2025 Tiger Smokes Skills Academy Player Profiles
Tiger Smokes Skills Academy is a newly established program that is based in Hartford County, CT. Coach and Program Director Tiger Smokes is a 21 year old former collegiate basketball player turned coach and currently is an assistant varsity coach at Orville H. Platt High (CT). Smokes is a very passionate and energetic coach who isn’t afraid to hold his players accountable by any means. He is very big on player development, discipline and toughness and wants all players under him to succeed at the highest levels they can.
Their 2028 team just came off of a 5-0 weekend at the Zero Gravity National Finals in Boston, securing the Division 2 title.
The 2028 team’s player profiles are as below.
#0 Adam Roberts (2028) 5’10 wing, Orville H. Platt High (CT) - Roberts plays much bigger than his size. He guards multiple positions on the floor, rebounds at a high level for his size, and isn’t afraid to do the dirty work if it helps the team win.
#1 Carmello “Melo” Moore (2028) 5’6 point guard, Xavier High (CT) - Moore is the son of New Haven basketball Legend Bobby Moore. He plays just like his father, fast paced, high energy with a smooth handle. He can create his own shot against just about anyone and is very crafty and creative with his handling, passing, and finishing. Moore was named the 2025 Zero Gravity Nationals D2 Tournament MVP.
#3 Eugene Robinson (2028) 6’1 wing, Middletown High (CT) - Robinson can shoot the 3 ball at a high level and can also score with his back to the basket. He rebounds tenaciously and plays with great character.
#5 Edwin Vidal (2028) 5’6 point guard, Orville H. Platt High (CT) - Vidal makes his presence known. He is a very fast guard with good vision. He guards 94 feet every possession and doesn’t let his size detract from impacting the game.
#7 Benjamin Kearney (2028) 5’9 wing, Xavier High (CT) - Kearney has a high motor and plays like Tony Allen. Despite being only 5’9, he guards every position on the floor. Doesn’t matter if he gets switched on to a guard on the perimeter, or a big down low, he never backs down from the challenge. He is also good at splashing catch and shoot 3s and mid range pull ups.
#8 Jaden Booker (2029) 5’6 point guard, Cheshire Academy (CT) - Booker is entering 9th grade but would plays up with the 2028 squad for some tournaments this season. He is a crafty guard who can shoot the long ball. Looks to make the extra pass on offense and is a pest defensively.
#10 Justice Antunez (2028) 6’2 small forward, Orville H. Platt High (CT) - Antunez who serves as the main big man for the team. He’s only been playing basketball for over a year, but he’s made great improvements. He is a vocal leader on the floor, especially on the defensive end, rebounds well, and also protects the rim. Has made great strides in his mid range game and finishing around the basket, and is a good passer.
#11 Mateo Dean (2028) 5’8 guard, Orville H. Platt High (CT) - Dean can make shots from just about anywhere on the floor, including near NBA range. He’s a pest defensively, and takes pride in guarding bigger players. He has spent majority of the season taking the challenge of guarding the opposing teams 4’s and 5’s for the entire game.
#21 Maurice Christie (2028) 5’10 wing, Orville H. Platt High (CT) - Christie has an inside-out game. He is very physical and loves to play downhill and in transition. He has a great touch around the basket and a good catch and shoot shooter. Also can guard multiple positions well and never takes any plays off.
#30 Jorrae Dupree (2028) 5’8 point guard, West Haven High (CT) - Dupree can score on all 3 levels and make plays for others. He always does what is asked of him, and sometimes does more than that. Picks up 94 feet every game and knows how to get inside his matchups head.