The James Madison basketball program is enjoying some of its most successful seasons in a long time. They’ve won 20+ games in three seasons, the first time they’ve done so since 1992-1995. They also had by far their best season ever in 2023, winning 32 games, eight more than the next best season.

While only one player from that team is listed on the Founding Fathers roster, they’re hoping that the university’s success will transfer to TBT. They played in 2021 and 2022, and lost both years, but by less than ten points combined. With the regional being at home and a revamped team, Founding Fathers are hoping to earn their first win, as well as a few more.

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• Ian Caskill (Asst. Coach)
• Dimitrije Cabarkapa (Asst. Coach)

First Matchup: vs. NXT Extra Elite (July 18 at 8:00 p.m EST)

Mark Freeman was a bit of a journeyman, playing for four schools in five years, but he was a successful one at that. In his junior season at Morehead State, he was named the OVC conference player of the year. Unfortaubtely, a wrist injury kept him out of the following season, but after transferring to James Madison, he recaptured his spark, averaging 15.8 PPG.

Freeman is experienced, with over 100 college starts, and a really gifted scorer. In his final college game ever, he scored 34 points. Founding Fathers are excited to have that scoring expertise on their team, and are optimistic it will translate early and often.

Hutchins-Everett started every game at center this year for James Madison and put up solid stats, averaging 11.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, and shot 52.8% from the field. Founding Fathers are hoping that he and Freeman can continue their chemistry from this year into the tournament. If they can establish a pick and roll and help each other out on both sides of the court, the Founding Fathers can be very successful.

Founding Fathers don’t have a ton of depth at forward. It’s Hutchins-Everett and Emmanuel Wembi basically. Hutchins-Everett will have to stay on the floor for them to have the best chance to succeed. If he gets in foul trouble early, trouble could be brewing for him and his team. As long as he’s on the floor, though, the duo will be very entertaining to watch.

Team Outlook

Founding Fathers look to earn win number one against NXT Extra Elite. The four vs five seed matchup is never easy, but the home crowd should give them that extra boost. After that, a potential matchup with the one seed, Happy Valley Hoopers. Another big challenge, that the Penn State alumni team brings in a loaded roster, but JMU has winners too, and they’d love nothing more than to showcase that in this game.

JMU fans are stoked to have Stuckey Mosley on the Founding Fathers squad. Mosley was a two-time CAA member and started every game he played for the team. Hopefully, for Founding Fathers, they’ll give the home crowd a show in this year’s TBT.