Team Austin’s Own seeks its first win in TBT on its third try.
Team Austin’s Own has had some real struggles with its first-round draw. In its debut 2022 season, the team faced an experienced team in TBT, Team Enchantment. Last year, Austin’s Own ended up facing the runner-up in Forever Coogs. Its poor luck continues as it takes on one of the longest-running teams in TBT history, Challenge ALS. In its first two years, Austin’s Own did not have to leave Texas; this year is different, as the team is made up primarily of players from Texas.
This Texas-based team arrives in Wichita with a new roster of players. Austin’s Own is returning one player from last year, Keonte Kennedy. It also returns two players from 2022, Franklin Agunanne and Jordan Hamilton. This team has a new coaching staff to help mix things up and try to bring in a new one, as General Manager Vincent Hu continues to search for a winning combination.
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Roster:
- Cezar Guerrero (Oklahoma State & Fresno State)
- Dion Wright (St. Bonaventure)
- Eric Williams (Oregon)
- Franklin Agunanne (Southern Methodist University)
- Jayson Kent (Texas)
- J’Covan Brown (Texas)
- Jordan Burns (Colgate)
- Jordan Hamilton (Texas)
- Keonte Kennedy (Xavier, UTEP, Memphis, and Cal)
- Keylan Boone (UNLV)
- Ludgy Debaut (East Carolina University)
- Trazarien White (TCU)
- Trey Tennyson (TCU)
- Victor Hart (Southern Miss)
- Ze’Rik Onyema (Texas)
Coaching Staff:
- Myck Kabongo (Head Coach)
- Neema Djavadzadeh (Assistant Coach)
- Vincent Hu (General Manager)
Region: Wichita
All-time Record: 0-2
First Matchup: vs. Challenge ALS (July 18 at 7 p.m. EST)
Team Austin’s Own MVP: Victor Hart
Hart’s length is set up for disruption. Hart can be a good ball handler and can make shots from all over the floor. He has patience on the drive and uses footwork to create space and find a shot. However, a significant asset is his ability to defend all over the floor and serve as a shot blocker. Another one of his strengths is his decisiveness; if he is going to take a shot, he will be there to extend his possession and find the space to make it.
Hart is impressive at running the floor and disrupting passing lanes. He also finds his way back to the ball on both ends of the floor. Hart is a ball hunter and is a massive asset for Austin’s Own.
Make-or-break Player: Trey Tennyson
Trey Tennyson is a younger player and, for a guard, is on the tall side. While he can get hot, he can get himself in trouble as he often gets deep into the paint without an outlet. He has the opportunity to be a strong player offensively and will have the chance to guard wing players. He often finds himself in foul trouble, but this can lead to turnovers and easy baskets.
One of his biggest strengths is his ability to make free throws. He could be clutch if Austin’s Own can get into the bonus early, he can be a massive boost for the free points, and he isn’t afraid to play through contact. His debut will be intriguing to see how he will do in TBT play.
Team Outlook
Team Austin’s Own faces off against Challenge ALS in the first round. This should be an intense battle of a 3-seed against a 6-seed. The experience will be with Challenge ALS; however, the hunger and new players for this team could be the exact spark the team needs. The winner of this game would face either hometown AfterShocks or No Excuses.
This team has a lot of talent, but not a lot of experience. If they can make the two work, don’t be surprised if this team wins not only their first but several games this tournament. Everything’s bigger in Texas!