Say Hello to the 2023 Kokomo BobKats
2023 Team Features Strong Lineup of Returning Players, Several New Faces
By DREW LARISON
The Kokomo Post Staff
We’re getting close to March, which means it’s the best month for basketball fans in Kokomo. We’ve got High School sectionals ramping up, NCAA March Madness will begin and Kokomo BobKats basketball.
The Kokomo BobKats organization will be starting its third season in Kokomo and like the previous two years, expectations are high. The BobKats were able to win the Midwestern Conference Championship last year, and this year the team has seven players returning from that championship team. Also returning is head coach and former NBA champion Cliff Levingston.
The BobKats first home game will be Sunday March 12 against the Flint United.
Check out the 2023 roster below.
Troy Baker
Troy Baker is a 6-foot-7-inch forward out of Southwestern College. This will be Baker’s first year as a BobKat.
Matrellian ‘Duck’ Gibson
Mr. “Fly High” is starting his third season with the BobKats as one of the start guards/forwards for the team. Duck has easily been known for his excellent play over the years, but he’s also created quite a name for himself for his dance moves during halftime. Welcome back, Duck!
Johnny Griffin Jr.
Johnny Griffin Jr. is coming back for his second year as a Bobkat. Griffin Jr. quickly became an important asset to the team last year as one of the key rebounders and defenders. He also made multiple appearances singing the National Anthem before the games. Welcome back, Johnny!
Devin Harris
Devin Harris is starting his second season as a BobKat. Devin became a vital guard for the team last year. We quickly noticed Devin’s passion and the speed he brought to every game. Welcome back, Devin!
Derek ‘Hawk’ Hawthorne
Hawk is back for his third season as a BobKat. You might know Hawk as one of the most consistent scorers for the BobKats as well as the guy who hits all of the half-court buzzer-beaters. Welcome back, Hawk!
TJ Henderson
TJ is returning for his second year as a BobKat. TJ is originally from Indianapolis and has found a home in Kokomo as a Bobkat. TJ brings excellent guard play and leadership to this team every single game. Welcome back, TJ!
Alexis Jackson
Alexis Jackson is a newcomer to the 2023 BobKats team. Jackson is a 7-foot center who has played professional ball in Mexico in the past. One of the key ingredients missing from last year’s BobKats’ team was consistent big play. Looks like Jackson may be the man for the job.
Bradlee Lewis
Bradlee Lewis is here for his first year as a BobKat and also the BobKats first-round draft pick. Lewis played for West Virginia State University before becoming a BobKat.
James McKelvin
James McKelvin is starting his first year as a BobKat. McKelvin is a 6-foot-4-inch guard from Missouri Baptist where he played all four years of college ball.
Tremont ‘Fudge’ Moore
Fudge is back in Kokomo for his third year of Bobkats basketball. Moore has consistently been not only a great Bobkat on the court, where has exponentially improved every year of play but also a great BobKat off the court by getting involved in multiple aspects of the community. Moore has started basketball camps for area youth to help them improve their game as well as other volunteer opportunities. Welcome back, Fudge!
Ed Oliver-Hampton
Ed Oliver-Hampton is a 6-foot-8-inch forward out of South Carolina State University and is starting his first year as a Bobkat. Oliver-Hampton will be another great addition to the paint for the BobKats this year.
Larry Plummer
Larry Plummer is returning for his third year as a BobKat point guard. Plummer had a breakout season last year and became a vital player in the starting lineup for the team. Bobkat nation fell in love with his humble and hungry attitude last year and will be excited to see him return. Welcome back, Larry!
We think it looks like a strong lineup for the team this season. For more information or to check out the schedule of home games, click here.