Louisville TBT Mock Draft: Who could fill out the TBT roster?

The Louisville TBT roster is still filling in. We draft former Louisville players we’d like to see on the team.

For many fans, the Louisville TBT squad may be a last chance at saving an otherwise very forgettable sports season.

Bearing that in mind, Jacob and I have been tossing around potential scenarios for Keith Oddo and Luke Hancock-led Three-Time Champs.

So far, Oddo has announced five former Cardinals that will join the squad.

Guards- Jerry Smith, Ryan McMahon
Forwards- Wayne Blackshear, Chane Behanan
Bigs- Samardo Samuels

Still, Louisville TBT must have a minimum of 7 players and can add up to 5 additional players. They could add more for additional entry fees as well.

Bearing that in mind, we decided to mock draft the remaining realistic candidates for Three-Time Champs.

Before we get started, it is worth noting a few things. Although several former stars may want to compete in the TBT, they may be contractually barred from doing so. They may also have prior obligations to other teams overseas, in the G-League, or otherwise.

So, while many of these options make sense to us as fans and supporters, they may not work out logistically.

Still, based on what we know, we will take a stab at assembling the TBT Dream Team.

Hot: How Keith Oddo went from epic corner three to Louisville TBT

Jacob Lane: Russ Smith, Guard

This seems like the obvious choice here. Among recent players who fit the mold of a guy who could come in and just get buckets in a tournament like this, I am not sure any team could find a more worthy candidate than Smith.

It’s been perhaps the most worn out non-scandal related storyline over the last decade; Why did Smith not get a better chance in the NBA? He has set multiple records in Chinese basketball leagues. He shines in every situation he is thrust into. Smith is one of the greatest Cardinals of all-time. There’s certainly nobody in the TBT that could stay in front of him, and his quick hands would be a major asset.

Will Smith ultimately be on the Three-Time Champs roster? For a myraid of reasons, probably not. However, if there’s a guy that would catapult this team into one-seed discussion, it’s Smith.

Presley Meyer: Jaylen Johnson, Forward

Looking over successful TBT rosters of years past, one thing that stands out is team’s ability to win on the boards. In the TBT bubble last season, the teams that advanced spaced the floor, knocked down shots, and created second-chance opportunities.

If Louisville TBT wants to create second-chance points Three-Time Champs will need more big bodies down low. Jaylen Johnson feels like the perfect fit. He has experience at the G-League and European League levels, and is one of Louisville’s best offensive rebounders in recent memory. Johnson is a great compliment to Behanan and Samuels.

Jacob Lane: Chris Dowe, Guard (Bellarmine)

We never made it a rule that it had to be all UNIVERSITY of Louisville players… right?

How about Eastern High School and Bellarmine grad Chris Dowe?

Dowe was always better than a D2 player and he has showcased that over the last few years overseas. He has explosive athleticism, excellent lateral quickness, good shooter, and excellent rebounder.

Though listed at 6’2,” Dowe plays much bigger than that, as evidenced by his highlights below.

I think Three-Time Champs would have a legit shot at landing him too. He has a close relationship with Jerry Smith as well as potential target Edgar Sosa. If there is an “outsider” that could wind up on the roster, a la Ryan McMahon last year, Dowe could be the guy.

Presley Meyer: Edgar Sosa, Guard

I wish I knew who to credit for first saying this but Edgar Sosa walked so that Russ Smith could fly.

It’s true. Sosa received mixed reception throughout his college career. However, he is undoubtedly a solid guard who has had a hell of a career in college and beyond. Since leaving Louisville, Sosa has been an overseas journeyman. He has played everywhere from Isreal to Australia to Spain, Germany, and Italy. On his current squad, Rasta Vechta in Germany, he averaged 16.5 points, 3.3 assists, and 2 rebounds over 15 games.

TBT is the perfect landing spot for a veteran guard, and Sosa has the experience and grit of successful lead guards of years past.

Jacob Lane: Deng Adel, Guard/ Forward

We have a roster full of guards and bigs. That is great and all, but what about a long, athletic slasher?

Adel actually has some NBA starts under his belt from his time with the Cavs in 2018-19.

In full disclosure, Adel has not done well since he left Louisville. His stint with the Cavs and across the G-League and NBL was inconsistent at best. Still, his strength, size, and athleticism could be a major asset for this Louisville TBT squad.

BONUS Presley Meyer: Chris Jones, Guard

Louisville TBT has Jerry Smith in the fold. We talked about Russ Smith as a potential option as well as Edgar Sosa. But what about another tough-nosed guard that excels on defense and in transition?

Jones was one of the better JUCO products of the last decade. He led Louisville on two memorable postseason runs in 2014 and 2015. In his final season, the Cards were a free throw away from a trip to the final four. He is an above-average defender, solid shooter, and great distributor.

Since leaving Louisville, Jones has spent time in Germany, Greece, Canada, and France. During his time in the pros, he has made his name as an on-ball defender and distributor who can get to the rim effectively. It wouldn’t shock me at all to see Jones occupy a roster spot.