JHX Hoops vs. Purple Reign Game Details

Series: The Basketball Tournament – Kansas Alumni vs. Kansas State Alumni Rivalry

Game 1: Tuesday, July 21, 2026 | 8:00 PM CTLocation: Bramlage Coliseum, Manhattan, KSTickets: Available Now

Game 2: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 7:00 PM CT (Time Subject to Change)Location: Lee Arena, Wichita, KSTickets: Available Now

Game 3 (If Necessary): Friday, July 24, 2026 | 8:00 PM CTLocation: Bramlage Coliseum, Manhattan, KS

JHX Hoops vs. Purple Reign Prediction & Matchup Preview

One of the Sunflower State’s fiercest rivalries takes center stage in The Basketball Tournament as JHX Hoops (Kansas Alumni) battles Purple Reign (Kansas State Alumni) in a highly anticipated best-of-three series. The rivalry between the Jayhawks and Wildcats has produced memorable moments for decades, and this alumni showdown brings together former collegiate stars who have continued their careers across the professional basketball world.

The series opens inside Bramlage Coliseum before shifting to Lee Arena for Game 2. If necessary, the deciding Game 3 returns to Manhattan, where Kansas State fans will look to help Purple Reign advance in front of a home crowd.

JHX Hoops enters the tournament with a veteran roster featuring former Kansas standouts who have built successful careers in the NBA, G League, and international basketball.

Leading the Jayhawks is former National Player of the Year Frank Mason III. After another professional season with Limoges CSP in France, Mason remains one of the most accomplished point guards in college basketball history. His leadership, toughness, and ability to score in clutch moments make him the unquestioned leader of JHX Hoops.

Marcus Garrett brings elite perimeter defense and versatility after competing with the Greensboro Swarm in the G League. A former National Defensive Player of the Year, Garrett’s ability to guard multiple positions gives Kansas a valuable two-way contributor capable of impacting every possession.

Zeke Mayo adds another scoring threat following his time with the Cleveland Charge. After starring for Kansas during his collegiate career, Mayo provides perimeter shooting, athleticism, and offensive creativity that complements Mason’s playmaking.

Inside, Thomas Robinson anchors the frontcourt after continuing his professional career with Leones de Ponce in Puerto Rico. Robinson remains one of the most physical rebounders in the tournament and gives JHX Hoops an experienced interior presence capable of controlling the paint on both ends of the floor.

Head coach Sherron Collins, another legendary Kansas guard, leads a coaching staff that includes assistant coach Braden Griffiths and general manager Stephanie Temple. Together, they have assembled a roster built around experience, toughness, and championship pedigree.

Purple Reign counters with a Kansas State alumni team featuring star power and athleticism led by one of the most accomplished players in Wildcats history.

Michael Beasley headlines the roster after continuing his professional career in Puerto Rico with Cangrejeros de Santurce. The former NBA lottery pick remains one of the most gifted offensive players to ever wear a Kansas State uniform. His ability to score from anywhere on the floor makes him a constant mismatch for opposing defenses.

Joining Beasley is Xavier Sneed, who most recently played professionally in Italy with Pallacanestro Cantù. Sneed provides outstanding perimeter defense, three-point shooting, and versatility while serving as one of Purple Reign’s most reliable two-way players.

Purple Reign’s leadership extends beyond the court as Martavious Irving and Jordan Henriquez-Roberts help oversee basketball operations as general managers. Their staff also includes assistant coaches Clent Stewart, Jonathan Hoard Martinez, and Noah Jacobson, creating a group dedicated to building Kansas State’s alumni program into a consistent TBT contender.

Although Purple Reign currently features a smaller announced roster than Kansas, the Wildcats possess proven star power capable of making every game competitive.

The Matchup Context: Kansas’ Depth vs. Kansas State’s Star Power

JHX Hoops enters the series with the advantage in overall depth and roster balance. Frank Mason III directs the offense, Marcus Garrett provides elite defense, Zeke Mayo stretches the floor, and Thomas Robinson controls the paint, giving Kansas experienced contributors at every level of the lineup.

Purple Reign’s path to victory begins with Michael Beasley. Few players in TBT possess Beasley’s scoring ability, and if he finds an offensive rhythm early, he has the talent to carry Kansas State through difficult stretches. Xavier Sneed’s defensive versatility will also be critical in slowing Kansas’ talented backcourt.

The rivalry atmosphere should produce an intense, physical series where rebounding, defensive execution, and late-game shot making ultimately determine the winner.

If Kansas can utilize its depth and balanced attack, JHX Hoops will have the edge. If Beasley dominates offensively and Purple Reign wins the battle inside, Kansas State has the star power to pull off the upset.

Players to Watch

JHX Hoops (Kansas Alumni)

Frank Mason III: Former National Player of the Year whose leadership, scoring, and playmaking drive Kansas’ offense.

Marcus Garrett: Elite defender capable of disrupting opposing guards while contributing offensively.

Thomas Robinson: Physical rebounder and interior scorer who controls the paint.

Zeke Mayo: Athletic guard who provides perimeter scoring and offensive versatility.

Purple Reign (Kansas State Alumni)

Michael Beasley: One of the most talented scorers in TBT capable of taking over games offensively.

Xavier Sneed: Versatile wing who contributes on both ends with defense, shooting, and athleticism.

The Verdict

Prediction: JHX Hoops wins the series 2-1

The renewed Kansas-Kansas State rivalry should produce one of the most entertaining series of the opening round. Purple Reign has enough star power, particularly with Michael Beasley leading the way, to challenge any opponent and potentially force a deciding third game.

However, Kansas’ combination of veteran leadership, roster depth, and overall balance gives JHX Hoops a slight advantage. Frank Mason III’s experience running an offense, Marcus Garrett’s elite perimeter defense, Thomas Robinson’s physical interior play, and Zeke Mayo’s scoring versatility provide Kansas with multiple ways to win.

Expect an emotional rivalry series filled with physical basketball, momentum swings, and outstanding individual performances before JHX Hoops ultimately advances.

Series Pick: JHX Hoops advances 2-1

Key Advantage: Kansas’ superior depth, veteran leadership, and balanced lineup in late-game situations.