The Basketball Tournament 2025: Team Diesel Team Profile

Shaq looks to add another ring to his resume, but this time through Team Diesel.

Last year, Team Diesel was handed the one seed in their region, a bit of a surprise considering their roster. That was proven to be an incorrect seeding, losing to the 8 seed, Team DRC. This year, they earned the two seed and brought in a completely new team.

For more TBT team profiles, click here.

Current Roster:

• Brandon Johnson (MSU Denver)
• Cameron Oliver (Nevada)
• Devin Williams (West Virginia)
• Isaiah Miles (St. Joseph’s)
• Jarell Eddie (Virginia Tech)
• Jordon Crawford (Bowling Green)
• McKenzie Moore (UTEP)
• Rashad James (Iona)
• Semaj Christon (Xavier)
• Tomislav Zubcic (Zagreb University)
• Tre Scott (Cincinnati)

Coaching Staff:

• Reginald Hines (GM)
• Mike Martin (GM)
• Peyton Smith (GM)
• David Gale (Head Coach)

Region: Louisville

All-time Record: 0-1

First Matchup: vs. LA Ignite (July 19 at 4 p.m. EST)

Team MVP: Brandon Jefferson

One thing Team Diesel lacked last year was experience, and they got just that in Brandon Jefferson. In 2023, Jefferson averaged 19.3 PPG for Mean Green, who made it all the way to the finals. He led the team in assists in both the semifinal and final games. Last year, not as good, but still solid, averaging 13 a game in the two games played.

He’s a small guard at 5’9, but doesn’t see that as a disadvantage at all. Team Diesel blew the game in the Elam Ending, but with Jefferson on the team, he should be able to control that better and set his team up for success.

Make-or-break Player: Isaiah Miles

Miles is one of two players returning from last year’s team, joining Jarell Eddie. He scored 11 points in last year’s loss, but more importantly, shot 3-4 from deep. If he can be a 3 and D specialist, especially at 6’8, he can have a very important role on this team. Miles only logged 18 minutes last year, so if he can replicate last year’s performance and get a few more minutes, that’s good news for his squad.

Team Outlook

This roster doesn’t look like a two seed, especially when looking at the other two seeds in this tournament, but they can’t complain about their seeding. They’ll take on LA Ignite in the first round, who are also looking to redeem themselves after a first-round exit last year. If they win that game, they’ll pair against Florida DRC, a rematch of last year’s shocking upset. Both teams are very different than last year, but the tension will be present without a doubt.

Jordon Crawford might be one of the shortest players in the tournament, but heart over height, no matter what. He’s surrounded by giants, with five teammates standing at 6’8 or taller. Shaq won five championships in his NBA career, so hopefully this team can use that winning DNA and apply it to this tournament.