TBT
Recent Indiana State Player Joins Best Virginia for TBT
Best Virginia has added another player for the TBT Tournament, announcing that former Indiana State guard Xavier Bledson will join the WVU alumni-based team this summer.
“Xavier comes to us with big praise from Coach [James] Long,” HC/GM Chase Harler said. “Xavier is an incredible basketball mind, with a lot of versatility. He played a major part in Indiana State’s offense, and his playmaking, basketball IQ, and shot-making is off the charts.”
🚨NEW SIGNING 🚨
XAVIER BLEDSON becomes the latest addition to our Best Virginia family! Welcome, Xavier!
"Xavier comes to us with big praise from Coach Long," @Chaseharler4 said. "Xavier is an incredible basketball mind, with a lot of versatility. He played a major part in… pic.twitter.com/9Usyioroy6
— Best Virginia · Final Fourcast Podcast (@finalfourcast) June 26, 2024
Bledson played three seasons at Indiana State under Josh Schertz. Bledson won the Missouri Valley Conference Sixth Man of the Year this past season, averaging 6.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists. Bledson contributed to a Sycamore team that went 32-7 and appeared in the NIT Championship game.
On Wednesday, the TBT field found out their seed lines and opponents. Best Virginia received a 3-seed and will take on Brotherly Love in the first round. There’s a potential chance at a Backyard Brawl matchup in the second round vs. Zoo Crew, Pitt’s alumni team.
So far, Best Virginia’s roster consists of Teyvon Myers (G), Jonathan Holton (F), Taz Sherman (G), Wesley Harris (F), Esa Ahmad (F), Sagaba Konate (F) and Bledson. Chase Harler will serve as head coach with now-assistant Kevin Jones.
As Harler returns, so does Greg Richardson (assistant GM) and Dave Ryan (marketing), who are in the works again with the team.
This will be the first time since 2020 that Best Virginia won’t host their own regional, playing in Charleston and Wheeling the last three summers. Pitt’s alumni team, The Zoo Crew, will do the honors of hosting their own regional this summer at the Petersen Events Center from July 20-24.
The Basketball Tournament is a 64-team field, which the winning team takes home $1 million.
