The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is back this summer, and it’s making a stop in Syracuse. If you’re not familiar with TBT, it’s a high-stakes, single-elimination basketball event where teams from all over compete for a cash prize. Think of it like March Madness, but in the summer — and with pro and college alumni teams.

Three teams are preparing to battle it out in the Syracuse Region: Boeheim’s Army, Herkimer Originals, and the Brown Ballers. Their first games tip off on July 19, and each team brings a very different story.

Image Credit: The Juice Online

Boeheim’s Army: The Experienced Favorite

Boeheim’s Army is one of the most well-known teams in TBT history. Named after longtime Syracuse University coach Jim Boeheim, the team is made up mostly of former Syracuse players, along with a few standout athletes from other schools.

This year marks their return after taking last summer off. They come into the tournament with 25 wins, the most of any team playing in 2025, and a strong chance at winning it all again.

The team features stars like Buddy Boeheim, who’s currently playing in the NBA Summer League for the Indiana Pacers, and Frank Mason, who was one of the best college players in the country at Kansas. Buddy is expected to be the team’s top performer, especially with his sharp shooting and scoring ability. Frank will be key in running the team’s offense and making smart decisions with the ball.

The coaching staff includes several familiar Syracuse names, including Allen Griffin

as head coach and Eric Devendorf as an assistant. Even Jim Boeheim himself is involved, helping out behind the scenes as a team supporter.

Boeheim’s Army plays their first game on July 19 at 6 p.m. Eastern, facing the Herkimer Originals.

Herkimer Originals: Looking for a Fresh Start

Image Credit: Herkimer Originals

Last summer was a tough debut for the Herkimer Originals. They scored just 52 points in their only game and made less than one-quarter of their shots. But this year, they’ve overhauled their lineup and are hoping to surprise people.

The only returning player from 2024 is Josh Gregory, who showed solid effort despite the team’s struggles. He’s expected to lead the team this time around.

The player to watch, though, is Sam Sherry, a 6-foot-10 forward from Elon University. Last season, he averaged 14.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, which means he’s comfortable scoring and rebounding, both near the basket and from outside. The Originals plan to run much of their offense through him.

Head coach Dave Golembiowski is working with a completely reshaped roster. While Herkimer is still seen as an underdog, this group is more balanced and better prepared than the team that took the court last summer.

They’ll get a big test in their opening game against Boeheim’s Army, but they’re hoping to prove they belong in the conversation.

Brown Ballers: Underdogs with a Track Record

The Brown Ballers are not your average TBT team. In 2023, when they were known as India’s Rising, they pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the tournament, beating a heavily favored team. Now, they’re hoping to do it again.

This team brings together players from schools in the U.S. and Canada, and they play with a lot of heart. Their best player is Venkatesha Jois, a tough and active forward who scores, rebounds, and defends well despite being slightly smaller than many other big men. He does a little bit of everything.

Another important player is Jasman Sangha, who played college basketball at three different schools. He’s known for his strong shooting, especially from three-point range. Last season, he made over 40% of his shots from deep, which gives the team an important scoring option.

The Brown Ballers have a passionate coaching group led by Arsalin Jamil, and they pride themselves on effort and teamwork, even if they don’t have as many players from big-name colleges.

Their first game is on July 19 at 8 p.m. Eastern, when they face off against the Stars of Storrs, a team made up of former UConn players. The Ballers are hoping their energy and smart play will help them pull off another surprise win.

What to Expect in Syracuse

Whether you’re a basketball fanatic or just curious about the action, the Syracuse Region of TBT is worth paying attention to. You’ll see a mix of college alumni, overseas professionals, and hungry underdogs all chasing a big cash prize and national attention.

July 19 kicks off the action, and from the first game, the drama should be high. Boeheim’s Army brings the star power. Herkimer Originals are looking to bounce back. And the Brown Ballers? They’ve already proven they know how to shock the world.