Herkimer Originals couldn’t find a win in TBT in 2024 but they’re hoping to pull off the upset of the tournament in 2025.
The 2024 tournament wasn’t very kind to Herkimer Originals, who only scored 52 points and shot 22.8% from the field in a pretty sizable loss. But they have re-grouped and hope for a much better showing in 2025. The only thing is, they’re up against a TBT dynasty in the first round.
Roster:
- Christopher Velo (Saint Augustine University)
- Darry Moore (East Texas Baptist University)
- Devin Brooks (Creighton)
- Erik Timko (Delaware)
- Jeremiah Sparks (SUNY Oswego)
- Joseph Norelli (Oneonta)
- Josh Gregory (SUNY Poly)
- LaMarqus Merchant Jr. (SUNY Poly)
- Maceo Jack (Buffalo)
- Mike Henry (Buffalo State)
- Sam Sherry (Elon)
Coaching Staff:
- Bobby Menz (Asst. Coach)
- Dave Golembiowski (Head Coach)
- Don Schoff (Asst. Coach)
- Joseph Norelli (GM)
- Scott Flansburg (GM)
Region: Syracuse
All-time Record: 0-1
First Matchup: vs. Boeheim’s Army (July 19 at 6 p.m. EST)
Team MVP: Josh Gregory
Gregory is the top (and only) returning player from last year’s team, which isn’t saying much. Still, he was about the only efficient player, going 3-for-8 from the field, while the rest of the team shot a combined 15-for-71 against the UConn alumni team. To try and upset the Syracuse alumni team, Gregory will need another efficient game, but with double or triple the amount of points.
Make-or-break Player: Sam Sherry
Sherry could wind up being the Team MVP and is definitely the player to watch. His final season of college basketball was at Elon last season and Sherry filled up the stat sheet, with 14.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. At 6-foot-10, he’ll command the attention of Boeheim’s Army’s big men, but he can also step out and hit the three, so it may limit who can guard him best. Expect Herkimer Originals to really try and run some sets through Sherry.
Team Outlook
While it’s practically a brand new team, Herkimer Originals will still be big underdogs against Boeheim’s Army, a team that has won this very tournament once before. Still, it looks like a better overall roster, and one that can at least put up a fight.