The Austin Deaf Toros basketball team resume their second season together under the name. Coached by Austin’s own Lawrence Smith. Smith helped put together a formidible group of ballers who won their respective region, Southwest Basketball Association for the Deaf (SWBAD), last year. The Toros went on to place fourth at the national tournment held in St. Louis, MO.
The Toros are led by a mixture of young and old players. Headed by 24 years old, forward/guard Anton Jackson. Jackson hit the national spotlight with a bang. With an array of skills, he was depended upon to carry the team. He’s in his second year with the Toros and third season on the deaf club circuit. Jackson is looking to continue his SWBAD most valuable player performance this year at the regionals. Leading the team in scoring and rebounding was expected from the team’s best player.
Complimenting the young stud Jackson is veteran shooter, Darnell Woods. Woods is in his second stint with Austin, having won the SWBAD (SWAAD) MVP in 1995. Woods going into his 15th season carries a long list of accolades which include four national championships, a gold medal with Deaflympics in 2001, and a silver in the World Deaf Championships in 2002. Having played on the east coast for a majority of his career, Woods has adapted to the southwest style of play. Woods leadership is unmeasureable yet he still manages to keep up with the ages at the ripe age of 37 (38 in March).
Joining Woods in the backcourt is Chris Hamilton. Hamilton another veteran trying to capture another championship, having winning his first in 1996 for the Maryland Stars. Hamilton brings a heady game. A native of New York, he affords a great deal of hard nose play, possessing a knack for making open jumpers and finishing hard drives at the basket.
Another backcourt mate for the two veteran guards is the quick and fiesty point guard, Termiea Bowers of Houston, TX. Bowers has played on the circuit for 10 seasons, this is his second year with Austin. Having led his Houston Untouchables for as many seasons, he made the change to make his nationals aspirations come true. Bowers attributes to the squad is constant energy and push. He makes things happen when he’s on the floor. He’s most dangerous in the open court when chances avail to create for himself and others running with him. Bowers has grown over the years and continue to improve with each opportunity.
In the front court there are a several key guys that are expected to carry the load around the rim. RJ Kaufman is a key here. Near the basket he has the ability to make the game that much easier for other rebounders. Along with Jackson, Kaufman has to the ability to score double-doubles in both scoring and rebounding on any given night. Struggling with age Kaufman is reserved to the fact he no longer has the desire to play as often. His play shows otherwise. He’s the once removed MVP of SWBAD, helped save a game into overtime at the nationals last year. Showing shot blocking ability in crucial a moment. With the game on the line Kaufman block the shot of Carolina’s giant, 6′9 Tim Teeters, from behind to seal the win in the waning moments. When the moment arrives Kaufman will pull his end of the deal.
Also in the front court is a pure picture of toughness, “Yo” Moore. Moore not much of a scoring threat but the intangilbles he contribute are thankless works of bodily sacrifice. Moore provides rebounding against all shapes and sizes. The diminutive foward only stands at 5′11 possesses a heart many men twice his size lacks. Moore in his 13th season continues to search for that elusive first national championship.
Alex Tyler of Mississippi is a well traveled players around the southwest region. Formerly of East Memphis, Little Rock, Houston and now Austin. Tyler has been to the nationals with each of his former team. In his first stint with Austin, he hopes to make this the most extensive trip to the national tournament. Listed at 6′4, the forward/center brings, rebounding, scoring, and shot blocking to a team in need of all three. Tyler runs the floor well and plays above the rim. He’s a one time Deaflympian in 1997 and the reigning rebound and scoring champion for SWBAD.
Kelvin Etkie returns for another season with Austin. Etkie is a reserve guard. He possesses a lethal outside shooting touch. Etkie brings a positive approach to the team and takes full advantage of his opportunities. Another reserve returns to the his former mates, David Tomlinson. Tomlinson is a dead eye shooter with gritty defensive skills. He too will be a reserve for either of the guard slots.
The most valuable reserve with the most credential to his resume, Shannon Simon. Simon has played on five national championship teams. He’s used in reserve role and his experience is always needed.
Two othe reserves round off the squad, Geoff Moore and Archie Savannah. Both will be used sparingly. These two guys are most commited to assisting the club in everyway possible. Moore stands at 6′5 has improved over time and expects to crack the playing rotation. Savanah will vie for time on the court. He’s a valued contributor in practice weekly.
Look for the Toros to bring their best each time they touch the floor. They feel they can play with anyone. SWBAD is just around the corner like all other regional tournaments. March is truly madness.
