Once again it’s that time of year. United States Deaf Basketball make their splash with their own version of March Madness. Regional tournaments are underway or in some cases completed. Southwest Basketball Association of the Deaf will tipoff its 62nd annual men’s and 16th women’s tournament in Dallas, TX.
The Deaf Toros are returning as three time defending champions and are favored once again to win for their fourth time in a row. The Toros have managed to keep their core intact since their first championship. Led by Deaflympian, 6′3 guard/forward Anton Jackson. Jackson is also a three time MVP of SWBAD. He’s proven year in and year out that he is in a league of his own. Jackson is expected to lead the Toros in all facets of the game, scoring, rebounding and assist.
Teamed with Jackson you will find veteran point guard Termiea Bowers. Bowers has been a main cog for the Toros since his first year. He’s been a revving engine and has developed a strong game. Each season he has improved and it’s has given the Toros more confidence to compete at the national level.
Wiley veteran Darnell Woods, continues to man the shooting guard position. Woods is the team’s vocal leader and gives the team a lethal second scorer. The veteran guard has gotten in superior shape this year and looks to make a major surge both regionally and nationally.
In the post cagey veterans will solidify the paint with brute strength and determination. Yo Moore and Shannon Simon will team up to provide the Toros with much needed muscle around the basket. Both have been solid role players over the years for the Toros but will be asked to take on much bigger roles with the absence of RJ Kaufman.
The reserves will feature a couple of young players with plenty to prove. William ‘Ty” Hubbard returns to Austin after being away for the last few years. He will provide depth at both the guard and post positions. He’s a multi-skilled players who isn’t afraid to mix it up. Along with Hubbard there will be a second Hubbard, Luendran, no relation. Luendran will give the Toros much needed speed at the guard position. He’s a flat our burner on the floor.
Cary McKeller, a 6′7 big man, will provide support to Moore and Simon in the paint. You can’t teach size and McKeller has plenty of it. He and veteran Geoff Moore will manage the minutes of the reserve post players. With help from second year man John McMahon.
Two first year players, Jimmy Solesbee is expected to log in a number of minutes at various positions in the front court to utilize his 6′5 frame and soft shooting touch. Solesbee is a veteran player who spent most of his early playing days with Houston. To round off the roster is Henry Prince who will provide his support off the bench whenever called on.
The Deaf Toros will be coached by Larry Smith in his fourth season as the head man of this team. Smith is eager to get to the regional and can’t wait for his team to take home their fourth title.
