LEXINGTON, KY (June 26, 2024) – Basketball fans are in for a treat as The Basketball Tournament (TBT), the thrilling $1 million winner-take-all summer basketball competition broadcast on FOX Sports, welcomes a new contender: La Familia. This exciting team, composed of Kentucky Wildcats alumni, is set to make its debut in the tournament, and they’ll be hosting the Lexington Regional at the iconic Rupp Arena from July 19-23.
As the second seed in the Lexington Region, La Familia is gearing up to defend their home court advantage. Leading the charge as head coach is Tyler Ulis, a celebrated figure in Kentucky basketball, recognized as the 2016 SEC Player of the Year and a former NBA player. Ulis will be supported by a strong coaching staff including Darius Miller, Jon Hood, and Sean Wright, with Twany Beckham and Sam Malone taking on organizational roles.
The current roster boasts an impressive lineup of former Wildcats, showcasing a blend of recent talent and seasoned veterans:
- Kellan Grady (2021-22)
- Nate Sestina (2019-20)
- Reid Travis (2018-19)
- Andrew Harrison (2013-15)
- James Young (2013-14)
- Willie Cauley-Stein (2012-15)
- Marquis Teague (2011-12)
- Doron Lamb (2010-12)
- Daniel Orton (2009-10)
- Eric Bledsoe (2009-10)
Fans can anticipate further player announcements for La Familia through TBT and the team’s social media channels, adding to the anticipation surrounding their debut.
Alt text: La Familia TBT team announcement graphic featuring team logo, coaching staff including Tyler Ulis, and initial player roster of Kentucky alumni for The Basketball Tournament Lexington Regional.
The Lexington Regional promises intense competition with a diverse field of teams:
- Herd That (Marshall alumni) – #1 seed
- WoCo Showtime (Wofford alumni) – #3 seed
- War Ready (Auburn Alumni) – #4 seed
- D2 Waymakers – #5 seed
- The Nawf – #6 seed
- 305 Ballers – #7 seed
- Jackson TN Boom – #8 seed
La Familia’s journey in the tournament begins on Friday, July 19, at 8 p.m. ET against 305 Ballers, with the game broadcast live on FS2. Should La Familia advance, they are slated to face the winner of WoCo Showtime and The Nawf in the second round on Sunday, July 21 at 2 p.m. ET on FOX. The Lexington Regional championship game is set for Tuesday, July 23 at 9 p.m. ET on FS1, promising high-stakes basketball action.
Adding another layer to the Lexington Regional is a partnership between Club Blue, the official NIL partner of Kentucky Athletics, and TBT. A portion of all ticket sales at Rupp Arena will contribute to Club Blue, directly supporting Kentucky student-athletes, making it a win-win for fans and the university’s athletic program.
The stakes are high for the Lexington Regional winner, as they will advance to play the winner of the Louisville Regional in the quarterfinals on July 29 or 30 (official details to be confirmed). The tournament culminates in the semifinals and the coveted $1 million championship game on August 2 and August 4 in Philadelphia at the Daskalakis Athletic Center.
For those eager to witness La Familia’s debut and the excitement of the Lexington Regional, further information and ticket purchasing are available at TheTournament.com.
About The Basketball Tournament
Known for its innovative Elam Ending®, The Basketball Tournament has evolved into a premier summer sports event. Originating as a unique concept, TBT now boasts national recognition, significant social media engagement, and regional championships nationwide. The tournament annually draws top-tier basketball talent, all vying for the $1 million prize. For more details on TBT’s eleventh season, please visit www.thetournament.com.
