A new Jackson TN Boom team makes its debut in The Basketball Tournament.
Jackson TN Boom is making its debut; after last year’s Jackson TN Underdawgs, this team looks to make a splash. George Stanberry is the lone player from last year’s team that is coming back this time around. This team is short on guard play and expects to make a splash with its wings. This team is coming in as an 8-seed and will have challenging work ahead.
For more TBT team profiles, click here.
Current Roster:
- Akoy Agau (Georgetown, Louisville, & SMU)
- Anthony Benson (Universidad De Puerto Rico Recinto Rio Piedras Puerto Rico)
- Daniel Hill (Lane College)
- Davell Roby (Saint Louis)
- Devarius King (North Alabama & Cumberland)
- Dillon Smith (Motlow State CC & Tusculum University)
- George Stanberry (Volunteer State CC)
- Jibreel Faulkner (Canisius College)
- Joshua Greer (Motlow State CC & Morehouse)
- Kendarius Ash (Lane College)
- Khiry Shelton (Hampton)
Coaching Staff:
- Dexter Walker (Assistant Coach)
- Jeffrey Jones (Head Coach, GM)
- Paul Rivas (General Manager)
Region: Lexington
All-time Record: 0-0
First Matchup: vs. Herd That (July 19 at 3 p.m. on TBT Live)
Team MVP: George King
George King is one of the few active pro players on this team. This past season, he played for Ness Ziona in the Israel League. While playing in Israel, he averaged 11.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game. As an active professional, King is set to stand out for this team.
King even played in the G-League and is a potent weapon. He can shoot from anywhere, fight through screens, and has speed that can leave his defender behind. King will be an additional shooter from the outside. While his game used to be all 3-point based, he has become a strong midrange shooter. He can finish through contact, create space, and have good body control. King also has the speed and ball control on a breakaway.
Make-or-break Player: Dillon Smith
As one of the proper guards for this team, Dillon Smith will have a significant role placed on him. He will run the offense and have to create for his teammates. Smith will be the player who will need to pull out the defenses as one of the sharpshooters for this team. He shot 38.8% 3-point range in his most pro season.
With these stats from 2020-2021, his stepping up and into this role will be massive. Smith has to do a lot of the heavy lifting. His ability to score at the different levels will be necessary. However, if Smith is shaking off the rust, this could be a rough outing.
Team Outlook
Unfortunately for Jackson TN Boom, they have a rough road ahead. They were given the 8 seed and will have to face Herd That, the Marshall alumni team in the first round. Herd That is one of the most successful teams in TBT history, so that’ll be a tough test for them. It doesn’t get much easier for them, as Lexington is arguably the toughest region.
The key for this team will be chemistry. They haven’t played together in TBT, but they’ll be sure to have many practice runs before. If they can communicate on the court and limit turnovers, Jackson TN Boom can keep things interesting. It’ll be tough, but we’ve seen crazier situations in the past, so don’t assume anything.