It’s game day for Big Blue Nation.
Kentucky fans will get another chance to watch some familiar faces as La Familia, the Kentucky alumni team, opens its 2026 The Basketball Tournament (TBT) campaign against Louisville alumni squad The Ville on Saturday at Memorial Coliseum in Lexington.
This year’s tournament features a new format, with the field reduced to 16 teams. Instead of a single-elimination opening round, teams will compete in a best-of-three series before advancing to the traditional winner-take-all bracket for the tournament’s $2 million grand prize.
La Familia’s roster includes several former Kentucky stars, led by Willie Cauley-Stein, Andrew Harrison, DeAndre Liggins, Kahlil Whitney, and others. Former Wildcat Jon Hood will guide the team as head coach.
Kentucky fans were hoping to see Archie Goodwin in the opener, but he will miss Game 1 because of scheduling conflicts. The good news for La Familia is that Goodwin is expected to be available for Game 2 of the series.
The team has also dealt with several challenges leading into the tournament. Former Kentucky guard Kerr Kriisa is no longer with the team following his legal issues, while Reid Travis and Quade Green also withdrew from the roster shortly before the tournament began.
Despite those setbacks, La Familia still enters the event with plenty of experienced talent and hopes of making a deep run. A victory over longtime rival Louisville would provide the perfect start and build momentum for the rest of the tournament.
TBT Schedule
Game 1: Saturday, July 18 — 12:00 p.m. ET at Memorial Coliseum (Lexington) — FOX
Game 2: Monday, July 20 — 7:00 p.m. ET at Freedom Hall (Louisville) — FS1
Game 3 (if necessary): Wednesday, July 22 — 6:00 p.m. ET at Memorial Coliseum (Lexington) — FS1
The Kentucky-Louisville rivalry never loses its intensity, no matter the season. With experienced Wildcats, a passionate home crowd, and a chance to advance in the TBT, La Familia has an opportunity to remind everyone why this rivalry continues to capture the attention of Big Blue Nation.
