By: Josh Goldfine

Friday, July 23

(5) The Money Team vs. (12) The Region, 2p EDT, ESPN3

Backed by boxer Floyd Mayerweather, The Money Team aims for retribution after a disappointing first-round loss to Herd That last summer. This year’s roster is loaded with talented TBT veterans Jordon Crawford, Jeff Ledbetter and Jonathan Simmons, who all know how to win in this format. The Region is made up of players from Gary, Indiana and looks to finally break through with its first-ever TBT win in its fifth tournament appearance. Leading the way is Donald Sloan, the former NBA guard who formerly starred for Eberlein Drive.

(4) Team Hines vs. (13) Brown & White, 4p EDT, ESPN3

After a one-year hiatus, international sensation Kyle Hines returns to TBT in the hopes that his squad can avoid last year’s first-round upset loss to eventual runner-up Sideline Cancer.  Former TBT champion Justin Burrell is a defensive and rebounding force who creates havoc for the opposition. Brown & White is a St. Bonaventure alumni squad making its TBT debut. Dion Wright and Demitrius Conger give the Bonnies alumni their best chance to pull off the first-round upset.

(8) Men of Mackey vs. (9) Ballinteers, 7p EDT, ESPN

This is an intriguing first-round matchup of high-profile alumni teams. Men of Mackey is a Purdue alumni squad hoping to build off a strong debut in TBT last summer. Seven-foot-three Isaac Haas fills the middle, and Robbie Hummel, a former three-time All-Big Ten Honoree, can score in bunches. The Ballinteers represent the University of Tennessee and look to make a strong impression in their TBT debut. Sharp-shooting guard Chris Lofton gives the Volunteer alumni squad a chance to advance. 

(1) Carmen’s Crew vs. (15) Mid-American Unity, 9p EDT, ESPN

One year removed from winning TBT, Carmen’s Crew fell to House of ‘Paign in its first game last summer. This year, the Buckeyes alumni squad hopes to right the ship behind TBT veterans William Buford, David Lighty and the sharp-shooting Jon Diebler. Mid-American Unity has made several appearances in TBT over the years and always brings a formidable squad.One year removed from winning TBT, Carmen’s Crew fell to House of ‘Paign in its first game last summer. This year, the Buckeyes alumni squad hopes to right the ship behind TBT veterans William Buford, David Lighty and the sharp-shooting Jon Diebler. Mid-American Unity has made several appearances in TBT over the years and always brings a formidable squad.

Saturday, July 24

(7) Wolf Blood vs. (10) Category 5, 1p EDT, ESPN3

This is a matchup of two alumni squads that are new to TBT. Wolf Blood, a North Carolina State alumni team, will count on strong play from C.J. Williams and Scott Wood. Category 5 is a University of Miami alumni team. Former NBA wing man Davon Reed, along with TBT veterans Rion Brown and Malcolm Grant, give this squad reason to believe it can play deep into the tournament.

(2) Red Scare vs. (15) BC Vahakni City, 3p EDT, ESPN3

Red Scare, a Dayton alumni squad, has advanced further in each of its two TBT appearances, falling in last summer’s semi-finals to the eventual champion Golden Eagles. The roster is once again deep and primed for a deep tournament run which would end back home in Dayton, the site of the final three rounds of this year’s tournament. Trey Landers and Ryan Mikesell provide the youth, while veterans Devin Oliver and Darrell Davis add veteran leadership. BC Vahakni City is one of the more interesting teams in TBT history. Darious Clark led his team to an Armenian A-league title last year and brings teammates Tade Keshishyan, Jason Watts II and Travele Long in an attempt to translate the international success to TBT.

(6) Blue Collar U vs. (11) The Nerd Team, 6p EDT, ESPN2

This is a matchup of two first-time TBT entrants. Blue Collar is a University of Buffalo alumni squad that is reuniting the best players from the school’s recent NCAA Tournament runs. Nick Perkins will fill the lane, C.J. Massinburg will distribute and Jeremy Harris will knock down shots. The Nerd Team prides itself on having players “from some of the top academic institutions who value the academic rigor while excelling on the court and in the community.” Former Harvard star Kyle Casey and former University of Rochester player and European veteran John DeBartolomeo make this team a tough out.

(3) Zip ‘Em Up vs. (14) Ohio 1804, 8p EDT, ESPN2

This is a matchup of midwestern alumni squads making their respective TBT debuts. Zip ‘Em Up is a Xavier alumni team that will lean on four-year star J.P. Macura and former NBA player Trevon Blueitt. Ohio1804 is an Ohio Bobcats alumni squad. Reggie Keely, Stevie Taylor and Nick Kellogg took the team to the 2012 Sweet 16 and are reuniting to have a chance at another deep tournament run together this summer.