Courtesy of Morgan State Athletics
BALTIMORE, Md.–Morgan State’s legacy in The Basketball Tournament (TBT) continues this summer, with former HBCU basketball star Stanley Davis Jr. joining the Million Dollaz Worth of Game team. This squad, led by Coach Tony Paris and featuring popular podcast hosts Gillie Da King and Wallo, will represent Philadelphia in TBT for the first time.
Million Dollaz Worth of Game, formerly known as Broad Street Birds (Temple Alumni), aims to honor the rich basketball history of the city and its legendary players. The team’s name pays tribute to the iconic podcast hosted by Gillie and Wallo, which has garnered immense popularity. The squad’s ultimate goal is to capture the coveted one million dollar prize awarded to the TBT champion.
Last summer, Davis (aka. Bazz) showcased his skills on the court as a member of HBCUnited, a team of players from historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) that was coached by Norfolk State head coach Robert Jones.
TBT is thrilled to announce its return in 2024. Following a remarkable 10th Anniversary event in 2023, TBT aims to elevate the tournament even further. The 2024 edition will feature intense competition across eight regions, culminating in a thrilling semifinal and championship showdown at a yet-to-be-determined location.
“God, who has given me the talent and ability to play this game and the life to continue to grow in it,” said Davis. “I played in the TBT last year for the first time under HBCU United. It didn’t end well, but it was an experience.”
“I am now with Team Million Dollaz Worth of Game. This elite group of professional athletes, hailing from the Philadelphia/Jersey area, provides a controlled pro-run atmosphere under the guidance of Coach Tone (Tony Tee).”
“Coach Tone has recognized my potential not only as a valuable asset to this TBT team but also in my career,” added Davis. “His mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my aspirations, fueling my belief that I can achieve the pinnacle of basketball, whether it be on the international stage or in the NBA. I am grateful for his unwavering support and guidance.”
Davis has experienced success as an overseas professional and most recently completed his first season with Al Jalaa Aleppo in the Syrian Basketball League.
Davis looks forward to adding to his basketball journey.
“I love to play against the best talent across the nation and beyond and the TBT and Team Million Dollaz Worth of Game is giving me that opportunity to show that I’m really a true diamond in the rough coming from Chester, Pennsylvania.”
The 25-year-old played all four years for the Bears and finished his HBCU career ranked No. 24 on the school’s all-time scoring leaderboard with 1,044 points and ranks 15th on the all-time rebounding list. He’s just the 13th player in school history to have over 1,000 points and over 500 rebounds.
In his final season, he was a 2020 All-MEAC Third Team selection and ranked among the league leaders in a number of statistical categories: No. 8 in rebounding (6.0), No. 9 in scoring (13.7), No. 12 in assists (2.5), No. 6 in free throw percentage (.784) and No. 13 in field goal percentage (.465).
Davis has played professionally on three different continents (Europe, Asia, and of course North America) in five different countries since completing his college career. Davis has played previously professionally in Georgia (Kutaisi), Lebanon (Liders), the United Kingdom (Scorchers), and Albania (Vllaznia).
TBT is a 64-team, single-elimination tournament with a $1 million payout to the winning team. NBA players aren’t eligible, but pros from other leagues across the world as well as former college greats are and battle it out annually.
Davis joins a Million Dollaz Worth of Game roster that includes: Anthony Lee (Temple), Austin Tilghman (Monmouth), Eli Cain (Salt Lake City), Erik Copes (George Mason), Jerrell Wright (La Salle), Josh Blamon (Richard Stockton), Koby Thomas (Robert Morris), Marquis Collins (Missouri-St. Louis), Myles Stephens (Princeton), Nate Pierre-Louis (Temple), Seth Pinkney (Florida International), Tim Guers (St. Anselm College) and will be coached by head coach Tony Paris.