The Basketball Tournament returns for it’s ninth year and Syracuse is set to host one of the eight regionals once again. New to the Tournament? We’ve got all your quick facts on The Basketball Tournament happening July 22 – 25, 2022 at the SRC Arena.
How it Works
Similar to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, The Basketball Tournament is made up of 64 teams competing. Unlike the NCAA this tournament offers up more than a title, doling out one grand prize of $1 million to the winning team. The first three rounds of the tournament take place at eight regional locations and feature a total of eight teams each. The locations for 2022 are: Syracuse, Wichita (KS), Rucker Park (NYC), Dayton (OH), Omaha (NE), Xavier (OH), New Mexico (Albuquerque) and West Virginia (Charleston). Most of the teams consist of former college or international basketball players. The tournament holds an open application period before selecting which 64 teams will compete.
Boeheim’s Army
One of the original TBT teams from day one of the tournament, Boeheim’s Army primarily consists of Syracuse University basketball alumni. Not only that but they will play host to the Syracuse regional as the reigning TBT Champs after capturing the title during the 2021 tournament. Due to COVID protocols all games were held in one location during 2021, so the BA will be playing in front of a home crowd for the first time since 2019. This year’s roster includes Orange favorites like C.J. Fair, Rakeem Christmas, Tyler Ennis, Marek Dolezaj and Andrew White III, playing alongside non-SU talents like D.J. Kennedy, Deandre Kane, Dee Bost and Kyle Wiltjer. Founding member and 2021 champ, Eric Devendorf, returns to the 2022 team, this time as an Assistant Coach, next to head coach Jeremy Pope and associate head coach Ryan Blackwell.
Elam Ending
Any TBT viewer should know about the Tournament’s signature end-game rules, known as the Elam Ending. Created to keep a high-level of play throughout the final minutes, TBT fully instituted the natural end of game finish in 2018. The rules are that after the first dead ball under four minutes of play, the two teams must try to reach a target score and whoever gets there first wins the game. The target score is determined by adding eight points to the leading team’s score at the time of the dead ball.
Regional Teams in Syracuse
Local fans will want to catch more than just Boeheim’s Army in action over the weekend. The Syracuse Regional also includes alumni teams representing St. Bonaventure, Brown & White, as well as Buffalo, Blue Collar U. Blue Collar U debuted at TBT for the first-time last year and made it all the way to the 2021 semifinals. Brown & White also entered TBT for the first-time in 2021 and is looking for a win playing closer to home and with a large area fan base.
Games to Watch
Area fans and visitors will want to catch more than just our favorite regional teams’ games. Fans might have a tough time choosing between the Buffalo alum team as they take on the NG Saints, an alumni team representing Neumann Goretti High School and featuring Syracuse University’s very own Scoop Jardine and Rick Jackson. Another can’t miss game is Friday Beers vs. Mental Toughness. Previously known as the Armored Athlete team, one of the most successful teams in TBT history, they have now partnered with the comedy platform Friday Beers and will take on Mental Toughness in their second TBT appearance. The Boeheim’s Army opening round game also features another first with their opponent India Rising. This unprecedented team brings together the best Indian-origin players from both the Indian subcontinent and its diaspora.
