In the NBA, there have been more than a few memorable dynasties: Russell & Bird’s Celtics, Magic’s Lakers, Jordan’s Bulls are just a few.  In Ultimate Hoops National Tournament play, one name stands tall above the rest:

Ball So Hard. 

Like those juggernauts in the NBA, BSH, led by owner Terrell Suggs and GM Adam Bickerstaff have dominated the national UH scene, going 15-3, with 4 National Championships, with 2 of the losses coming in their very first National Tournament appearance, and all 3 losses coming by a combined 4 points. 

Eliminated for the first time in 4 years by fellow Arizonans, and eventual Vegas National Champions, X-Over, they’re back with a vengeance, to reclaim glory with their first New York National Tournament appearance. 

While a few familiar faces are on hiatus due to outside commitments, the new additions may be, somehow, better, making the perennial favorites even more menacing.  Let’s take a closer look at the roster, with departures, additions, and returnees, bringing it home with some final questions:

Departures:

Mike Bibby and Alex Scales (Big3): Bibby and Scales put their Ultimate Hoops careers on pause for the latest Big3 season.  Both their talent and winning pedigree will be missed this year, along with all the photo ops.  Don’t put anything past GM Bickerstaff, but, unless we get an eleventh hour Woj bomb, these guys are out for NYC.

Zach Andrews (Hollywood Career): Literally cast to be LeBron’s stunt double in the Space Jam: A New Legacy, Zach, too, has a pretty good reason for missing this week’s tournament.

Gabe Sandoval: Though he’s known in National Tournament play as a spot shooter and glue guy, the Arizona hoop community, UH and beyond, knows Gabe may be the smartest player in the game. 

Though he lacks the name recognition and/or Hollywood buzz of the three above, Gabe, who’s been around for every Ball So Hard championship to date, may be the biggest absence.

Others of Note: Dwight Pederson, Rico Suggs

Additions:

Cullen Russo: At 6’9 235, with G-League pedigree, Russo is one of the most gifted athletes in the history of Ultimate Hoops. 

In a region loaded with talent and known for big stat lines, it’s telling that Cullen Russo holds the state scoring record, with a stunning 93 points, in the inaugural Tempe Draft, and he’s led league PPR rankings in each of two active seasons.  Like spirit guide Alex Scales, he too has made the SportsCenter Top 10.  If he’s dialed in, look out.

Darrin Dorsey: Dermaine Crockrell may be the most decorated player in National Tournament play, deservedly so.  Locally, when asked “is there anyone who can take (or at least keep up with) D Mac?”, only a few names come up. 

One is Tevin Kelly, who hit the greatest shot in UH history in 2019, dethroning the man in the process.  Another is Darrin Dorsey, with premier league pro experience. 

Dorsey’s been away from UH for 6 years pursuing his pro career, but he’s ready to join the champs at the real main stage.

Travis Gabbidon: Trav, who doubles these days as an official in Ultimate Hoops Arizona, is a force to be reckoned with, as a player with the skills of a 3, the smarts of a 1, and the size of a 5 (at least at this level).  He’s the only player on this team that’s been to NYC, and he did lose, though that was without 2 key starters. 

Jordan Vigil: Jordan is an underrated addition to this squad, but he, too, is known for dominating any court he enters, with Draft and Open MVP runs in the same season.  He can take a game over on both ends and should give BSH a great spark.

Andrew Kelly: Drew may be the biggest addition, returning to National Tournament play for the first time in 4 years.  He last delivered one of the most vicious dunks in UH history, one that went viral in 2017. 

While it’s very likely he or Russo gets another of these in this week, Drew’s most valuable contribution will be his baseline to baseline defense and tireless hustle.  When Fred Dudley, who recently hit his staggering 10,000th career point and has made light work every defender under the sun, including NBA alums Josh Childress and Corey Maggette, says there’s been no tougher defender in his path than Andrew Kelly, we’d be wise to listen. 

Returning Core:

Curtis Millage: Not sure if Curtis has hit a basketball court since the pandemic, but it may not matter.  I’m truly not sure the guy sleeps, and he can change any team, for the better, in a heartbeat.  With Gabe out, he may step up as the glue guy.

DeSean Mattox: DeSean is on a comeback tour after injury in the last year, and this writer hasn’t seen him play in a while, but given the man was the fastest player in Arizona this side of D Mac, and he’s just one year older, chances are opposing guards are still in trouble.

Questions:

Can all this talent coexist on one squad, with 44 minutes and one basketball to go around?

That’s a question on any team, but especially with the squad getting about a decade younger, it’s a big one this year.  Under Terrell Suggs’ watch, the wise bet is yes.

What’s Adam Bickerstaff got in store for us, look wise?

The man has more connections than MJ, and between BSH owning the jersey game, his own line of shorts, and a massive sneaker collection, all eyes will be open at game time.  Donald Dangmuk and the photography team had better be ready.

Conclusion:

No matter who wins, it’s just great to see the Ultimate Hoops National Tournament make its official return this week.  This writer can’t wait to catch up with old favorites like Jason LaPlanche, Emery Range, or the godfather himself Alan Arlt. 

Though, coming from Arizona, this writer may be a little biased, and they’ll surely be tested, look for massive things from a reloaded and revenge-seeking Ball So Hard, and, if all clicks, a Championship interview Sunday. 

Best of luck to all!