The Basketball Tournament- Always a Brave in Illinois Region

[Da Coach]

The Peoria Civic Center will host the Illinois Region of the 2021 TBT and Always a Brave will have a team, along with the House of 'Paign (Illinois alumni)
https://bradleybraves.com/news/2021/...onal-site.aspx

Bobby Parker, Bradley Associate Athletics Director is the Always A Brave general manager again as he has been during the team's previous three TBT appearances.
Early commitments for the 2021 Always A Brave roster include Auston Barnes (2013-15), Tony Bennett (2004-06), Darrell Brown, Jr. (2016-20), Nate Kennell (2016-20), Walt Lemon, Jr. (2010-14), Luqmon Lundy (2017-19), Patrick O'Bryant (2004-06) and Donte Thomas (2014-18 ).
Daniel Ruffin (2003-08 ) will serve as head coach with Chuck Buescher '67 serving as assistant coach.

[patrick_o'brian]

I just logged on to report this. You got me DC!! Lol! This is an exciting announcement. Can’t wait!

[Da Coach]

Ticket info for The Basketball Tournament- Midwest regional in Carver Arena, Peoria, IL-

https://thebasketballtournament.com/tickets.php

Ticketmaster ticket site-

https://www.ticketmaster.com/the-basketball-tournament-tickets/artist/2008499

https://twitter.com/OnceABrave/status/1390469338134679553

[Da Coach]

A new roster addition for the Always a Brave team- Marcellus Sommerville

https://twitter.com/OnceABrave/status/1392946826962210817

Welcome back Marcellus!

[Big Mike]

I was hoping he would return!

[Mikovio]

This could be fun! Pulled the trigger on tickets!

[Da Coach]

Another roster addition- Tony Bennett-
https://twitter.com/OnceABrave/statu...33925795889153



Always A Brave roster includes:
Auston Barnes (2013-15)
Tony Bennett (2004-06)
Darrell Brown, Jr. (2016-20)
Nate Kennell (2016-20)
Walt Lemon, Jr. (2010-14)
Luqmon Lundy (2017-19)
Patrick O'Bryant (2004-06)
Donte Thomas (2014-18 ).
Daniel Ruffin (2003-08 ) head coach
Chuck Buescher '67 assistant coach.

[egib52]

A Walt/DB backcourt will be something to see. Both are ball dominant guards.

[ihatetea]

I like seeing the good guys from the geno era getting on the team. It’s not Walt’s, Barnes’s, or Thomas’s faults those teams were so bad. They played really well and would have been starters on just about any Bradley team throughout the years.

[Da Coach]

A Walt/DB backcourt will be something to see. Both are ball dominant guards.

So is Tony Bennett. His nickname when he played pro ball and in gyms in Chicago is "Mr. 40", because he usually got his 40 points regardless how many shots it took.

https://www.pjstar.com/sports/20160709/mr-40-tony-bennett-will-provide-scoring-punch-for-always-brave-team

https://castbox.fm/episode/Interview-with-Tony-%22Mr.40%22-Bennett-id1572022-id105857309?country=us

Tony's twitter handle is @TBMr40plus

https://twitter.com/tbmr40plus

[Tommy]

That team is going to be tough. I think they've got a shot to win with that group if they have time to practice together.

[Da Coach]

That team is going to be tough. I think they've got a shot to win with that group if they have time to practice together.

I would love to agree, Tommy, but my optimism is not quite as high. Several of the Always a Brave team's key players (O'Bryant, Bennett, Sommerville) are now in the mid-30's or approaching 40, and have been out of regular competition for a while. And, other than POB, the team doesn't have much size. Plus, as you suggest, they may not have much time to practice together since they are spread out all over. The level of competition in The Basketball Tournament has improved a lot over the last 5 years, with many teams featuring ex-NBA players and other pros. I believe they will be competitive, but it will be tough to keep up with younger teams that have played together a lot.

[Dub]

That team is going to be tough. I think they've got a shot to win with that group if they have time to practice together.

2-a-days from now until game day for team Always a Brave. 3-a-days for POB.

[Big Mike]

IMO they need another big.....too bad Zach Andrews is not on roster.

[LittleBrave]

A new roster addition for the Always a Brave team- Marcellus Sommerville
https://twitter.com/OnceABrave/statu...46826962210817

Welcome back Marcellus!

Yay!
IMO Cellus and T Bennet are guys I will remember for this tourney, and keys to our Sweet 16 appearance in the W vs Pitt!
Exciting with the roster that includes recent Braves DB Jr, Nate, Arch Madness hero Luqman, and Dante!!