Kentucky Basketball Alumni Team La Familia Returns for Year 2 in The Basketball Tournament with Renewed Chemistry and Championship Aspirations
The University of Kentucky has long been regarded as a breeding ground for elite basketball talent. From national championships to NBA stardom, the program has consistently churned out players who excel at every level of the game. Now, many of those alumni are reuniting once again under the banner of “La Familia,” Kentucky’s official alumni team, as they prepare for their second run in The Basketball Tournament (TBT). After a respectable showing in their debut last year, Year 2 promises to be more intense, more personal, and more representative of what Kentucky basketball truly stands for.
La Familia was formed not just as a competitive squad for TBT, but as a symbol of the enduring bonds created through the Kentucky basketball experience. The name “La Familia” isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s a code that connects generations of Wildcats, stretching from the days of Pat Riley to the modern stars of the NBA. For many of the players, this team isn’t just about winning a summer tournament; it’s about pride, legacy, and continuing the Kentucky tradition in a unique and meaningful way.
Returning for Year 2 are several familiar faces who made up the core of last year’s inaugural La Familia team. Key among them is Marcus Lee, the high-energy forward known for his rim protection and athleticism. Lee has taken on more of a leadership role heading into this summer’s tournament, emphasizing the importance of chemistry and continuity. In interviews, he’s made it clear: last year was the foundation. This year, the group is aiming for a championship.
Also back in the fold are veterans like Ramon Harris and Dominique Hawkins—players whose impact at Kentucky went beyond the stat sheet. Harris brings defensive grit and experience, while Hawkins is known for his tenacity and clutch performances during his college years. Their inclusion in the team ensures that La Familia isn’t just composed of high-flying scorers but also the kind of blue-collar competitors that made Kentucky’s teams in the 2010s so tough.
One of the most intriguing additions for this year’s team is Willie Cauley-Stein, the former NBA lottery pick and defensive stalwart from the 2014-15 Kentucky team that went 38-1. Cauley-Stein’s presence adds immediate size, skill, and credibility to the roster. His ability to guard multiple positions and anchor the defense makes La Familia a legitimate threat against any TBT opponent. More importantly, he embodies the evolution of Kentucky basketball—an athletic big who can run the floor, switch defensively, and protect the rim.
Alongside Cauley-Stein, La Familia is expected to welcome other notable alums, depending on availability and scheduling. With the ever-changing dynamics of pro basketball, from NBA Summer League commitments to overseas contracts, the roster remains fluid up until tipoff. Still, the excitement around who might suit up—from former stars like Doron Lamb to potential fan-favorites like Darius Miller or even Terrence Jones—keeps fans buzzing with anticipation.
The format of TBT also lends itself to memorable moments. With its winner-take-all $1 million prize and the unique “Elam Ending” that eliminates the game clock in favor of a target score, every possession becomes high-stakes. That pressure-cooker environment is something Kentucky players are well accustomed to. After all, many of them played in packed Rupp Arena games and deep NCAA Tournament runs, where expectations were sky-high and mistakes were magnified.
This year, La Familia will enter the Louisville Regional, a location chosen strategically to tap into Big Blue Nation’s fervent support. If last summer was any indication, Kentucky fans are ready and willing to travel and support their own. The energy around the team has only grown in the past year, with more awareness, better preparation, and stronger branding contributing to the momentum. Social media engagement has skyrocketed, merchandise sales have risen, and the sense of identity around the team is becoming more defined.
But what truly sets this team apart isn’t just the collection of names or accolades. It’s the shared identity rooted in John Calipari’s core principles: brotherhood, sacrifice, and playing for something bigger than yourself. Even with Calipari now coaching at Arkansas, his cultural imprint remains embedded in many of these players. They speak of each other like family, and they play like it too.
Head coach Mark Krebs, a former Kentucky walk-on, returns to lead La Familia. Krebs may not have the coaching resume of a seasoned NBA assistant, but his deep ties to the program and his understanding of what it means to wear the Kentucky jersey give him an edge in connecting with the team. His job isn’t just to draw up plays—it’s to keep the culture intact. And with a roster full of experienced pros, he focuses more on alignment and strategy than micromanaging.
Tactically, the team is expected to emphasize speed, switching defense, and perimeter shooting. With several players capable of playing multiple positions, La Familia should be one of the more versatile units in the field. The offense will likely run through a combination of guard-heavy sets and big-man touches, depending on which alumni are available. In TBT, versatility often wins, and La Familia is built to adapt.
Off the court, the team has also invested in community and legacy. Several players have used their participation to give back to local causes or promote youth basketball in the region. It’s not just about hooping—it’s about being part of something meaningful. Kentucky basketball has always carried a sense of responsibility to its fanbase, and La Familia continues that tradition by staying connected with the Lexington community and beyond.
Looking forward, Year 2 is more than a redemption arc or a second try. It’s a statement year. The team now knows the format, understands the pace, and has a blueprint for success. With better chemistry, improved roster construction, and a deep pool of alumni talent to choose from, La Familia is poised to make a deeper run in this year’s TBT.
They’ll face stiff competition. The TBT field includes teams stacked with former NBA talent, overseas professionals, and high-level college stars. Every team wants the prize, and every game is a battle. But La Familia brings something few others can match—decades of tradition, pride, and the unwavering support of the Big Blue Nation.
The tournament will also give Kentucky fans a chance to relive some of their favorite memories. Seeing players in Wildcat colors again, competing with the same fire and heart that made them college legends, is a nostalgic joy few fanbases get to experience. It bridges generations and reminds everyone of the enduring power of the Kentucky basketball brotherhood.
In the end, La Familia’s journey is about more than just basketball. It’s about legacy, loyalty, and living out the values that Kentucky basketball instills in every one of its players. Whether or not they win the TBT title, they’ve already succeeded in uniting a fanbase and honoring the program’s proud history.
Year 2 is here, and La Familia is ready. From Rupp Arena to the TBT stage, the mission remains the same: play hard, play smart, and play for each other. Kentucky isn’t just a program. It’s a family. And this summer, that family is going to battle once again.
