Note: This 2022 TBT championship preview was written by Josh Goldfine of the TBT Staff on the tournament's website. To read that article and visit the site, click here.

Two second-year TBT teams playing for meaningful causes meet up in Tuesday night’s $1 million championship game.  

Americana for Autism 

How they got here

Round 1: Defeated Team AboutBillions 114-57

Round 2: Defeated Fort Wayne Champs 87-78

Round 3: Defeated Zip ‘Em Up 76-72

Round 4: Defeated Florida TNT 93-83

Round 5: Defeated AfterShocks 78-75

Players to watch

Four players average in double figures, led by Isaiah Swann (12.4 ppg). Nigel Johnson (10.8 ppg) is a sharpshooter whose game-winning three-pointer won the opening-round game at Rucker Park. Veterans Delroy James (12.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg) and Darryl Monroe (10.0 ppg, 7.4 rpg) each play big roles in the paint.

What to watch for

This team is playing to raise awareness for children afflicted with autism, a disorder which affects the children of three players on the roster.

Blue Collar U

How they got here

Round 1: Defeated NG Saints 91-64

Round 2: Defeated Friday Beers 78-75

Round 3: Defeated The Nerd Team 83-62

Round 4: Defeated Heartfire 74-66

Round 5: Defeated Red Scare 74-69

Players to watch

This team can beat you in multiple ways. Five different players have led the team in scoring this summer. Guards CJ Massinburg and Wes Clark (undefeated in eight TBT games) lead the way at 15.2 points per game. Nick Perkins (12.6 ppg) and Blake Hamilton (10.4 ppg) also average in double figures. 

What to watch for

This team is playing for the victims of this spring’s shooting at a Buffalo supermarket, wearing the names of the deceased on the backs of their jerseys and placing the jerseys in a circle at the conclusion of each game.