Team Fredette looks to build on its impressive all-time record in The Basketball Tournament with a former NBA player on the roster.
Although Jimmer Fredette isn’t playing or coaching, his brother TJ, is the GM behind this team. And connections helped put together another solid roster, with NBA vet Trevor Booker and Marquette legend Darius Johnson-Odom as the two marquee players.
The past two summer, they were known as The Money Team, but return to the roots of the Fredette name. This year’s team boasts an interesting lineup with skillsets ranging from the NBA to below Division I. Sometimes, that’s the perfect mix for TBT!
Roster:
- Averyl Ugba (Austin Peay)
- Darius Johnson-Odom (Marquette)
- David Sloan (Kansas State & ETSU)
- Demetrius Barnes (Southern Utah)
- EJ Gallup (UAlbany & Coastal Carolina)
- Hasan Varence (Ohio Dominican University)
- Jacor Nelson (Campbell)
- Jeremy Hollowell (Indiana & Georgia State)
- Johnathan Stove (Louisiana Lafayette)
- Laquincy Rideau (South Florida & Gardner-Webb)
- Paris Collins (Jackson State)
- Raekwon Rogers (Wagner)
- Scott Blakney (Idaho & Montana)
- Shadell Millinghaus (Georgetown)
- Trevor Booker (Clemson)
Coaching Staff:
- Aric Kucel (Assistant Coach)
- Eddy Davis (Assistant Coach)
- TJ Fredette (GM)
Region: Louisville
All-time Record: 5-3
First Matchup: vs. Run DFW (July 20 at 8 p.m. on TBT Live)
Team MVP: Darius Johnson-Odom
Johnson-Odom won TBT MVP in 2020, which speaks volumes about his play on the court. He’s a high-flyer, can catch fire from deep, and will affect the box score in other ways. He doesn’t have the NBA history like Booker, but Johnson-Odom is one of the most skilled players in The Basketball Tournament.
Make-or-break Player: Raekwon Rogers
While there are a few other forwards on this roster, Rogers may have to provide an extra burst. He finished his college career in 2022, compared to Booker, who was drafted in 2010, and Scott Blakney, who was also done in 2022, but was never a big scorer in college. While there are other forwards on this team, Rogers may have to attack the glass and be a pivotal player underneath.
Team Outlook
Run DFW may be one of the toughest draws. They’ve never played in The Basketball Tournament, but have the likes of RJ Nembhard, DJ Burns (Youngstown State), and King McClure (Baylor). That’s a very talented team with multiple impact players at each position.
For Team Fredette, it’s all about getting Johnson-Odom open looks and making the most of the depth of big men they have. Sure, player swill need to step up, but there’s enough talent to advance at least a round and potentially catch fire.
Plus, when you have a former champion on Johnson-Odom, you can’t take this team lightly.