Basketball fans in Lexington are in for a treat as La Familia, the highly anticipated Kentucky Wildcats alumni team, has officially announced its final roster for The Basketball Tournament (TBT). Set to host the Lexington Regional at Rupp Arena from July 19-23, La Familia is generating significant buzz and excitement.
Meet the La Familia TBT Roster
This year’s La Familia roster boasts a dynamic mix of fan favorites and seasoned professionals, all eager to represent the Kentucky Wildcats legacy in the high-stakes TBT environment. Leading the charge is a talented group including:
- Brennan Canada (2019-24): A recent Wildcat, Canada brings fresh energy and familiarity with the Kentucky program.
- Kellan Grady (2021-22): Known for his sharpshooting and scoring prowess, Grady adds offensive firepower to the team.
- Nate Sestina (2019-20): Sestina’s versatility and experience will be valuable assets in TBT competition.
- Aaron Harrison (2013-15) & Andrew Harrison (2013-15): The Harrison twins, iconic figures from their time at Kentucky, return to bring their signature playmaking and intensity.
- James Young (2013-14): A dynamic scorer and former NBA player, Young adds another layer of offensive threat.
- Willie Cauley-Stein (2012-15): An NBA veteran and fan favorite, Cauley-Stein’s athleticism and defensive presence will be crucial.
- Daniel Orton (2009-10) & Eric Bledsoe (2009-10): Bringing NBA experience and veteran leadership, Orton and Bledsoe are key additions to the roster.
- Kerem Kanter (Green Bay/Xavier): The younger brother of Enes Kanter-Freedom, Kanter is the sole player on the roster who didn’t play for Kentucky, adding a unique dimension to the team.
La Familia TBT Team Roster Announcement
Image: La Familia TBT roster graphic showcasing player names and team logo, highlighting the Kentucky Wildcats alumni participating in The Basketball Tournament 2024.
Coaching and Leadership
Guiding La Familia from the sidelines is head coach Tyler Ulis, a beloved figure in Kentucky basketball history. Ulis will be supported by a strong assistant coaching staff, including Darius Miller, Jon Hood, and Sean Woods. The team is expertly managed by general manager Twany Beckham and assistant general manager Sam Malone, ensuring a well-organized and competitive campaign.
Lexington Regional Schedule and Matchups
As the 2-seed in the Lexington Regional, La Familia is positioned for an exciting run in the tournament. Their journey begins on Friday, July 19th, at 8 pm ET against 7-seed 305 Ballers, with the game broadcast live on FS2.
Should La Familia advance, they will face the winner of the matchup between 3-seed WoCo Showtime (Wofford alumni) and 6-seed The Nawf on Sunday, July 21st at 2 pm ET on FOX. The highly anticipated Lexington Regional championship game is set for Tuesday, July 23rd at 9 pm ET on FS1.
The Lexington Regional bracket also includes:
- 1-seed Herd That (Marshall alumni)
- 4-seed War Ready (Auburn Alumni)
- 5-seed D2 Waymakers
- 8-seed Jackson TN Boom
The winner of the Lexington Regional will advance to the quarterfinals to face the winner of the Louisville Regional on July 29th or 30th. The ultimate goal is the semifinals and the $1 million winner-take-all championship game in Philadelphia on August 2nd and 4th.
Support La Familia and Kentucky Student-Athletes
Adding another layer of significance, Club Blue, the official NIL partner of Kentucky Athletics, is partnering with TBT for the Lexington Regional. A portion of ticket sales will directly support Kentucky student-athletes through Club Blue.
For fans eager to witness La Familia in action and support Kentucky basketball, tickets for the Lexington Regional are available at TheTournament.com. Get ready to cheer on La Familia as they compete for the TBT championship and represent the Big Blue Nation! Go Cats!
