La Familia adds Kerem Kanter (Enes' younger brother) to TBT team

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Photo of Kerem Kanter by Vincent Carchietta | USA TODAY Sports

We have a new addition to Kentucky’s alumni team, La Familia, for next week’s The Basketball Tournament (TBT). And while he’s the first piece who can’t claim he played for the Wildcats, he still holds a significant tie to UK.

It was announced on Wednesday morning that Kerem Kanter, the younger brother of Enes Kanter, will join La Familia. At 29 years old, Kerem is three years younger than Enes, and he’s still actively playing basketball overseas, most recently competing in France. He’ll bring some added depth and prior TBT experience to La Familia’s frontcourt.

“Big Blue Nation, what’s up? It’s Enes Kanter Freedom here. It’s been a long time, I miss you all,” Enes said. “I would like to announce that my brother, Kerem, will be joining team La Familia in the TBT. Finally, we will see a Kanter represent Kentucky at Rupp Arena. Let’s go, I will try to be there, let’s pack Rupp. See you all soon.”

Kerem started his college basketball career at Green Bay (2014-17) before playing his final season at Xavier (2017-18). The 6-foot-10 power forward averaged 10.9 points and 4.5 rebounds in 16.4 minutes per game for the Musketeers while shooting 58.4 percent from the field. He’s been playing basketball professionally outside of the United States after going undrafted in 2018.

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BREAKING NEWS FROM ENES KANTER‼️

Kerem Kanter (@EnesFreedom’s brother) will be playing with @LaFamiliaTBT! La Familia just added a GOOD PLAYER with TBT experience in @KeremKanter💪

“Finally we will see a Kanter rep @KentuckyMBB at @Rupp_Arena”

TICKETS: https://t.co/UQ8LJ8VjqE pic.twitter.com/aAZOzFVqta
— TBT (@thetournament) July 10, 2024

Led by head coach Tyler Ulis, this is the first time in the 10-year history of TBT that Kentucky has put together its own squad. La Familia will also get to practice against the new-look Wildcats and first-year head coach Mark Pope next week. La Familia is also hosting a charity game at Tates Creek High School this Saturday from 6-8 p.m. EST where fans are encouraged to attend. Tickets are available through the link here.

La Familia begins its TBT run on Friday, July 19 at 8:00 p.m. EST inside Rupp Arena against the 305 Ballers. Since this is a single elimination, 64-team tournament (with a winner-takes-all grand prize of $1 million), it’s win or go home from the opening tip.

Tickets for the Lexington Regional are on sale at thetournament.com/tbt/tickets. Below is La Familia’s updated roster ahead of next week’s TBT opener at Rupp.