Guard

John Joseph III

John Joseph III ("Fresh") is a relentless two-way competitor who brings elite defense, high basketball IQ, and a team-first mentality to Southern Smoke. A lockdown defender and vocal leader, he sets the tone on both ends — whether shutting down the opponent's best scorer or creating in clutch moments. Off the court, he mentors young athletes and coaches youth basketball, believing success is built on consistency, discipline, and leading by example.

Point Guard

Chuck Guy

A 4x consecutive TBL champion with the Potawatomi Fire, Chuck Guy is a proven winner and the kind of leader every coach dreams of. A tenacious defender, relentless scorer, and gifted passer from Fort Worth, Texas, he controls the game on both ends while elevating everyone around him. Chuck starred collegiately at Tarleton State and Arkansas–Little Rock, where he built a reputation as an unselfish floor general who gets every teammate involved. His résumé speaks for itself — 2x TBL MVP and Defensive Player of the Year — but it's his leadership, poise, and "everyone eats" mentality that define his game. Southern Smoke gains a player who makes any roster instantly better.

Forward

Deonta Terrell

Deonta Terrell is a 6'6" forward with elite versatility, a polished handle, and exceptional basketball IQ. Capable of playing and defending every position, he brings a fearless, aggressive mindset — his approach is simple: you have to guard him. He played collegiately at Texas A&M Commerce and has international professional experience in Germany and the Basketball Africa League (BAL). A proven winner, he earned MVP honors at Triton College and in the BAL, but his greatest assets are his heart and passion for the game. Deonta will be one of the toughest matchups on the Southern Smoke ABA roster.

Guard

Jonathan Milligan

Jonathan Milligan is a 6'2" guard out of the University of Pittsburgh whose career is defined by elite versatility and a deep résumé of high-level basketball. A Reebok All-American and a 2018 NBA second-round mock draftee, Jonathan has competed at the highest levels — earning Euro Basketball Summer League MVP honors, All-TBL First Team recognition, and years of professional experience across multiple leagues and countries. On the floor, he is a true two-way weapon: he can shift from facilitator to scoring guard in an instant, breaking down defenses with a consistent three-point shot, a polished mid-range pull-up, and the vision to find open teammates when the defense collapses. What sets him apart is his ability to control the game without dominating the ball — he reads defenders, anticipates rotations, and makes the right play every time. Defensively, Jonathan is a tone-setter who takes pride in locking down his assignment and communicating through every possession. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and his competitive fire is matched only by his commitment to making everyone around him better. A seasoned veteran with a win-first mentality, Jonathan Milligan brings the leadership, poise, and all-around game that defines Southern Smoke basketball.

Combo Guard

Josh Gonner

Josh Gonner is a 6'3" combo guard with tremendous versatility and a high basketball IQ. A lockdown on-ball defender with unlimited shooting range, he makes an impact on both ends of the floor. Josh played at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas before transferring to the University of South Carolina in the SEC, where a shoulder injury derailed his path to the NBA's first round. He went on to compete professionally across multiple countries and nearly every continent, building a global résumé that reflects his resilience and adaptability. Southern Smoke gains a seasoned veteran who brings mental toughness, leadership, and the grind-to-win mentality that defines this roster.

Forward

Henrique Cistrunk

Henrique Cistrunk is a 6'7" forward from Birmingham, Alabama, whose incredible length makes him a constant threat on both ends of the floor. A disruptive shot-blocker and relentless rebounder, he anchors the defense while also stretching opposing lineups as a smooth mid-range scorer and a consistent three-point threat. A standout power forward at Miles College in Fairfield, Alabama, Henrique built a reputation as an unselfish team player and dependable two-way presence. Now with Southern Smoke, he brings valuable versatility — comfortable defending and attacking from multiple positions — along with a genuine eagerness to seize every opportunity and help the team win.

Guard

Kyle Terrell

Kyle Terrell is a 6'2", 195-pound combo guard from Indianapolis, Indiana. Known for his high basketball IQ, three-level scoring ability, and disciplined two-way play, Kyle combines elite court vision with a refined offensive skill set that makes him a consistent threat across the floor. He competed collegiately at Texas College in Tyler, Texas, and gained professional experience with the Texas Tsunami and Mambas Brotherhood in the MBL. With more than 30 years immersed in the game, Kyle brings veteran leadership, poise, and a pass-first mentality to the Southern Smoke backcourt.

Forward/Center

T.J. Maston

A 6'9" powerhouse in the paint who can also step out and shoot from deep, T.J. Maston is a multi-time TBL champion with the Potawatomi Fire. He was third in the league in field goal percentage in 2023. A hybrid talent, T.J. combines elite basketball IQ with a versatile skill set that makes him dangerous everywhere on the court. Shot blocking and rebounding are his specialties, but physicality is his philosophy. He played collegiately at Baylor University.