The Basketball Bash Is Back: TBT Returns with a New Twist!

What Is Happening?

Imagine a fun basketball party where old college stars come back to play together. That party is called TBT (short for "The Basketball Tournament"). It is almost here again!

This year, some things are new:

• A best-of-three way to start (teams play up to 3 games, and the first to win 2 moves on).
• A big $2 million prize for the winner.
• Some new players and new coaches.
• But it is still the same exciting TBT that many people love to watch.

Meet the Teams and Their Schedule

Two teams made of former college players are getting ready to play:

• The Ville: made of past University of Louisville players.
• La Familia: made of past University of Kentucky players.

On Wednesday, The Ville practiced at Valley High School to get ready.

Here is when and where they play:

1. Game 1: Saturday at noon — at Memorial Coliseum in Lexington (La Familia’s home).
2. Game 2: Monday at 7 p.m. — at Freedom Hall.
3. Game 3 (only if needed): Wednesday at 6 p.m. — back at Memorial Coliseum.

Important Point: The first team to win 2 games wins the matchup. Game 3 happens only if both teams have won one game each.

The Ville’s Players

The Ville’s team includes these former Louisville players:

• Jae’Lyn Withers (2020–23)
• David Johnson (2019–21)
• Malik Williams (2017–22)
• Ray Spalding (2015–18)
• Trey Lewis (2015–16)
• Jaylen Johnson (2014–17)
• Chris Jones (2013–14)
• Montrezl Harrell (2012–15)
• Angel Nunez (2011–13)
• Russ Smith (2010–14)
• Alex Matthews (from University of Texas Permian Basin)

La Familia’s Players

La Familia’s team includes these former Kentucky players and others:

• Kahlil Whitney (2019–20)
• Willie Cauley-Stein (2012–15)
• Marcus Lee (2013–16)
• Aaron Harrison (2013–15)
• Archie Goodwin (2012–13)
• DeAndre Liggins (2008–11)
• Chris Coffey (Georgetown College)
• Darryl Morsell (Maryland/Marquette)
• Sean McNeil (West Virginia/Ohio State)
• James Mainor-Bell (Villanova)

New Coaches for The Ville

The Ville will have new leaders on the sidelines:

• Michael Baffour: He won a national championship in 2013 and is the boys basketball coach at North Hardin. He is the new head coach.
• Tim Haworth: He is the head coach at Male High School and will be one of Baffour’s assistants.

The team wanted to use local coaches who have won titles before. Why? To help beat La Familia and to reach a new high in TBT!

Important Point: Local coaches with winning experience were chosen on purpose to give The Ville a better shot at winning.

Summary

TBT is almost here with a fresh best-of-three format and a $2 million prize. The Ville (Louisville alumni) and La Familia (Kentucky alumni) will play up to three games starting Saturday. The Ville has a new head coach, Michael Baffour, and assistant Tim Haworth, both local champs. Fans can look forward to familiar faces and a fun basketball fight for the trophy.

FAQ

What does "best-of-three" mean?
It means two teams play up to 3 games. The first team to win 2 games wins the matchup. If one team wins the first two, the third game is not played.

Why is the prize money a big deal?
The winner gets $2 million, which is a lot of money for a summer basketball tournament and makes the games very exciting.

Who are The Ville and La Familia?
They are teams made of former University of Louisville players (The Ville) and former University of Kentucky players (La Familia).

Are the coaches famous?
The Ville’s new head coach, Michael Baffour, won a national title in 2013. His assistant, Tim Haworth, is a high school head coach. They were picked because they know how to win.

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