In an exciting announcement, LA News Center has just revealed that The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is gracing our screens on FS1 and FS2 with a multi-year agreement. Brace yourself for a basketball fiesta unlike any other, where intense competition rages on for a staggering million prize!
What’s The Basketball Tournament All About?
Picture this: 64 teams, open to all, battling it out in a single-elimination tournament that has graced our summers since 2014. For 11 years, TBT has been showering its champions with over million in prize money, leaving an impact on the basketball world.
Teams that have hoisted the TBT trophy include alumni squads from renowned universities such as Notre Dame, Syracuse, Marquette, Ohio State, and the University of Buffalo. But hold on tight, because the Overseas Elite, featuring Errick, brother of NBA superstar CJ McCollum, has made its mark as a four-time defending champion from 2015 to 2018, boasting an impressive 29-0 record.
Introducing the Game-Changing Elam Ending
TBT holds the distinction of being the birthplace of the Elam Ending, an innovative game-ending concept that’s been adopted by the NBA All-Star Game, G League overtime, and various events worldwide. Its goal? To eliminate the scramble and maintain a more natural flow towards the finish line.
Here’s how it works: when the fourth quarter hits, the game clock bids farewell. Instead, a “Target Score” is set, which is the leading team’s score plus 8 points. The first team to reach that magic number seals the victory. No more clock-killing tactics, just pure, unadulterated basketball!
Nick Elam, a basketball superfan and the mastermind behind the Elam Ending, formulated his idea out of sheer frustration with the lackluster endings he witnessed in NCAA Tournament games. He envisioned a better way—one that would keep spectators on the edge of their seats until the final basket.
TBT embraced Elam’s proposal, first implementing it as a test in 2017 and making it an integral part of all its games starting in 2018. The result? Electrifying moments and an unforgettable experience for basketball enthusiasts everywhere.
Who’s Played in TBT?
The tournament has welcomed a star-studded cast over the years, with notable names like Jimmer Fredette, Jared Sullinger, Greg Oden, Joe Johnson, and Russ Smith gracing its court. Last year alone, TBT featured 75 players with NBA experience, making it an all-star rendezvous.
Get Ready for TBT 2024
This summer, TBT is set to unleash a thrilling tournament with eight regionals, each hosted by a powerhouse college basketball program’s alumni team. Here are the tantalizing locations:
- University of Kentucky | Rupp Arena | July 19-24 | Lexington, KY
- West Virginia University | WVU Coliseum | July 19-24 | Morgantown, WV
- University of Louisville | KFC Yum! Center | July 19-24 | Louisville, KY
- University of Kansas | Allen Fieldhouse | July 21-23 | Lawrence, KS
- Ohio State University | Value City Arena | July 21-23 | Columbus, OH
- University of Oklahoma | Lloyd Noble Center | July 22-23 | Norman, OK
- University of Maryland | XFINITY Center | July 23-24 | College Park, MD
- Notre Dame | Purcell Pavilion | July 23-24 | South Bend, IN
The regional battles will rage on from July 19th to 24th, with the champion of each region advancing to the electrifying quarterfinals on July 29th and 30th. The semifinals will take place on August 2nd, leading up to the grand finale on August 4th, where one team will emerge victorious and claim the coveted million prize.
Big Names to Watch in TBT 2024
Prepare yourself for another stellar lineup this year, with former NBA players Eric Bledsoe, Willie Cauley-Stein, Russ Smith, and Montrezl Harrell joining the fray. As the tournament nears, TBT will tease us with even more exciting player announcements through their social media channels.
Mark your calendars, gather your crew, and get ready to witness basketball at its most exhilarating as The Basketball Tournament lights up our screens this summer! Whether you’re a die-hard college basketball fan, an NBA enthusiast, or just a lover of pure athleticism, TBT is an event you won’t want to miss.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
