The Ville: Louisville’s Alumni Team Has All the Pieces to Win TBT in 2026

Every summer, The Basketball Tournament (TBT) brings together former college stars, professional veterans, and fan-favorite alumni teams for one of the most unique events in basketball. Among the tournament’s most recognizable and passionate programs is The Ville, Louisville’s alumni team that has become a perennial contender since joining TBT in 2023.

Powered by former Cardinals legends, professional experience, and one of the strongest fan bases in the tournament, The Ville enters the 2026 TBT with championship aspirations. With a revamped leadership structure, an experienced roster, and a renewed focus on bringing a title back to Louisville, this could be the year The Ville finally captures the TBT crown.

The Ville’s History in TBT

The Ville made its TBT debut in 2023 and immediately established itself as one of the tournament’s premier alumni teams. The Louisville alumni squad finished with a 2-1 record during its inaugural appearance and demonstrated that it could compete with the nation’s best summer basketball programs.

The team took another significant step forward in 2024. Playing in front of packed crowds at Freedom Hall, The Ville won the Louisville Regional and advanced to the quarterfinals before falling to rival Kentucky alumni team La Familia. Despite the loss, the tournament run helped solidify The Ville as one of TBT’s flagship programs and showcased the tremendous support Louisville fans have for their former Cardinals.

Now entering its fourth season, The Ville is no longer simply a fan-favorite alumni team—it is a legitimate championship contender every time it steps on the floor.

Best Performances in TBT History

2024 Louisville Regional Championship

The greatest run in team history came during the 2024 tournament when The Ville captured the Louisville Regional championship. Led by Russ Smith, Peyton Siva, David Johnson, Chris Jones, and Montrezl Harrell, the Cardinals alumni defeated several talented opponents before advancing to the national quarterfinals.

Freedom Hall Becomes a Home-Court Advantage

One of The Ville’s biggest accomplishments has been transforming Freedom Hall into one of TBT’s premier venues. Louisville fans have consistently produced some of the largest crowds in tournament history, creating a true home-court advantage rarely seen in summer basketball. The atmosphere has helped establish The Ville as one of the most feared teams whenever games are played in Louisville.

Establishing National Respect

In just a few years, The Ville has gone from tournament newcomer to championship contender. Their ability to attract former NBA players, overseas professionals, and Louisville legends has made them one of the most talented teams in every tournament they enter.

Front Office and Coaching Staff

The Ville underwent significant changes heading into the 2026 tournament.

Former Louisville star Russ Smith acquired the rights to The Ville and now serves as General Manager while remaining an active player on the roster. Smith’s vision is to keep the team centered around Louisville alumni while continuing to build a championship-caliber roster.

Michael Baffour, a former Louisville player and successful high school coach, was named head coach for the 2026 tournament. His familiarity with many of the players and the Louisville basketball culture provides continuity and leadership for the program.

The Ville 2026 Roster

Russ Smith

Few players embody Louisville basketball more than Russ Smith. The former national champion remains one of the most explosive scorers in Cardinals history. His ability to create offense, make big shots, and energize the crowd makes him the emotional leader of the team.

Peyton Siva

The floor general of Louisville’s championship teams continues to be one of the smartest players in TBT. Siva’s leadership, passing ability, and experience make him invaluable in close games.

Montrezl Harrell

The former NBA Sixth Man of the Year is one of the most accomplished players in the entire tournament. Harrell brings toughness, rebounding, scoring, and professional-level experience that few opponents can match.

David Johnson

Johnson has emerged as one of The Ville’s most versatile contributors. His size, athleticism, and ability to score from multiple areas of the floor make him a critical piece of the roster.

Chris Jones

One of the toughest guards to ever wear a Louisville uniform, Jones provides perimeter defense, veteran leadership, and playmaking ability.

Jay Scrubb

The former NBA player possesses elite athleticism and scoring ability. If Scrubb gets hot offensively, he can take over a game in a matter of minutes.

Earl Clark

Clark’s versatility and length allow him to impact games at multiple positions. His NBA experience provides another veteran presence in the frontcourt.

Chane Behanan

A key contributor on Louisville’s championship teams, Behanan continues to provide physicality, rebounding, and toughness.

Raymond Spalding

Spalding gives The Ville additional size and rim protection. His length and defensive ability help anchor the frontcourt.

Malik Williams

Williams has developed into a reliable professional big man and provides valuable rebounding and interior defense.

Quinn Slazinski

One of the younger members of the roster, Slazinski brings versatility and outside shooting. His ability to stretch defenses could be a major factor during the tournament.

Chris Dowe

The Bellarmine standout has built a successful professional career overseas and adds additional depth, defense, and perimeter shooting.

David Sloan

The veteran guard gives The Ville another ball-handler and scorer capable of making key plays in pressure situations.

Why The Ville Can Win TBT

Elite Professional Talent

The roster features former NBA players, G-League standouts, and overseas professionals who have competed at the highest levels of basketball. Few teams can match The Ville’s overall talent level.

Louisville Chemistry

Most of the roster consists of former Cardinals who understand Louisville basketball and have built relationships over many years. That chemistry is often a major advantage in a tournament where teams have limited preparation time.

Outstanding Backcourt

Russ Smith, Peyton Siva, Chris Jones, David Johnson, and David Sloan give The Ville one of the deepest guard rotations in TBT. Their ability to create offense and defend multiple positions can overwhelm opponents.

Dominant Frontcourt

Montrezl Harrell, Raymond Spalding, Malik Williams, Earl Clark, Quinn Slazinski, and Chane Behanan provide size, rebounding, and versatility. The Ville has the ability to control the paint against almost any opponent.

Fan Support

No alumni team enjoys a better atmosphere than The Ville when Freedom Hall is packed with Louisville fans. The crowd has become one of the program’s biggest advantages and gives the team an extra boost in close games.

Areas That Need Improvement

Three-Point Consistency

While The Ville has plenty of scorers, consistent perimeter shooting remains important. Teams often pack the paint against Harrell and the frontcourt, making outside shooting critical.

Ball Security

Turnovers can be costly in TBT’s Elam Ending format. The Ville must value every possession against elite competition.

Finishing Close Games

Championship teams execute in crunch time. Identifying consistent late-game scoring options and maintaining composure in pressure situations will be essential.

2026 Outlook

The Ville enters the 2026 TBT with perhaps its most balanced roster ever. The combination of experienced veterans, former NBA talent, elite guards, and frontcourt depth gives Louisville a legitimate chance to win the tournament’s $2 million grand prize. The new leadership group headed by Russ Smith has embraced the challenge of building a championship contender while preserving the team’s Louisville identity.

If The Ville can stay healthy, shoot consistently from the perimeter, and take advantage of its tremendous fan support, there is every reason to believe Louisville’s alumni team can make the deepest tournament run in program history.

Conclusion

The Ville has quickly become one of the premier brands in The Basketball Tournament. With Louisville legends throughout the roster, a passionate fan base, and a championship mentality, the foundation is already in place. The team has come close before, but the 2026 roster may be the most complete version yet.

For Louisville fans, the mission is simple: bring the TBT championship back to the Derby City. With Russ Smith leading the way and one of the deepest rosters in the tournament, The Ville has all the tools necessary to make that dream a reality.