The Louisville TBT roster has a new member. What you need to know.
It was announced that Samardo Samuels, Ryan McMahon, Chane Behanan, Wayne Blackshear, and most recently, Jerry Smith would join the Louisville TBT team.
We learned this morning that former Card Chris Jones would be joining the fold.
I won’t brag on us for being right in our recent TBT mock draft – or maybe I will. We’ll see how I’m feeling.
This is a nice addition to a roster that is beginning to really take form. The TBT is one of the most interesting basketball events in the world and it’s clear the Cards are putting together a roster capable of competing and winning. Shooting and versatility have defined the roster, and that continues with the announcement of Jones.
Also Read: How Keith Oddo Went From an Epic Corner 3 to the Cornerstone of Louisville TBT
Jones played for Louisville basketball from 2013 to 2015, where he was one of the most notorious Cards of the Rick Pitino era. Coming in as one of the most hyped JUCO players, Jones was an instant impact player. Averaging 10 points per game as a junior and 13 points per game as a senior. Things didn’t come to the ending that anyone wanted, as Jones was kicked off the team due to legal issues off the court. His name would be eventually cleared, and all charges were dropped, but his relationship with the program was obviously soured.
That is what makes this a surprising addition but shouldn’t be looked at any negative light. Since leaving Louisville, Jones has had a strong professional career playing overseas in Turkey, Greece, France, and other countries. He’s still a lethal scoring guard who thrives when attacking the baskets.
Talking about the addition of Jones, Oddo who will coach the 3-Time Champs emphasized why he locked in on Jones.
“He’s an absolute dog”
-Keith Oddo on Louisville TBT guard Chris Jones
When looking at the Louisville TBT and how to be successful you have to understand the Elam Ending. What makes this tournament so special is the way the game ends under these rules. Gone is the time clock and buzzer-beaters. It is the pick-up ball ending with a target score. (Be sure to read up on the Elam Ending ahead of this summer).
Finding players who can hit clutch shots is huge, but even more important is having a guy who can lock down an opposing scorer defensively and that’s why I love this addition.
“He’s a guy that will lock in on the defensive end,” Oddo said.
During his time with Marques Maybin and Steve Rummage, Oddo talked about how he wants to utilize the pick and roll offensively as well as pushing the tempo. He’s a perfect fit for doing both.
Jones was and is a pitbull on the floor. There is no one going to out tough or scare Jones, and in a tournament, with so much on the line, you want someone who isn’t afraid. Also, Putting him on the floor with any combination of Jerry Smith and Ryan McMahon will give the Cards lethal shooters and slashers capable of winning any game.
Regarding his coaching style, Oddo emphasized toughness.
“We are gonna be a heavy gap team, and we are not gonna get punked,” Oddo said, giving a nod to his former coach, Chris Mack.
With Chane Behanan, Wayne Blackshear, and Samardo Samuels in the fold, getting punked wasn’t likely. Now that the heady Jones is in the mix, Louisville TBT won’t be a team to mess with.
I Love the addition of Chris Jones! He’s a “Dog”, a “Stone Cold Baller”!💪🏾♥️🤙🏾
You need a team leader like Peyton Siva was
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