Eberlein Drive, the best team to never win in TBT history, rebrands to Davis Steel. Can the name change put them over the top and finally earn them a title?
When TBT started in 2014, Eberlein Drive was there. When COVID hit and the tournament was uncertain, Eberlein Drive was there. In TBT’s 10-year anniversary, Eberlein Drive was there. Now in 2026, they’re still here, but just under a different name.
Despite so many years in the league, they are yet to achieve sweet victory. In 2018, they made it to the finals, but lost to Overseas Elite. Last year, they made it back again, but couldn’t take out the Aftershocks. Two years ago, they made the semifinals. The chances have been there, but unfortunately, they just haven’t had enough in the end.
This year, that could change. They’ll have a much easier path to the end and bring in a great roster. If you’re looking for a team to root for, this might be the one to pick, because there isn’t a better feel-good story than Davis Steel raising the trophy this year.
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Roster:
- Hassani Gravett (South Carolina)
- Gabe York (University of Arizona)
- Terrell Brown (Washington)
- Terry Taylor (Austin Peay)
- Pedro Bradshaw (Bellarmine University)
- Nate Watson (Providence College)
- Thomas Rutherford (UC Irvine)
- DJ Rodman (Washington State & USC)
- Cameron McGriff (Oklahoma State)
- James Reese (University of South Carolina)
- Anthony Clemmons (Iowa)
Coaching Staff:
- Ashley Davis (Owner)
- Adam Davis (Owner)
- Jacob Hirschmann (GM)
- Matt Mitchell (GM)
- Mike Malat (Head Coach)
- Jacob Freeze (Asst. Coach)
- Kelvin Bennett Jr. (Asst. Coach)
- Conor Glennon (Asst. Coach)
All-Time Record: 20-11
First Matchup: vs. Gotham City Bockers (July 22 at 5 p.m. PDT)
Team MVP: Gabe York
York led the entire team in scoring last year, with 114 points. For those doing the math at home, that’s 19 a game for 6 games. He was named to the all-tournament team and came up big time and time again. He’s always been a flamethrower and has the ability to turn a game from a battle into a blowout.
The ball will be in York’s hands quite often, and there might not be anyone in this tournament who can guard him. York is a treat to watch (no pun intended), and if you don’t know the name now, you will after this year’s TBT.
Make-or-Break Player: Terry Taylor
Terry Taylor won’t stuff the stat sheet, but he’s so good at the little things. He led the tournament in rebounding, and while he wasn’t averaging a double-double, he did enough and made the big plays on the boards when it mattered. They’ll need him to fill that role again, and he is more than capable of that.
Davis Steel brought in some other talented bigs in Nate Watson and Thomas Rutherford, but none can have the impact that Taylor can. If he can fill the role of getting rebounds, being a positive defender, and getting a couple open shots a game, then that’s all they need, and we may see Davis Steel in for another deep run.
Team Outlook
This team brings back a lot from the team that made the final last year. We mentioned York and Taylor, but they also return second-leading scorer Anthony Clemmons. Adding DJ Rodman gives them a nice boost at guard, and having Cameron McGriff adds depth. Let’s be honest, though, this is the Gabe York show. York might average 30, and he may take 20 shots a game. That’s the way they’re going to win, though, and he knows that.
The Vegas region is obviously unique, and Davis Steel comes in as one of the best teams in it. They’ll have to win the extra game against Gotham City Bockers, but have the experience to do so.