K-State Wildcats to host alumni basketball tournament with KU Jayhawks in Kansas City
The popular alumni basketball tournament known as TBT is coming to Kansas City this summer.
Former Kansas State and KU players have agreed to host an eight-team regional in the opening rounds of the event from July 18-23 at Municipal Auditorium.
Purple Reign, a team comprised mostly of former K-State players, will represent the Wildcats at the tournament. And a group of former KU players will play for JHX Hoops.
The K-State and KU alumni teams began TBT with Wichita State at Koch Arena in previous years. But their team leaders organized a regional of their own in downtown Kansas City this time around.
“We’re excited that TBT has decided to make both Kansas City and JHX Hoops a regional host,” said KU alumni team general manager Tyshawn Taylor. “Expanding to Kansas City allows us to interact with more KU fans, and gives them a chance to experience the excitement of TBT. We plan to assemble a great team Jayhawks fans will be eager to see this July.”
Purple Reign general manager Jordan Henriquez thinks a new location will boost interest in the event.
“On behalf of Purple Reign, we’re looking forward to moving to Kansas City this summer,” Henriquez said. “We loved competing in Wichita these past few years, but are eager to connect with K-State fans throughout Kansas. Our players are really excited about us coming to Kansas City, and we look forward to putting together a great team Wildcats fans will be proud of.”
JHX Hoops (pronounced Jayhawks Hoops) was formerly known as Mass Street in TBT. This will be their third straight year in the event after reaching the Sweet 16 in both 2023 and 2024 with former KU players Frank Mason and Dedric Lawson leading the way.
Jacob Pullen and Kamau Stokes have played for Purple Reign in recent years. This will be their ninth time appearing at TBT.
Full rosters will be announced at a later date.
Tickets for the regional will go on sale May 6.
The winner of the Kansas City regional will advance to the TBT quarterfinals. The championship game is set for August 3. The winning team will earn $1 million.
This story was originally published February 25, 2025 at 9:00 AM with the headline "K-State Wildcats to host alumni basketball tournament with KU Jayhawks in Kansas City."