The basketball tournament is back and set to begin this Friday, featuring 26 games broadcast live on FOX, FS1, and FS2. This exciting Hoops tournament includes 64 teams competing for a $1 million prize, with the championship game scheduled for August 3rd.
TBT (The Basketball Tournament) is an annual competition showcasing teams mainly composed of former college stars, and this year promises to be packed with top-tier talent. The 64 teams are grouped into eight regions, with alumni squads representing powerhouse programs like Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, Maryland, Ohio, Syracuse, and UCONN.
Here are ten standout players to watch in this year’s event:
Montrezle Harrell, a former Louisville star and eight-year NBA vet, is returning to Louisville this summer. Harrell made his TBT debut in 2024, averaging 12.5 points and 7 rebounds per game to help his team advance to the quarterfinals. He played three seasons at Louisville (2012-15), leading the American Athletic Conference in field goal percentage as a sophomore. Drafted by the Houston Rockets in 2015, Harrell later earned the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2020 while with the LA Clippers.
Willie Cauley-Stein, a Kentucky alum and former top-10 NBA draft pick, played seven seasons in the league with teams such as the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors. Cauley-Stein helped La Familia reach the TBT semifinals in 2024 and was named defensive player of the year in the tournament, tallying 14 blocks that season.
Archie Goodwin, also from Kentucky, is teaming up with former college teammates in this year’s tournament. Drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2013 after averaging 14.1 points as a freshman, Goodwin played three years with the Phoenix Suns along with brief stints at other NBA teams.
Melo Trimble, a Maryland alumni known for his scoring, is playing in TBT for the first time. Trimble is one of Maryland’s best scorers, boasting over 1,600 points during his college career and aiming to lead Shellshock to the million-dollar prize.
Jason Preston, an Ohio standout who helped his team win the MAC title in 2021, was drafted by the Orlando Magic and traded to the LA Clippers. He recently signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz and spent much of his time in the G-League.
DJ Burns Jr., a breakout star from the 2024 NCAA Tournament who plays for Challenge ALS, is making his TBT debut. Burns helped North Carolina reach the Final Four for the first time since 1983.
Buddy Boeheim from Syracuse, known for his impressive three-point shooting, will play in the tournament alongside his brother Jimmy. Boeheim was one of the top scorers in the ACC and led Syracuse to upset victories on the way to the Sweet 16.
Yogi Ferrell, an Indiana standout and two-time Big Ten first-team honoree, returns for a second year with Assembly Ball. Ferrell played five NBA seasons, making the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2017 and scoring an impressive 20.3 points in TBT last year.
Zaire Wade, son of NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade, is making his TBT debut with Dubo Adream. Wade turned pro after receiving college offers, gaining playing experience in the G League with the Salt Lake City Stars.
Ryan Boatwright, a member of UConn’s 2014 national championship team, is leading Stars of the Stars this year. Known for his defensive skills and consistent scoring, Boatwright looks to replicate his past NCAA success on TBT’s big stage.
Fan Take: This tournament is a thrilling reunion for basketball fans who want to see college legends and NBA veterans compete once more. TBT not only reignites past rivalries but also showcases emerging talent, making it an essential event for the future of basketball.
