New to TBT, Run DFW looks to make their name known from the jump
It may be their first appearance, but they do have three players who competed in last year’s TBT. The team is loaded with talent, and is well-balanced, having good depth at both the guard and forward positions. Despite being TBT rookies, they got the 4 seed, which shows how talented the roster is for Run DFW.
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Current Roster:
- Austin Luke (Belmont University)
- DJ Burns (Youngstown State)
- Jase Townsend (San Diego)
- Jeffrey Carroll (Oklahoma State)
- John Bohannon (UTEP)
- Josh Nzeakor (Lamar)
- King McClure (Bayl0r)
- Olin Carter III (San Diego)
- RJ Nembhard (TCU)
- TJ Holyfield (Stephen F Austin & Texas Tech)
- Tony Criswell (Missouri & UAB)
Coaching Staff:
- Braden Griffith (GM)
- Jake Ross (GM)
- Lee Nailon (Head Coach)
- James Lacy (Head Coach)
- Noah Weber (Content)
- RJ Evans (Content)
- Tyler Williams (Content)
Region: Louisville
All-time Record: 0-0
First Matchup: vs. Team Fredette (July 20 at 8 p.m. on TBT Live)
Team MVP: DJ Burns
As the team’s big man, Burns captured the hearts of America with his rebounding and underdog story. Sorry, wrong DJ Burns. This DJ Burns though, he starred at Youngstown State, was phenomenal last season, averaging 13.1 points and 11 rebounds a game. Those 11 rebounds were 5th in Division 1. He also shoots free throws very well, at 84%, albeit he only gets about 3 a game.
You’ll see this in other TBT previews, but winning the rebound battle is so important in TBT. So, having Burns who always seems to find the ball on both ends will be a huge plus for his team. Three of those rebounds were offensive, so don’t be surprised if Team DFW wins the battle because of him.
Make-or-break Player: RJ Nembhard
There’s never been a better time to have the last name Nembhard than now. Andrew is coming off a terrific season with the Pacers, and Ryan is one of the best point guards in the country at Gonzaga. RJ very well could be one of the best players in the TBT this year. At TCU, he was terrific his senior season, averaging 15.7 PPG, and he took it to the next level with the Canton Charge boosting that up to 21.9 PPG. He hasn’t been able to hit his stride since going overseas, but this should feel like familiar territory for him.
Nembhard is a bucket-getter, and could get hot quickly. Don’t be surprised if he rattles off 7 points in a 2 minute stretch to give Run DFW a comfortable lead. He’ll also facilitate, and while he isn’t an elite passer, he knows how to find his teammates for good looks. The pick and roll of Nembhard and Burns will be very difficult to manage. If Nembhard is going, good things will happen for Run DFW.
Team Outlook
You may recognize his voice if you’re a fan of Big 12 basketball, but King McClure will be on the court this year for TBT. McClure has been out of the game for a while but has the skill to still be able to compete with anyone out there. Being a commentator, he also has a very high basketball IQ, which will allow him to be a player-coach and let him identify mismatches for both himself and his teammates. Another former Big 12 player, Jeffrey Carroll could be a key asset for his team.
As for the guys who actually have TBT experience, Tony Criswell was terrific for Show Me Squad, the Mizzou Alumni team, last year. He averaged 13.5 points and 7 rebounds for the team in the two games. He and Burns will probably hold down the frontcourt and should destroy the rebound battle. Josh Nzeakor played for Purple Hearts and scored 8 in his game for the team.
They’ll take on Team Fredette in the first round. Luckily, Jimmer isn’t on the squad, but they are still a very talented team. Then, they could potentially play Team Diesel, the one seed in the region which many TBT fans are high on. This team is looking scary though, and don’t be surprised if they make a deep run this year.