Kentucky will get to practice against La Familia when TBT comes to Lexington

Kentucky has formed one of the most dominant teams in The Basketball Tournament, its La Familia squad set to feature the likes of Eric Bledsoe, Daniel Orton, Reid Travis, Willie Cauley-Stein, Nate Sestina, Kellan Grady, Andrew Harrison, James Young, Marquis Teague and Doron Lamb — with more to come. They’ll also be coached by Tyler Ulis while Darius Miller has been added as the director of player personnel, Sean Woods and Jon Hood serving as assistant coaches.

If there’s a group you trust to win the $1 million prize in a 64-team tournament field, it’s that one. And Mark Pope is excited to root them on inside Rupp Arena when the event tips off in July.

“It is awesome that we get to have (TBT) at Rupp Arena. It’s gonna be a huge deal. We’re gonna take every opportunity to support these greats,” Pope said. “We have national champions that are coming back to be a part of this team and a bunch of guys who went far, far in the NCAA Tournament and served Kentucky really, really well. And a bunch of draft picks guys that had good careers in the league.

“To have those guys players back is really special and we’re incredibly excited about taking full advantage of that.”

The team is talented, deep and experienced. They’ve got a legitimate shot to take home the prize money, representing their alma mater on summer basketball’s biggest stage. But that’s not the only reason why this event is important in Lexington.

Another? They’ll get to battle against the current Wildcats in practice, giving this group a leg up on the competition entering the 2024-25 season.

Kentucky may not have a summer tour scheduled in Toronto or the Bahamas, but the Cats will get a chance to battle against pros during their time together in Lexington, some of the best to come through the program under John Calipari.

“One of the great things for us is that former players are allowed to come be on the court with our current players,” Pope said. “It’s an NCAA rule, that’s legal. These guys are preparing for a tournament where they have a chance to represent Kentucky and themselves in a brilliant way this summer and we’re trying to prepare for a huge season. We’re gonna try and do that together a little bit.”

Lamont Butler vs. Eric Bledsoe? Amari Williams vs. Willie Cauley-Stein? Jaxson Robinson vs. James Young? Andrew Carr vs. Nate Sestina? Yeah, those battles will be appointment viewing, for sure.

If Pope wants to continue his run of immaculate PR decisions since taking the Kentucky job, opening one of those practices is the way to go.