Carmen’s Crew Gears Up for TBT Title Defense: Roster Additions and Potential Lineup Revealed
Carmen’s Crew, the Ohio State University alumni team, has confirmed their participation in this year's TBT to defend their 2024 championship title. The team announced the return of three players from last year's winning squad: Jeff Gibbs, Kaleb Wesson, and Keyshawn Woods. Additionally, Trevor Thompson and Will Buford, who have previously played for Carmen’s Crew, will also be part of this year's team. More roster additions are expected to be revealed before the tournament kicks off on July 18.
Recently, there was a debate between Connor and Justin about Bruce Thornton's most impressive game as a Buckeye. Justin favored Thornton's 30-point performance against Kentucky, while Connor chose his 31-point game against Maryland. Despite a lower voter turnout, Justin emerged as the winner with 50% of the votes, while 37% sided with Connor, and 13% believed Thornton's best game was different from the two mentioned.
Carmen’s Crew currently has a limited roster that could form a starting lineup, but they are in need of additional players to complete the team. Last year's championship-winning team had several players with Ohio State connections who did not play for the Buckeyes. This year, four out of five players announced so far are Ohio State alumni. The team is expected to add both Buckeyes and non-Buckeyes to the roster, and there are two former Ohio State players who are suggested to join the team this summer.
Duane Washington Jr. is recognized for his ability to go on scoring streaks over multiple games, making him a valuable asset in a winner-take-all tournament like TBT. Despite going undrafted in the NBA Draft, Washington has showcased his skills in various leagues, including the Serbian League and the Adriatic League. Known for his scoring prowess and three-point shooting, Washington's potential to heat up quickly could make him a valuable addition to Carmen’s Crew.
Keita Bates-Diop, who recently played for the Qingdao Eagles in the Chinese Basketball Association, is now eligible to participate in TBT as he is not currently under an NBA contract. Bates-Diop, a standout player at Ohio State, spent six seasons in the NBA after being drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2018. With his impressive college career and NBA experience, Bates-Diop's size and scoring abilities make him a strong candidate to bolster Carmen’s Crew's roster for the upcoming TBT tournament.
In conclusion, Carmen’s Crew is gearing up to defend their TBT championship title with a mix of returning players and potential new additions. The team's roster is gradually taking shape, with a focus on recruiting players with Ohio State ties and those with professional basketball experience. As the tournament approaches, fans eagerly anticipate the final roster reveal and the team's performance on the court.