A JMU alumni team, the Founding Fathers, will compete in the 2025 version of The Basketball Tournament (TBT). Here’s what JMU fans should know about the upcoming event, which will include a regional in Harrisonburg at the Atlantic Union Bank Center. 

What is TBT?

In its 12th year, TBT is a 64-team tournament with eight regionals. The winner of the 64-team tournament, which takes place over the summer, receives $1 million to split among participants. The prize money entices some good basketball players to compete in the event. 

JMU’s alumni team has participated in the event previously, but the Founding Fathers have yet to advance out of the first round.

When does TBT start?

July! The Harrisonburg Regional will begin on July 18 and end on July 22. 

So, the AUBC will host a regional? How’d that happen?

That’s right. Charlottesville was going to host a regional, but a UVA alumni team was led by Kyle Guy. With coaching turnover at Virginia, Guy wasn’t retained by new head coach Ryan Odom. That left the UVA team in limbo, and TBT shifted gears looking for a new host in Virginia. With JMU right down the road from UVA, the AUBC and Harrisonburg made for a perfect replacement. 

Tickets for the regional are on sale now. 

Who is in JMU’s region?

TBT’s website currently has eight teams in JMU’s region, including a Penn State alumni team and a Maryland alumni team. The Dukes open play on July 18 at 8 p.m. against NXT ERA ELITE. 

Who will play for the Founding Fathers?

The roster isn’t entirely set, but several roster members have been announced:

• Mark Freeman, G
• Stuckey Mosley, G
• Scooter Renkin, G
• Andrew Nation, G
• Justin Kier, G
• Terell Strickland, G
• Jarrell Pope, G
• Alonzo Sule, PF
• Emmanuel Wembi, PF
• Elijah Hutchins-Everett, F/C

Joe Kuykendall, a JMU alumnus, is the team’s GM/assistant coach. Kevin Alrbight will handle GM and head coaching duties as well.

The team’s frontcourt depth has improved in recent weeks, and adding Wembi (Lenoir-Rhyne alumnus) strengthens the forward position. Wembi plays professionally overseas and has valuable recent experience. On paper, the Dukes’ backcourt is the strength of the team. Freeman, Mosley, Nation, and Kier are good scorers, while Strickland is a great facilitator. 

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications