Magic Show looks to make a strong debut in TBT, bringing in a strong roster
Usually, when a non-alumni team makes its debut, the team is relatively weak on paper. They might have a great college player or someone who had a good TBT the year before, but never more than that. That isn’t the case for Magic Show. They bring in a ton of players with big impacts in last year’s tournament, and some big-time athletes as well.
It’s understandable that they got a lower seed since it’s their debut, but if you’re a high seed in this region, you can’t be too excited. Magic Show hopes to make some magic on the court, not once, but several times.
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Current Roster:
- Andrew “Scootie” Randall (Temple)
- Brandon Moss (LSUA)
- Jordan Hall (Saint Joe’s)
- Mike Young Jr. (Pitt)
- Nysier Brooks (Cincinnati)
- Quade Green (Kentucky)
- Quadir Welton (St. Peter’s)
- Richard Amardi (Oregon)
- Samuel Sessoms (Penn State, Coppin State & Binghamton)
- Scottie Lewis (Florida)
- Tavin Cummings (Miles College)
- Tiwian Kendley (Morgan State)
- Wali Hepburn (Lock Haven University)
Coaching Staff:
- Stefan Jackson (GM)
- Donnie Carr (Head Coach)
- Mike Green (Asst. Coach)
Region: James Madison
All-time Record: 0-0
First Matchup: vs. Red Rose Thunder (July 18 at 1 p.m. EST)
Team MVP: Samuel Sessoms
Sessoms was the third leading scorer in the entire tournament, scoring 81 points in three games (20.3 PPG). This tournament wasn’t a fluke either. He scored 28 points in his only game two years ago. Sessoms has the attention of many TBT fans, but this could be the year he cements himself as a TBT great.
While he can shoot from deep, he succeeds at getting to the rim. Amazingly, he only shot four free throws in four games on 70 field goal attempts. While his scoring is his specialty, he also averaged 6.5 APG. When he has the ball in his hands, good things happen, and Magic Show know that.
Make-or-break Player: Mike Young
Sessoms wasn’t the only player on this team who averaged 20 PPG last year. In three games for Zoo Crew last year, Young averaged 20.7 PPG and did it on 57.8 FG%. That’s right, having two players who averaged 20 PPG in last year’s tournament only gets you a six seed. Such a tough draw for them. Young also grabbed just under five rebounds a game, and about a steal a game.
If he and Sessoms can be that one-two punch, there won’t be much the opponent can do about it. He also does a good job of creating his own shot, and with Sessoms dishing the ball, as long as Young is open, he will find him.
Team Outlook
Check out the team profiles of all the underdogs in this tournament and tell me if you agree that Magic Show is the best underdog in this tournament. We saw a five seed or lower make the regional in all but two regionals last year, and Magic Show can be that team in the James Madison region.
In Round One, they’ll face Red Rose Thunder, who are a good example of that. They made the regional final as the five seed last year, before losing to the seven seed. This is also the first game of the entire tournament, so that might be a tone setter from the start. With a win, they’d face Shell Shock, the Maryland alumni team, most likely. The one seed is Happy Valley Hoopers, the Penn State alumni team, and Sessoms’ former team. How cool would a revenge game in the final be?
Another member of the team is Andrew “Scootie” Randall, who scored 13 points in last year’s tournament in his only game. Nysier Brooks scored 14 points. Quadir Welton scored 14 points (in three games). Wali Hepburn scored 21 points in three games. The experience is there. They also bring in two former SEC players in Quade Green and Scottie Lewis. Scottie Lewis was a top ten recruit at one point in time, and Green was a top 30 recruit.
The talent on this team is impressive, but it’s all about it coming together for Magic Show. Make sure this team is on your must-watch list in this year’s TBT.