With Papazian's return, Atlanta's LTC Tree are in full bloom
Papazian has not played in the NYC National Tourney since 2019
by Chris Alford, Ultimate Hoops Atlanta
LTC Tree‘s simple, tree-green mesh jerseys are representative of their play. No nonsense and solid as an oak.
Team Captain Darrick Wilkins and his crew return to New York City National Tournament to play with most of its current Dream Team roster. One exception is Justin Hall, who played with the LTC franchise in the 2021 national tournament.
In 13 tournament games, Hall averages 12.2 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. Tournament regular Frankie Ghouchani (12.4 PPG) also returns.
New to the squad is Sari Papazian, who could not make it to NYC in 2021. The career 44% three-point shooter looks like a floor spacer for LTC Tree. Wilkins describes Papazian as the “best shooter in the league,” and defenses will certainly have to play him honestly.
Another addition is Casey Moore. Moore brings a career average of 20.5 points per game to SKY and can score on all three levels. Shooting will be the identity of this team.
“We will live and die by the three,” says Wilkins.
Time will tell if this is the most effective approach to a 2022 National Title.