Ohio State Legends William Buford and Kaleb Wesson Returning to Help Carmen’s Crew Defend The Basketball Tournament Title in 2025

The summer of 2025 is set to bring another exciting chapter in the ongoing saga of The Basketball Tournament (TBT), and for Ohio State fans, the return of familiar faces makes the moment even sweeter. Carmen’s Crew—the Ohio State alumni team that captured the TBT crown in 2019—is preparing to defend its title again this year, and the addition of two program legends, William Buford and Kaleb Wesson, has fans buzzing with anticipation.

Both Buford and Wesson are no strangers to TBT competition. Buford, a member of the original championship team, was instrumental in the team’s 2019 run and brings with him a wealth of experience from his professional career overseas and his decorated collegiate run in Columbus. Wesson, meanwhile, is a modern-era fan favorite—a dominant post presence during his time at Ohio State who’s continued to grow his game professionally.

Their return in 2025 signals a continuation of Carmen’s Crew’s mission: not just to win, but to win with Buckeye pride.

For Buford, TBT has always been more than a summer tournament—it’s a chance to reconnect with teammates, represent Ohio State on a national stage, and give Buckeye Nation something to rally behind in the dog days of summer. The 2019 TBT MVP and long-range marksman still has the silky shooting stroke that made him a staple of Thad Matta’s offense from 2008 to 2012. He was a four-year starter and finished his collegiate career as one of the program’s all-time scoring leaders.

Buford’s game has aged like fine wine. With years of international experience under his belt, his basketball IQ, court vision, and shot selection are even sharper. In TBT—where games are fast-paced, physical, and often decided by clutch moments—Buford’s calm demeanor and veteran presence will be a critical asset once again.

Kaleb Wesson’s inclusion in the 2025 roster adds a bruising post presence and interior scoring threat Carmen’s Crew will lean on. Wesson, who played at Ohio State from 2017 to 2020, was known for his combination of size, soft hands, and underrated range. His ability to stretch the floor, command double teams, and anchor the paint on both ends of the floor adds a versatile dimension to a team that’s always prioritized unselfish, high-IQ basketball.

Wesson’s pro experience, which includes stops in the NBA G League and internationally, has refined his footwork and defensive awareness. He’s also improved his conditioning, which was once a point of criticism early in his college career. Today, he’s a more complete player—one who can be trusted to deliver in crunch time and make the right read whether he’s on the low block or at the top of the key.

But it’s not just about what Buford and Wesson bring individually—it’s what they represent collectively. They symbolize the generational bridge between eras of Ohio State basketball. Buford’s era was one of Final Four runs, Big Ten titles, and NCAA Tournament dominance. Wesson’s era helped restore Ohio State’s national relevance under Chris Holtmann. Their presence on the same floor for Carmen’s Crew unites two decades of Buckeye basketball excellence.

The Carmen’s Crew roster for 2025 is expected to feature other notable names from the program as well, including Aaron Craft, the heart and soul of the 2019 title team, and other familiar faces like David Lighty and Jon Diebler, who continue to bring elite-level basketball experience and unmatched Buckeye chemistry. It’s this chemistry that sets Carmen’s Crew apart from the other 63 teams in the winner-take-all tournament.

TBT, which offers a $1 million prize to the winning team, is known for its unique Elam Ending—a format that eliminates the game clock and requires teams to hit a target score to win. This has made for countless dramatic finishes and puts a premium on poise, execution, and defensive intensity. That suits Carmen’s Crew just fine. Their roster is filled with players who have played in big-time environments, faced high-stakes pressure, and know what it takes to close out games.

For Buford, this could be one of his final TBT runs, and there’s a sense among the team that this summer is about legacy. A second TBT title would cement Carmen’s Crew as one of the tournament’s most successful programs, and for Buford, it would be another milestone in a career defined by leadership and loyalty. He’s already a legend in Columbus. This summer is about adding another layer to that legend.

For Wesson, this is about taking the baton from Buford’s generation and proving that his era of Buckeye basketball belongs in the same conversation. He’s eager to represent the Scarlet and Gray again, especially in a setting that combines competitiveness with camaraderie. The opportunity to play with teammates he watched growing up, while showcasing his growth as a professional, makes TBT a unique proving ground.

The bond between Carmen’s Crew and the Buckeye fanbase remains as strong as ever. Games routinely draw thousands of fans, and when the team takes the floor—whether it’s in Columbus or elsewhere—it feels like a home game. That crowd support, combined with the players’ deep familiarity with one another, often proves to be a difference-maker.

This summer’s TBT field is, once again, loaded with talent. Teams like AfterShocks (Wichita State alumni), Eberlein Drive, and Blue Collar U (Buffalo alumni) have made deep runs in recent years. Overseas Elite, the TBT dynasty that won four straight titles from 2015–2018, is reportedly fielding a squad again. But none of them can boast the kind of brotherhood and institutional backing Carmen’s Crew enjoys.

More than just a team, Carmen’s Crew has become a tradition. For Ohio State alumni, it’s a way to keep competing and bonding long after their collegiate days. For fans, it’s a reminder of the great runs and iconic moments that defined their love for Buckeye basketball. And for future Ohio State stars, it’s a testament to what it means to be part of something bigger—something that lasts beyond college.

The addition of Buford and Wesson adds both firepower and a feel-good story to this year’s TBT. Two players from different generations, united by a common cause: to represent Ohio State the right way, and to bring home another trophy for Carmen’s Crew.

With tip-off fast approaching, all eyes will be on the Scarlet and Gray. Expectations are high, but so is the excitement. And with William Buford and Kaleb Wesson back in the fold, Carmen’s Crew may be better positioned than ever to meet the moment—and maybe even make history again.