The Squad
Brooke Martinez
Maid of Honor
Brooke came along in our lives and was a game changer. Brooke is like a sister to Reid, an amazing friend to Jahaziel. She is there for Jazi around the clock and never misses on opportunity to make us laugh, I’ve never seen Jazi laugh as hard as she does around Brooke. A formidable opponent for Jazi in board games, but still no match. *Career Highlight: -Once danced with Jahaziel for 6 straight hours at a Halloween party we weren’t invited to.
Landon Crossley
Best Man
Lengthy power forward who is proficient at finishing with both hands around the basket. Has evolved into somewhat of a “3-and-D” type - a true stretch 4. Good hands, gets off the floor fast and high and has no problem doing “the dirty work”. Reminds you of David Goggins if he was 6’3 and played basketball. Can and will get a rebound at any time, although durability can be a question mark. With a little development, he’s a coaches dream and really someone you want on the floor for those half court 3v3 games at Lifetime. Highest character guy possible. *Career Highlight: -Once hit a mid range, post-up, turnaround fadeaway on the 2021 #1 prep player in the country, Chet Holmgren.
Trace Combs
Groomsman
“Generational talent” is accurate. Trace will go years without thinking about basketball and return to his former glory at a moments notice. Super physical guy who will pull (and hit) just about any shot if provoked. Unlimited range, passes well from the post and contesting his shot is a mistake - it guarantees him a bucket. Tendency to get butthurt but always rises to the level of competition. Obvious comparison would be Nikola Jokic. Game heavily influenced by the “Better Basketball” DVDs, Tracy McGrady and relentless instruction by one of the game’s greatest, Coach Beakie. He’s my first friend, we met in the sandbox. He’s the best. *Career Highlight: -Hit a 30 foot, heavily contested game winner at a Minneapolis park against a team who’s entire extended family was in attendance.
Nate Peters
Groomsman
First real glimpse of a “Larry Legend” type since Bird last graced the court. Absolutely automatic on any nerf hoop. Plays 6’10, will shamelessly shoot and make anything. Has “As soon as he walks in the gym” range. Sneaky athletic locker room guy who can score at all three levels. Should literally be 6’10 but was a “Noodle-toastian” (as opposed to being vegetarian) until age 18. Recently received the super-max deal and will be in the Association at some point soon. Funniest dude on the planet. Boy genius. Everyone loves him. *Career Highlight: -Once dunked in game at Century College against an assortment of complete characters. These guys had jeans on while playing pickup. Either way, the young and healthy Nate got out on the fast break, got up off one and finished hard with two.
Bubba Peters
Groomsman
Often referred to as “The Pride of White Bear”, Bubs epitomizes what it means to trust the process. From being forced into pads and coerced to run across the porch at 5 years old while his older brothers try to high-low him in violent fashion while recording to watch later, to being the best young man and athlete this side of the Mississippi. A good young church boy, can guard the perimeter well but has a tendency to get dominated in the paint in pool basketball. Very forgiving, still loves his brothers and hopefully doesn’t harbor resentment. Can speed run Tony Hawk Underground in 30 seconds. Still viewed as being 5 years old with chubby cheeks despite tattoos/beard. *Career Highlight: -His careers in general. All of them. Accomplishments are ongoing. He’s our pride and joy.
Dillon Martinez
Groomsman
EXTREMELY bouncy, creative athlete who has done much of his on-court learning on the fly. A natural slasher who has progressed his game to be a reliable spot up shooter who will hustle, defend, and run the court like a freaking gazelle. Will do jaw-dropping things nobody else can do, only to follow with a blown left handed layup. The type of guy you want your kids to be, only gets agitated in extreme situations. A willing dunker who’s not afraid of risking his health for minimal reward. WILL take extreme ownership. Saw him evolve into a legitimate threat by the end of his “College pickup-ball” tenure. Career Highlights: -Caught a put-back dunk to win a game of tip-21 in his in-laws backyard -Scored 5-7 TDs in an intramural football game his senior year of college (pictured above)
Joe Kubera
Usher
Here’s a guy I was friends with for years operating under the assumption he was a locker room guy with great energy, got after it on weekends, brought the juice on game day, threw a mean round of BP and his main asset to the Winona State baseball team was is undeniable charisma. Yeah, guess again. This dude was a ball player. Look up his stats, he was legit. Great friend, too. When I was seeking guidance about what to do in order to earn Jahaziel’s love, he was one of the few people I went to for consistent counsel. Joey K is the man - get to know him come wedding day! *Career Highlight: -His entire baseball career, apparently.