Ayrton Oneill
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is an annual, open-invitation, single-elimination tournament with a cash prize for the winners. It was founded in 2014 by real estate developer and TV producer Jonathan Mugar. The number of teams participating has varied over the years, ranging from 24 teams in 2020 to 97 teams in 2015. The tournament has featured current and former NBA and WNBA players, with alumni teams from Buffalo, Marquette, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Syracuse claiming victories. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) holds the record for the most NCAA Division I men's basketball championships, with 11 national titles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tournament Name | The Basketball Tournament (TBT) |
| Tournament Type | Single-elimination tournament |
| Location | United States |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Participants | 64 teams (varies) |
| Eligibility | Open invitation |
| Prize | Cash prize ($1 million in 2024) |
| Notable Participants | NBA players, WNBA players, college basketball players |
| Past Winners | Notre Dame, Overseas Elite, Buffalo, Marquette, Syracuse, Ohio State |
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What You'll Learn
The Basketball Tournament (TBT)
The tournament features a cash prize for the winning team, which was originally $500,000 in 2014 but has since increased to $1 million in recent years. The prize money is distributed among the winning team's personnel. In addition to the top prize, there are also awards for the top 1,000 bracket entries submitted by fans, with the winner receiving $4,000. The tournament has attracted the participation of current and former NBA and WNBA players, such as Hakim Warrick, Jason Williams, Dahntay Jones, and Nikki Teasley.
In the inaugural TBT championship in 2014, the Notre Dame Fighting Alumni team emerged as the champions, defeating Team Barstool with a score of 72-68. The following year, in 2015, Overseas Elite claimed the title by defeating Team 23 with a score of 67-65. Overseas Elite successfully defended their title in 2016, defeating Team Colorado 77-72 and taking home the $2 million prize.
The tournament has continued to thrive and evolve since its inception, with various teams and players achieving success. In 2019, the tournament introduced additional prizes beyond the overall winner's purse, with each regional winner receiving a share of their region's ticket proceeds. TBT has also served as a platform for the reunion of professional players under their former college or university names, fostering a competitive and nostalgic atmosphere.
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NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is an annual open-invitation, single-elimination tournament played during the summer in the United States. It was founded in 2014 by real estate developer and TV producer Jonathan Mugar and has since been aired on Fox and its sister network, Fox Sports 1. The tournament features a large number of teams, with a record 97 teams participating in 2015, and a usual 64-team field in recent years. The participating teams are arranged by the general manager, often based on the college basketball program the players competed for.
TBT has attracted several current and former NBA and WNBA players, including Hakim Warrick, Jason Williams, Nikki Teasley, and Greg Oden. The tournament has also seen increased involvement from active NBA players and alumni teams. The winners of the tournament receive a cash prize, with the 2024 tournament awarding $1 million to the winning team.
The inaugural TBT championship in 2014 was won by the Notre Dame Fighting Alumni, who defeated Team Barstool 72-68. The MVP of the game was Tyrone Nash, a former Fighting Irish player. In 2015, Overseas Elite claimed the TBT title by defeating Team 23, 67-65. The MVP of the game was D. J. Kennedy, a former St. John's college basketball player. Overseas Elite successfully defended their title in 2016, defeating Team Colorado 77-62, with Arizona alumnus Kyle Fogg being named MVP.
The NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship is a prestigious tournament that crowns the top men's college basketball team in the nation. The tournament has a rich history, with past winners including Louisville in 2013, although their participation was later vacated by the Committee on Infractions. The upcoming championship in 2026 will be held in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, with the field of 68 teams vying for the championship title.
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Oregon wins inaugural NCAA tournament
The Oregon Ducks men's basketball team has a rich history in the NCAA Division I. In 1939, Oregon won the inaugural NCAA men's basketball national championship under the guidance of coach Howard Hobson. This triumph set the tone for the program's future success, and the Ducks have since established themselves as a formidable force in college basketball.
Over the years, the Oregon Ducks men's basketball team has continued to build on their initial triumph, making the NCAA Tournament 19 times and securing eight conference championships along the way. The Ducks reached the Final Four in 2004 and 2017, showcasing their consistency and determination. The 2015-2016 season was particularly remarkable, as the Ducks clinched the Pac-12 Conference Tournament title, further cementing their reputation as a top-tier program.
The University of Oregon's basketball team has a long and proud history, dating back to their first season in 1902-1903. While they lost their initial games against Corvallis State Agricultural College (now Oregon State), the Ducks persevered and laid the foundation for future success. The team's hard work and dedication have paid off, as evidenced by their numerous achievements and deep NCAA Tournament runs.
In addition to the men's basketball team's accomplishments, the Oregon State women's basketball team has also tasted victory. In their inaugural season in the West Coast Conference, the Beavers clinched the tournament championship, dethroning the two-time defending champion Portland with a decisive 59-46 victory. This triumph showcased the depth and talent of the Oregon basketball program across both the men's and women's teams.
While the Oregon Ducks have experienced setbacks and challenges throughout their history, they have consistently demonstrated resilience and a fighting spirit. The program has produced notable alumni, including NBA star Kevin Love, and has been known for its creative uniform, helmet, and logo designs, thanks to a close partnership with Oregon-based Nike. The Ducks' success on the court, combined with their innovative branding, has solidified their place as one of the most prominent and recognizable college basketball programs in the nation.
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UCLA wins the most NCAA titles
UCLA has had a storied history in collegiate sports, with its athletes consistently performing at an elite level in their sports, studies, and public service. This well-rounded approach has translated to success on the field and in the community, with UCLA students, alumni, and fans rallying around Bruin pride.
UCLA's men's basketball team has been particularly dominant, winning the NCAA championship an impressive 11 times as of 2022. The Bruins, as they are known, began their historic run in the 1963-64 season, going undefeated and claiming their first national championship. They then won back-to-back championships in 1965, as part of a remarkable stretch that saw them win 10 national titles in 12 years.
UCLA's success in men's basketball can be largely attributed to the teachings of coach John Wooden, who arrived at the university in 1949. Coach Wooden emphasized preparation, believing that true success comes from being at your best when it is required. This philosophy has clearly left a lasting impact on UCLA's athletic program, with the university continuing to build on its legacy of excellence.
Some of UCLA's notable alumni include basketball greats such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, as well as Jackie Robinson and Troy Aikman, who excelled in other sports. UCLA is the only university to have had a No. 1 overall pick in almost every major league draft, and its student-athletes have won prestigious awards like the Heisman Trophy, the Wooden Award, and the Golden Spikes Award.
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TBT's NBA player involvement
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) has seen a lot of NBA involvement since its inception in 2014. While players currently on NBA rosters are not allowed to participate, several current and former NBA players have been involved in the league in different capacities.
In 2016, NBA players like John Wall, Kristaps Porzingis, Rudy Gay, Shaun Livingston, Chandler Parsons, and Austin Rivers served as boosters for various teams. A booster, in TBT terminology, is someone who helps the team off the court, such as by soliciting fan support. The following year, Carmelo Anthony hosted the tournament in Baltimore, where he played high school basketball.
In 2019, TBT witnessed even greater participation from NBA players. Chris Paul and DeMarcus Cousins entered teams, while Bobby Portis and Andre Drummond coached TBT sides. Additionally, Kyle Lowry and Obi Toppin have shown their support for teams as active NBA players.
TBT has also featured several former NBA players, including Hakim Warrick, Jason Williams, Dahntay Jones, Mike Bibby, Royal Ivey, Matt Bonner, Jimmer Fredette, and Brian Scalabrine. The tournament has become a melting pot of basketball talents, attracting players from various leagues and divisions, including Euroleague imports and former Division I standouts.
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Frequently asked questions
Louisville won the 2013 tournament, however, the NCAA vacated the title in 2018 due to a 2015 sex scandal involving recruits.
Notre Dame Fighting Alumni won the inaugural TBT championship, defeating Team Barstool 72-68.
TBT is an open-invitation, single-elimination tournament played each summer in the United States. The winning team receives a cash prize.
Five alumni teams have won TBT: Buffalo, Marquette, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Syracuse.
