The air in Memorial Coliseum on Friday night was thick with anticipation, a palpable hum that vibrated through every seat as the Big Blue Nation gathered to witness the opening round of The Basketball Tournament. This wasn’t just any game; it was the highly anticipated debut of La Familia, the formidable squad comprising various eras of former Kentucky Wildcats, ready to unleash their collective prowess on the court. Their opponents, Stroh’s Squad, an assembly of Bowling Green alumni, stood ready, but the sheer force and chemistry of La Familia proved to be an overwhelming tide. From the moment the first whistle blew, it was clear that La Familia was not merely playing to win; they were playing to dominate, asserting their authority with an intensity and tenacity that left no doubt about their championship aspirations. The game concluded with a resounding 105-52 victory for La Familia, a scoreline that, while indicative of their dominance, only scratches the surface of the spectacle that unfolded.
The foundation of La Familia’s commanding performance was laid early, with a swift and decisive offensive burst that saw the Harrison Twins, Aaron and Andrew, ignite from beyond the arc. Their early three-pointers weren’t just points on the board; they were a statement, setting a fervent pace that Stroh’s Squad struggled to match. This offensive surge propelled La Familia to a double-digit lead, a comfortable cushion that only grew as the first quarter progressed. The Wildcats alumni closed the opening frame with an impressive 16-2 run, effectively setting the stage for what would be a relentless and emphatic win. The energy in the arena was electric, with every successful play by La Familia being met with roaring approval from the loyal Big Blue Nation, who truly packed Memorial Coliseum, transforming it into a vibrant stronghold of Kentucky basketball pride.
Leading the charge for La Familia was Archie Goodwin, whose all-around performance was nothing short of spectacular. Goodwin, a former Kentucky standout, flirted with a triple-double, showcasing his versatility and impact on every facet of the game. He led all scorers with a notable 19 points, complemented by a significant 8 assists and 7 rebounds. His ability to facilitate plays, score efficiently, and contribute defensively underscored his critical role in La Familia’s well-oiled machine. But Goodwin was not alone in his stellar contributions. Aaron Harrison and Kahlil Whitney each chipped in with 14 points, demonstrating their offensive firepower and ability to consistently find the basket. Doron Lamb, a name synonymous with Kentucky basketball excellence, rolled back the years, knocking down a trio of crucial three-pointers, evoking memories of his impactful performances from the 2012 championship season. His “three goggles” celebration after each successful shot was a nostalgic treat for the fans, reminding them of the rich history and talent that defines Kentucky basketball. The collaborative effort, the seamless passing, and the disciplined defense exhibited by La Familia highlighted their cohesive team play, a testament to their shared history and understanding on the court.
Perhaps one of the most memorable moments of the game, and a testament to the team’s strategic depth, came with the Elam Ending. Ansley Almonor, the youngest player on the La Familia roster and a member of Mark Pope’s first Kentucky team in the 2024-25 season, delivered the game-winning shot. After a moment of slight nervousness, as noted by coach Sean Woods post-game, Almonor, with unwavering confidence from his coach, drained a decisive three-pointer over his defender. Woods’ decision to call Almonor’s number for the final shot, ensuring that no one else would take it, speaks volumes about the trust and belief within the team. This game-winner, not only sealed the victory but also served as a potential catalyst for Almonor, with Woods expressing hope that this clutch shot would ignite his confidence for the battles ahead. It underscored the narrative of redemption and resurgence that many of these alumni players are embracing in the TBT, showcasing their continued dedication to the sport and their alma mater. The atmosphere during these crucial moments was intense, with fans on the edge of their seats, erupting in cheers as the ball swished through the net, signaling the end of a thoroughly dominant performance.
The victory over Stroh’s Squad was not just a win; it was a powerful affirmation of La Familia’s status as a formidable contender in the TBT 2025. As the top seed in the Lexington Region, their performance validated the high expectations placed upon them. The roster for La Familia is indeed loaded with talent, featuring a blend of seasoned veterans and more recent alumni. Beyond the Harrison twins, the team boasts former NBA players like Willie Cauley-Stein and Archie Goodwin, whose professional experience brings a heightened level of skill and composure to the squad. Kerem Kanter, though not a Kentucky alumnus, has emerged as a crucial player, having led the team in points and rebounds in previous TBT outings, showcasing his consistent scoring ability and prowess on the boards. The inclusion of other notable Kentucky players such as DeAndre Liggins and Kahlil Whitney, alongside new faces like Ansley Almonor and DJ Burns (a non-UK alum with connections to the state), further strengthens their depth and versatility. This diverse blend of talent, meticulously assembled by former Wildcat Twany Beckham and coached by Kentucky alum Sean Woods, creates a dynamic and unpredictable force on the court, capable of adapting to various game situations and challenges.
With their triumphant first-round performance behind them, La Familia now sets its sights on the next challenge: a highly anticipated second-round matchup against War Ready, the Auburn Alumni team. This game, scheduled for Sunday at 2:30 PM ET on FOX, promises to be a battle of SEC alumni pride and skill, unfolding once again at the historic Memorial Coliseum. War Ready, the fourth seed in the Lexington Region, also secured a victory in their opening game, defeating X-Rayted with a score of 61-55. The Auburn alumni roster features notable players such as Antoine Mason, Babatunde Akingbola, Malik Dunbar, and Wendell Green Jr., all of whom bring their unique talents and competitive spirit to the tournament. The rivalry between Kentucky and Auburn runs deep, extending beyond the regular collegiate season into the professional and alumni circuits. This upcoming game is not merely about advancing in the tournament; it is a continuation of a storied rivalry, a chance for both sets of alumni to represent their respective programs with honor and determination. The Big Blue Nation, with their passionate support, will undoubtedly be out in full force to rally behind La Familia, eager to witness another captivating display of basketball excellence as their beloved Wildcats alumni aim to continue their march towards the $1 million winner-take-all prize. The intensity of this rivalry, coupled with the high stakes of the tournament, ensures that Sunday’s game will be a compelling and fiercely contested affair, a true showcase of alumni basketball at its finest. The journey of La Familia in the TBT is just beginning, and with each dominant performance, they solidify their position as a team to watch, embodying the enduring spirit and competitive fire that defines Kentucky basketball.
