Your one-stop shop for everything related to Louisville TBT, a Louisville basketball alumni team competing for $1 million.
A group of Louisville basketball alumni and players with local ties team up beginning this week to take on The Basketball Tournament (TBT) for the first time.
Though it’s the 10th anniversary of TBT’s winner-take-all contest, many fans of The Ville are not likely to know how things work.
With that in mind, let’s preview The Ville and the entire TBT prior to the opening round games in Freedom Hall on Tuesday.
TBT format
TBT is a 64-team winner-take-all tournament comprised of former college and professional players competing for their share of the $1 million prize.
Anyone who isn’t currently in the NBA is eligible to participate in TBT, though the tournament is very selective about the teams it chooses.
The Elam Ending
As a basketball fan, you’ll find that much of the TBT play is quite similar to the college game. However, the end of the game is far different than what you’re used to.
With 4 minutes left in the game, play is paused and a “Target Score” is set.
In TBT, the target score is 8 points higher than the winning team’s total score. I.e. the game is stopped with the score at 80-70. The first team to get to 88 wins the game.
The Elam Ending ensures that every game ends on a made basket. The game becomes less about fouling and time management, and more focused on either simply scoring or stopping the opponent. It presents unique scenarios where teams often come from behind to win and games often end on a dramatic shot to advance.
Roster and Depth Chart
PG- Peyton Siva or Chris Dowe / Russ Smith
SG- Russ Smith / Omar Prewitt / Dylan Avare
W- Kyle Kuric / Wayne Blackshear/ Luke Hancock*
F- Nick Mayo / Rakeem Buckles / Chane Behanan / Kyle Kuric
F/C- Chinanu Onuaku / Nick Mayo
Siva and Smith tandem still a legit threat
It’s been a decade since Peyton Siva and Russ Smith led Louisville to back-to-back Final Fours and a national title.
Since then, a lot has happened. Both had stints in the NBA and G-League, and both hit their strides overseas as excellent professional players.
Smith put up astronomical numbers playing in China.
Siva is a husband and father who just replanted his roots with his family in Louisville. Smith has been in and out of professional leagues and is currently seeing success in the bourbon industry with his brand, Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
Smith’s jersey was retired in 2022. Siva was recognized for his part on the ‘13 title team in the spring.
Both players have another decade of wear and tear on their bodies. The leaping ability isn’t what it once was. However, what hasn’t changed is the duo’s ability to score, distribute, make plays off of each other, and form one of the scariest backcourt duos in TBT.
Siva adopted a strict diet upon his return to Louisville and is a trimmer version of what he was in college. Smith, meanwhile, is doing russdiculous things, untethered by the limitations of a typical human body. He sat out most of this season due to injury, but his return to action has risen to his usual level of play. When the lights are brightest, expect Smith to be more than ready.
Louisville TBT Podcast with TBT Expert Andrew Zoldan
Expect Louisville TBT fans to “adopt” the non-alumni
There are three players on The Ville roster who have local ties but didn’t suit up for Louisville basketball during their college careers.
The most important common thread between two players is their experience in TBT.
Many will be familiar with Bellarmine alumnus Chris Dowe. Once dominant for the Knights under Scott Davenport, Dowe has gone on to have a sensational pro career.
Siva and Smith may be the starting backcourt, but Dowe is every bit as deserving to receive playing time.
The player fans likely know of the least may have the greatest impact for The Ville. Nick Mayo is the leading scorer in Eastern Kentucky program history. He’s gone on to work his way to the highest level of play in Japan as a polished forward who is a skilled ball handler and shooter.
Mayo anchored another team with bluegrass roots, Eberlein Drive, a season ago and was the star for a squad that went to the round of 8.
He has an above-average outside shot, passes well out of his position, and demonstrates versatility as a power forward or center.
After The Ville’s loss of likely starter Earl Clark, Mayo’s impact should be felt even more during TBT.
Omar Prewitt is a potential difference-maker for Louisville TBT.
Making his tournament debut, Prewitt will be the least talked about guard initially, but could make a massive splash for the squad.
A Kentucky native, Prewitt was an all-conference player at William and Mary before beginning a successful career overseas.
One common thread between Siva, Smith, and Dowe is that they lack size at the guard spot. Prewitt is 6’7″ with the ability to man the point, get to the basket, and distribute at a high level.
Though Dowe, Mayo, and Prewitt never suited up for Louisville basketball in college, their impacts may be felt as much- if not more- than any other players on this squad.
One guy is a big play or an Elam Ending buzzer beater away from joining Louisville lore as a legendary figure.
Also Read: Louisville football summer recruiting roundup
How to watch Game 1
- When: Tuesday, Jul. 25 at 7:00 p.m. EST.
- Where: Freedom Hall | Louisville, Ky.
- TV/ Stream: ESPN+ | Streaming on ESPN App/WatchESPN; fuboTV (link)
- Radio (Louisville): 93.9 FM
Up-to-date TBT bracket:
