The Indiana men’s basketball alumni team will return to The Basketball Tournament (TBT) this year after debuting in 2024.
TBT is an annual 64-team single elimination basketball tournament in the style of the NCAA Tournament. Since its inception in 2014, TBT’s open tournament format has attracted many alumni teams to compete for its winner take all $1 million prize.
In their first ever TBT, Assembly Ball took down The Cru (Valparaiso alumni) and Men of Mackey (Purdue alumni) before falling to Eberlein Drive in the Butler regional final.
Former Hoosier Christian Watford (2009-13) acted as general manager, and Yogi Ferrell (2012-16) led the team averaging 20.3 points per game.
Watford – now a player/GM – and Ferrell will be joined by 2024 Assembly Ball members and ex-Hoosiers Juwan Morgan (2015-19), Race Thompson (2018-23) and Jordan Hulls (2009-13).
Troy Williams (2013-16) and Noah Vonleh (2013-14) will look to make their on-court debut in 2025 after not appearing in any 2024 games despite being on the roster.
Like last year, Miller Kopp (2021-23) will balance TBT with his participation in the NBA’s Las Vegas Summer League. He’ll join Assembly Ball once his obligation to the Detroit Pistons is fulfilled.
New former Hoosier additions to the 2025 Assembly Ball squad include James Blackmon Jr. (2014-17), Aljami Durham (2017-21) and Luke Fischer (2013-14).
The 15-man squad will be rounded out by Jarron Cumberland (Cincinnati), Julian Gamble (Miami), Jordan King (Richmond) and QJ Peterson (Virginia Military Institute).
Assembly Ball returns to Hinkle Fieldhouse as the #2 seed in a competitive Indianapolis regional that includes All Good Dawgs (Butler alumni) and 2024 TBT champions Carmen’s Crew (Ohio State alumni).
Assembly Ball will begin the tournament Saturday at 4 p.m. against #7 Fail Harder.
