Prior to the Pittsburgh Regional, the final roster for The Basketball Tournament (TBT) squad The Zoo Crew—alums of the Pitt Panthers—has been finalized.
With players from all around Pitt’s basketball history on the roster, fans may relive their glory days of yesteryear.
The Panthers broke their NCAA Tournament drought in 2023, thanks in large part to the contributions of guards Nike Sibande (2020–23), Nelly Cummings (2022-23) and Greg Elliott (2022-23). Sibande was the ACC’s Sixth Man of the Year, Elliott was a sharpshooter, and Cummings was a seasoned point guard.
Injuries prevented former guard Jamarius Burton (2021-23) from joining the other two players.
Another guard who will help the Zoo Crew out is Jared Wilson-Frame (2017–2019). Wilson-Frame has excellent 3-point shooting.
Michael Young (2013–2017) and Jamel Artis (2010–2011) are two of the program’s all-time leading scorers; they can attack the basket from wherever on the court. Another fantastic addition is guard/forward Lamar Patterson (2009–2014), who brings a wealth of experience, and fellow forward Ryan Luther (2014–2018).
Spectacular center and a fan favorite for Pitt The paint will be well-defended by DeJuan Blair (2007–2009), who is a member of the Zoo Crew.
Both forward Dustin Sleva (formerly of Division II program Shippensburg) and 6-foot-11 center Drew Cisse (formerly of Western Carolina) are not Pitt alums.
Since several members of the Zoo Crew were WPIAL players in high school, the squad also has a strong regional flavor.
While attending Schenley High School, Blair was a star on one of the best basketball teams in Pennsylvania history, which competed in the City League. Brandin Cummings, Cummings’ younger brother and a player for Pitt next season, was also a standout for Lincoln Park. While Young is a Duquesne alum, Sleva and Luther were Montour and Hampton players, respectively.
At the helm of the Zoo Crew’s coaching staff are three former players: forward Gilbert Brown (2007–2011), guards Levance Fields (2005–2009), and Jermaine Dixon (2008–2010). Fields and Dixon will accompany Brown as assistant coaches, and Brown also serves as general manager.
When the Pittsburgh Regional takes place from July 20th to the 24th, the Zoo Crew will be playing at the Petersen Events Center. They will face off against the seventh-seeded Million Dollaz Worth of Game in their first matchup on July 20 at 8 p.m., as the No. 2 seed.
At the Pittsburgh Regional, the Zoo Crew is joined by the Stars of Storrs from UConn, the Happy Valley Hoopers from Penn State, and Best Virginia from West Virginia. July 22 will see a match between the first round winners, and July 24 will see a match between the last two teams.
