Brett Reed (Chaminade & Saint Martins)
- Deng Geu (North Texas)
- DJ Draper (North Texas)
- J.J. Murray (North Texas)
- James Reese V (North Texas & South Carolina)
- Jordan Stevens (Duquense & Midwestern State)
- Kai Huntsberry (North Texas)
- Shannon Shorter (North Texas)
- Thomas Bell (North Texas)
- Tyree Eady (North Texas)
- Tyree Turner (Midwestern)
- Zachary Simmons (North Texas)
Coaching Staff:
- Andre Shaw (Head Coach)
- David Anderson (GM)
- Joshua White (Asst. Coach)
Region: Houston
All-time Record: 7-2
First Matchup: vs. LA Ignite (July 19th at 7:00 p.m on TBT Live)
Team MVP: Brandon Jefferson
Jefferson epitomizes what TBT is all about. He is an undersized guard at 5’9″ but everything about his resume indicates that he can hoop. The Metro State alum was dominant in Division-II, winning the National Player of the Year at that level in 2014. Since then, Jefferson has had an impressive overseas career, with accolades such as LNB Pro B (France) Most Valuable Player in 2019, and was the A-League’s top scorer in 2022.
Jefferson showcased himself in last year’s run for Bleed Green, where he averaged 19.2 points, a mark that leads all returning players (min. 2 games), and 3.2 assists. He is actually most effective playing off the ball, where he can come off screens and hit all sorts of off-balance shots. Put Jefferson among the top of the list when it comes to most valuable participants in this tournament.
Make-or-break Player: Deng Geu
Geu has an interesting background. He was born in a refugee camp in Uganda from South Sudanese parents. Geu moved to North Dakota at the age of six, where he eventually grew attached to basketball. Out of high school, he committed to North Dakota State and spent three seasons there, averaging 9.6 points off the bench as a junior. Geu then transferred to North Texas in 2019 to spend his final season as a starter and has played for the Uganda national team since graduating.
The 6’8″ forward excels in the post and as a rebounder. For Bleed Green to reach their ceiling, he will have to provide the predominant front court presence, alongside 6’10” Zachary Simmons.
Team Outlook
Aside from Jefferson and a few others, this is a North Texas team, but think the vintage Grand McCasland squads of old. They will be tough, defend extremely well, and they are guard oriented.
Some key contributors from last season that have not been mentioned yet are 6’1″ Jordan Stevens, a former Duquesne Duke and Midwestern State standout, 6’4″ James Reese, who had productive seasons at North Texas and South Carolina, and the 2023 CUSA Newcomer of the Year, 6’3″ Kai Huntsberry.
Although, they are one of the smaller teams in the field, there is proof that this is a winning formula, particularly in TBT. Championship or bust will be the mindset of We Are Bleed Green.