By Tommy Kane

Published: July 19th, 2018

Volume II: Issue XXXX

It is that time of year that the annual Basketball Tournament begins. Boeheim’s Army is back and better than ever before. Starting in 2015, Boeheim’s Army have been a tough opponent to face, but a team that just couldn’t get to the Championship. This year, it looks to be a different scenario as the team is the #1 seed in the Northeast Section. Once again being led by former Syracuse star and current Liverpool High School Coach, Ryan Blackwell, Boeheim’s Army have kept the same roster for the most part, with a couple of important changes. When asked, Coach Blackwell stated, “I’m Optimistic,” in regards to the upcoming tournament.

History:

Boeheim’s Army formed in 2015, which was the inaugural year of The Basketball Tournament. The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is a summer tournament that is open to anyone that is willing to build a basketball team and become funded. The participants go through a ‘knock-out’ style tournament until a winner is determined (much like March Madness). The winners are granted two million dollars as a reward for winning. A lot of former basketball players participate and it is a fun tourney to watch.

Boeheim’s Army have been successful for the most part, including winning the Northeast Region in 2017. One feat they have never accomplished is winning the entire tournament. This year, they are one of the strongest contenders to win the two million dollar prize. Some notable players are Eric Devendorf, Donte Greene, CJ Fair, and Brandon Triche. These former Syracuse stars consistently lead the team throughout the tournament.

With TBT expanding every year, Boeheim’s Army and their base have been expanding as well. Players like John Gillon and Trevor Cooney have started to make appearances (Cooney is absent this year) in the tournament. This year, a star-studded cast of players will take the court under the leadership of Coach Ryan Blackwell.

A Look at the Squad:

As many know already, Boeheim’s Army consistently has some of the biggest Syracuse players. This year’s members according to TBT are: Eric Devendorf, John Gillon, Kris Joseph, Demetris Nichols, Arinze Onuaku, Dashonte Riley, James Southerland, Brandon Triche, and Hakim Warrick.

It is interesting to see the old-timers that have been on this team from the start, but it will be even more interesting to see how Onuaku fits in his new role on the team. He was called up recently as a substitute for the team. Another interesting player to watch is John Gillon. Gillon is entering his second year with the team (third with Syracuse all-together) after a great first year campaign.

Devendorf, Joseph, and Triche are always cooking up some good basketball, so the three of them have got to be on the radar early on. It is also always imperative to watch how the more experienced players perform, and how they fit the new players into the roster. With all of those prime ingredients, Boeheim’s Army will be looking to have a more dominant roster than before.

Concluding Remarks:

Boeheim’s Army has their first match on July 21st at 7 PM. They will take on either the South Jamaica Kings or the Philadelphia Stars. If they win, they will advance to the next round on July 22nd at 4:40 PM. In that possible match, they will face either Team Fancy or Saints Alive. Both games will be telecasted on WatchESPN or ESPN3.

How far do you think Boeheim’s Army will go this year? Do you agree that it will be an interesting year or that they will go all the way? Watch this team closely; they can start some fireworks! Go Cuse!

Stats:

https://thetournament.com/news/who-are-boeheims-army-tbt-2018

https://www.thetournament.com/teams/boeheims-army-syracuse-alumni

https://www.thetournament.com/bracket

Coach Ryan Blackwell Interview Via Facebook