Indy's Young Mantis Inks Deal With Shield 219 Ahead Of TBT Clash At Hinkle Fieldhouse--But Is It A Gag? You Must Wonder.

A Hoosier World Class Prankster and Social Media Sensation

In a summer basketball move making waves across the Midwest, rising star Young Mantis has signed a two-year deal with Shield 219 — the Valparaiso alumni team competing in The Basketball Tournament (TBT). The announcement came via an Instagram post this week, confirming that Mantis is set to suit up for Shield 219 when the TBT tips off at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on July 19. https://www.instagram.com/p/DLnPjqBRKvc/?img_index=1

Shield 219 is set to open play in the Indianapolis Regional against All Good Dawgs, a Butler alumni team, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 19. The matchup promises to bring plenty of drama to the legendary arena, already steeped in basketball history.

Mantis was former Bar Stool Sports talent after winning a contest to be an intern, who has been called upon to shoot foul shots in contests because of his acumen and near 100% average. Mantis was a popular student at UIndy and today has 139K followers on Instagram.

Here’s a polished roster lineup for Shield 219, the Valparaiso alumni team headed to Hinkle Fieldhouse for The Basketball Tournament this July:

Shield 219 Roster (Valparaiso Alumni)

— AJ Reeves, SG, 6′5″ • last: Birmingham Squadron (G League); college: Providence

— Ben Krikke, PF, 6′9″ • last: Ourense (Spain); colleges: Valpo & Iowa

— Brandon Wood, PG, 6′4″ • last: USC Rip (Australia); college: Valparaiso & Michigan State

— Cooper Farrall, SF, 6′5″ • college: Bentley

— Cory Johnson, SF, 6′7″ • last: Al Ansar; colleges: Iowa State & Valpo

— E. Victor Nickerson, PG, 6′8″ • colleges: Valpo & UNC Charlotte

— Isaiah Burnett, SG, 6′6″ • last: BK Amager (Denmark); college: Stonehill

— Jordan Mello‑Klein, PG, 6′2″ • last: Berlin Braves; college: Bentley

— Jubril Adekoya, PG, 6′7″ • last: Cáceres (Spain); college: Valparaiso

— Max Schmarzo, SG, 6′2″ • college: Coe

— Mileek McMillan, PF, 6′9″ • college: Valparaiso

— Wendell Lewis, PF, 6′10″ • last: Satria Muda (Indonesia); college: Mississippi State

But where is his name on the roster? I don't see Austin Taylor from Westfield??

Coaching & Management— Head Coach: Jason Karys— General Manager: Kendall O’Banner (tbthoops.com)

This full squad as posted above--without Young Mantis--brings together Valpo’s rich legacy—from G League and pro league standouts to solid collegiate performers. Shield 219 looks prepared to make some serious noise when they take on All Good Dawgs on Saturday, July 19 at 2 p.m. ET in Indianapolis. Let me know if you'd like insights into each player or how they match up against Butler's roster! We will see if YM C A (for con artist) takes to court?? Regardless, HE loves the guy and follows his posts.

This signing is more than just a big payday — it’s a statement. Mantis’s arrival signals that Shield 219 is going all-in on a deep tournament run. With the TBT’s $1 million winner-take-all prize on the line, the addition of a high-profile player like Mantis immediately raises expectations, right? The team already features former Valpo standouts like Jubril Adekoya, Cory Johnson, and Brandon Wood. Now, they’ll add a dynamic scorer and fan favorite who’s as much a social media star as he is a threat on the court.

Mantis’s deal is one of the largest publicly reported contracts in TBT history, reflecting the tournament’s growing reputation as more than just offseason exhibition. It’s fast becoming a legitimate showcase for talent outside the NBA, with national TV broadcasts, packed arenas, and rabid fanbases following each regional bracket.

For Shield 219, the road ahead won’t be easy. Their opening opponent, All Good Dawgs, is no slouch. The Butler squad boasts a deep roster of pros and NCAA tournament veterans, and playing on their old college floor could give them a slight edge. But with Mantis now in the fold, Shield 219 has a serious x-factor! Maybe?

The storylines practically write themselves: Valpo vs. Butler. Old rivals, new stakes. A basketball cathedral hosting some of the game’s scrappiest competitors. And now, his self-reported $5 million contract setting the tone for the summer’s most unpredictable tournament.

Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. at Hinkle Fieldhouse on July 19. If Shield 219 advances, they’ll play again on July 21, with the regional final scheduled for July 22. All eyes will be on Young Mantis, whose play — and paycheck — just turned the heat up on TBT’s Indianapolis Regional.