The TBT team may have signed their best player so far as it looks to win the $2 million prize.
Multiple former Syracuse men's basketball players are already scheduled to represent the school in the "TBT" tournament this summer. On Monday afternoon, former Orange player Wes Johnson was announced as the newest addition to the roster. And he may be the most impactful yet.
Who is Wes Johnson?
A transfer from Iowa State, Johnson became an instant contributor for the Orange once he began his career in Central New York. Before the transfer portal, college athletes were forced to sit out one full season before playing for their new school. Johnson's year practicing with Syracuse, and learning from Hall of Fame head coach Jim Boeheim, proved to be helpful for the rest of his career.
In his lone season with Syracuse, the 6-foot-7 forward helped lead Syracuse to a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and a Sweet 16 appearance. Johnson was named BIG EAST Player of the year and a first team All-American.
In April 2010, Johnson was drafted fourth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Johnson would spent the next 10 seasons in the NBA, including stints with the Los Angles Lakers, Los Angles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Pelicans and Washington Wizards.
Other Boeheim's Army roster moves
As our own Brady Farkas covered this spring, Buddy Boeheim has been confirmed as a player on this year's roster. Boeheim helped lead the Orange to the Sweet 16 during his career in Central New York.
Plus, the most recent Syracuse player drafted into the NBA is also on Boeheim's Army. Elijah Hughes will be a part of the roster this summer. A second round draft pick in 2020, Hughes has played in 54 career NBA games with the Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers.
What is "The Basketball Tournament" (TBT)?
According to the event's website, The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is:
"..a high-energy single elimination tournament that culminates in a $2 million, winner-take-all championship game.
Since tipping off in 2014, TBT has showcased alumni teams from many of the nation’s top programs, including Kentucky, Kansas, UConn, Louisville, Syracuse, Ohio State, Houston, and 2025 Champions, Wichita State. Year after year, the tournament reunites some of college basketball’s biggest stars and fan favorites, bringing them back to campus to compete in front of the same passionate crowds that cheered them on during their college careers. "
New format and Boeheim's Army scheduled games
After having 61 teams in 2025, 'TBT' will feature only 16 teams, with eight alumni teams and eight non-alumni teams competing on two separate sides of a bracket.
The alumni bracket will take place on college campuses across the country.
The eight alumni teams will be matched up in best-of-three series, while the quarterfinals, semifinals and championship will be single-elimination.
The non-alumni bracket will feature eight teams playing from July 23-30 in Las Vegas.
Syracuse will play the Seton Hall alumni team in the first round best-of-three, with Game 1 being held in the Seton Hall home gym. This series will take place from July 21-24.
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