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Travel Team Spotlight: Team Thad

9, Jan 2015

Travel Team Spotlight: Team Thad

Team Thad, a Memphis-based grassroots program named after current NBA forward Thaddeus Young, is one of the prominent AAU teams in the country. They have positioned themselves as one of the top Under Armour teams in the country.

The program has ushered several high-major stars to the next level and they don’t seem to be stopping any time soon. Freshmen Chris Chiozza (Florida) and Leron Black (Illinois) are the latest studs to make it to an impact on the college scene. Riley Norris (Alabama) and Marcanvis Hymon (Ole Miss) have also made big impacts on the SEC, as well as C.J. Anderson making big strides at UMass. Sophomore point guard Jonathan Stark just won AAC conference player of the week honors, too.

However, the star-power won’t stop there. Here’s a look at where the program’s players stand right now, including those committed and some future guys to keep an eye on.

WHO’S HEADED WHERE?

Team Thad produces handfuls of college players each year. Six players from the 2014 17U team members have already made their college decisions.

Terrence Davis, a talented and athletic forward, is headed to Ole Miss.

Indiana has a commitment from OG Anunoby, a player that oozes with potential and talent.

Sharpshooter Andrew Fleming is headed to Iowa.

Jeremiah Martin just gave his commitment to Louisiana Tech a few days ago.

SMU snagged a nice commitment from ultra-athletic guard LaGerald Vick, while Memphis picked up an early commitment from 2016 big man Nick Marshall.

WHO’S LEFT?

Only a few prospects from Team Thad’s loaded roster remain uncommitted. Jordon Varnardo, a 6-foot-7 wing, had 44 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists Monday night. Troy and Tennessee State have been around for a while, and now Murray State, Cleveland State, and Florida Gulf Coast are piquing their own interest.

Point guard Naba Echols is also available. The scrappy guard is drawing interest from a number of schools, including Tennessee State and UT-Martin.

WHO TO WATCH FOR IN 2016

Team Thad expects to be one of the top teams in the country this summer. They will be led by Jaylen Fisher and Micah Thomas.

Fisher, who has cemented himself as one of the top point guards in the 2016 class, is being heavily recruited by UConn, Memphis, Arkansas, Baylor, and Florida. The 6-foot guard brings a great change of speed and burst on the offensive end, while he provides pressure and intense defense on the other side of the ball.

Thomas, a 6-foot-7 forward, is also being recruited heavily by high-major programs. Tennessee, Arkansas, Memphis, Baylor, and UConn are very high on him.

Jordan Bone and Clayton Hughes are also drawing high-major interest from schools across the country.

WHO’S GOT NEXT?

The Memphis area is abundant with players, so the youngsters of the city are also heavily involved with Team Thad.

One of the best young point guard prospects in the country is 2018 guard Tyler Harris. He is quickly becoming a complete point guard, as well as developing into a lethal scorer from anywhere on the floor.

“He’s like a Kemba Walker-type kid,” Norton Hurd, Team Thad’s coach, told HoopSeen.com. “Tyler can score and get others involved.”

Harris will also have a couple of talented wings at his disposal on the 16U travel circuit.

Carlos Marshall, Jr., a well-rounded 6-foot-5 wing man, is expected to produce for his team. He can score the ball in a variety of ways, and Hurd expects him to be a hot commodity as AAU season gets in full swing.

Another talented scorer that will run with the 16U team is Dedrick Boyd. Hurd says the 6-foot-2 guard is one of the most talented scorers the state of Tennessee has to offer.

“He’s one of the best scorers in the state. He knows how to do it.”

And last but not least, guard William Douglas will also play a crucial role for Team Thad’s success down the road.

“He will be a big contributor for us,” Hurd explained.

Keep an eye out for Team Thad on the travel circuit this season.


Garrett Tucker
State Editor

Garrett Tucker is a senior content producer for HoopSeen. He has been a member of HoopSeen.com since 2014. Specializing in basketball in the South, Garrett has helped grow the HoopSeen Alabama network from the ground up. He also provides stories and information from players all across the country. His GTuckerScouting recruiting service is a notorious product in the Southeast, as he has been in contact with numerous college programs across the country. You can follow Garrett on Twitter at @GTuckerHoops.

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