Davis Steel 2026 TBT Team Preview: TBT’s Most Storied Independent Team Chases Its First Championship

Every summer, The Basketball Tournament (TBT) showcases some of the nation’s best alumni teams, professional organizations, and independent programs in a winner-take-all competition unlike any other. In 2026, one of the tournament’s most respected franchises begins a new era as Davis Steel, the team formerly known as Eberlein Drive.

After 12 successful years competing as Eberlein Drive, the organization has partnered with Davis Sports Corp. and Davis Steel, bringing new sponsorship behind one of TBT’s most accomplished programs. Owned by brothers Ashley and Adam Davis, Davis Steel is one of America’s premier manufacturers of tubing and chain-link fencing, and the company now enters the sports world by backing a team with an unmatched legacy of consistency.

Fresh off consecutive Final Four appearances—including a runner-up finish in 2025—Davis Steel once again enters TBT as a legitimate championship contender. Led by experienced professionals, versatile scorers, and a veteran coaching staff, the organization hopes this is finally the year it captures the elusive $2 million winner-take-all prize.

Davis Steel’s Identity in TBT

Unlike traditional alumni teams built around one university, Davis Steel assembles talented professionals from across the basketball world. The roster features players with NBA, NBA G League, European, Australian, Taiwanese, Mexican, and Lithuanian professional experience, creating one of the tournament’s deepest and most battle-tested lineups.

The team’s identity revolves around unselfish basketball, defensive toughness, and balanced offensive production. Multiple players can score from all three levels, while a strong frontcourt provides rebounding, interior defense, and physicality around the basket.

Years of competing together in TBT have helped establish a culture built on chemistry, discipline, and winning basketball—qualities that have consistently carried the program deep into the tournament.

Key Strengths

Championship Experience

Few organizations can match Davis Steel’s history in TBT. After more than a decade of competing in the tournament and reaching back-to-back Final Fours, the roster understands what it takes to succeed under TBT’s single-elimination pressure.

Balanced Scoring

The roster features multiple proven scorers capable of leading the offense. Gabe York, Terrell Brown, Terry Taylor, and DJ Rodman all possess the ability to create shots while complementing one another within a balanced offensive system.

Veteran Frontcourt

Nate Watson, Thomas Rutherford, Cameron McGriff, and Terry Taylor give Davis Steel a physical and experienced frontcourt capable of controlling the paint, rebounding at a high level, and defending opposing post players.

The 2026 Davis Steel Roster

Gabe York

York enters TBT after spending time with the Indiana Pacers organization. The former Arizona standout has developed into one of the tournament’s premier perimeter scorers thanks to his elite shooting ability, offensive confidence, and extensive professional experience.

Terrell Brown

Brown joins the roster following a successful season with Ángeles de la Ciudad de México. The former Washington point guard is an explosive playmaker capable of creating offense for himself and his teammates while controlling the tempo of the game.

Terry Taylor

Taylor returns after competing with the Iowa Wolves in the NBA G League. Despite standing 6-foot-5, the former Austin Peay star plays bigger than his size, providing relentless rebounding, physical interior scoring, and tremendous energy every time he steps on the floor.

Pedro Bradshaw

Bradshaw arrives following his professional season with the Cairns Taipans in Australia’s National Basketball League. The former Bellarmine standout brings versatility, perimeter shooting, and solid defense while giving the team another reliable scoring option on the wing.

Nate Watson

The 6-foot-10 center enters TBT after playing professionally for Panionios in Greece. A dominant interior presence, Watson provides rebounding, rim protection, efficient post scoring, and valuable experience against high-level international competition.

Thomas Rutherford

Rutherford joins Davis Steel after competing with BC Jonava in Lithuania. The former UC Irvine standout offers additional size, toughness, rebounding, and interior defense while strengthening one of the tournament’s deepest frontcourts.

DJ Rodman

Rodman returns following a season with the Greensboro Swarm of the NBA G League. After collegiate careers at Washington State and USC, the athletic wing brings defensive versatility, transition scoring, and the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor.

Cameron McGriff

McGriff rounds out the roster after playing professionally in Taiwan with Hsinchu Yankey Engineering. The former Oklahoma State standout provides athleticism, rebounding, defensive versatility, and reliable scoring from the forward position.

Coaching Staff and Front Office

Davis Steel is led by co-general managers Jacob Hirschmann and Matt Mitchell, who have helped build one of the most respected organizations in TBT history through years of roster continuity and smart player acquisitions.

Head coach Mike Malat oversees a veteran team that understands the demands of TBT’s single-elimination format, while assistant coaches Jacob Freeze and Kelvin Bennett Jr. provide valuable player development and strategic preparation throughout the tournament.

Owners Ashley Davis and Adam Davis have ushered in a new era for the organization through the partnership with Davis Sports Corp., while Alex Thompson supports the program through content and media operations.

Together, the leadership group combines organizational stability, championship aspirations, and years of TBT experience that continue to make Davis Steel one of the tournament’s premier independent programs.

Why Davis Steel Can Win TBT

Proven Tournament Success

Few teams have accomplished more in recent TBT history. Consecutive Final Four appearances demonstrate that Davis Steel consistently performs at the highest level against elite competition.

Outstanding Team Chemistry

Unlike many teams assembled shortly before the tournament, Davis Steel benefits from years of continuity within its program. That familiarity often becomes a major advantage during close games.

Depth Across the Roster

The lineup features experienced guards, athletic wings, versatile forwards, and reliable centers, allowing the coaching staff to adjust to different matchups throughout the tournament.

Areas That Need Improvement

Finishing the Job

After reaching consecutive Final Fours and falling just short of the championship, Davis Steel must find a way to execute during the tournament’s biggest moments and finally capture the title.

Three-Point Consistency

While the roster includes several capable perimeter shooters, maintaining efficient outside shooting throughout the tournament will help open driving lanes and maximize offensive spacing.

Health and Rotation Depth

With several players coming directly from lengthy professional seasons, staying healthy and managing minutes effectively will be critical during a demanding winner-take-all tournament.

2026 Outlook

Davis Steel enters the 2026 TBT as one of the favorites to win the championship. The organization’s remarkable consistency, experienced roster, and proven tournament success make it one of the most dangerous teams in the field.

If the team continues to build on its established chemistry while receiving balanced production throughout the lineup, Davis Steel has every opportunity to finally break through and claim the program’s first TBT championship along with the tournament’s $2 million grand prize.

Conclusion

A new name has arrived, but the championship expectations remain the same. Davis Steel carries forward the proud tradition established by Eberlein Drive while entering a new chapter backed by Davis Sports Corp.

Featuring experienced professionals, outstanding roster balance, and one of the most accomplished coaching and management groups in TBT history, Davis Steel once again has all the pieces necessary to compete for a title. After coming within one victory of a championship last summer, the organization’s focus is clear: finish the journey and bring home the $2 million winner-take-all prize.