INDIANAPOLIS June 26, 2024 – The Basketball Tournament (TBT) – the $1 million, winner-take-all summer basketball event broadcast live on FOX networks – will see the return of The Cru, a Valparaiso alumni team. The Cru will play in the Butler Regional, with games at Hinkle Fieldhouse from July 19-23.

The Cru, the eighth seed in the Butler Region, is organized by Valparaiso alum Jason Karys. The team is coached by Valparaiso alumni Darryl Jackson (head coach), Darien Walker, Kendall O’Banner, and Mike Brooks. The Cru’s current roster includes:

• Mileek McMillan (2017-21)
• Bakari Evelyn (2017-19)
• Joseph Burton (2017-18)
• Max Joseph (2014-18)
• Jubril Adekoya (2013-17)
• Jay Harris (2010-12)
• Cory Johnson (2009-11)
• Yoan Makoundou (France)
• Roman Penn (Drake)
• Isaiah Burnett (Stonehill College)
• Derrick Nix (Michigan State)
• Dabriawn Johnson (New Mexico Highlands)
• Mantis (@youngmantis2)

The rest of the Butler region includes: #1 seed Assembly Ball (Indiana Alumni) #2 seed All Good Dawgs (Butler Alumni)

#3 seed Team Arkansas (Arkansas Alumni) #4 seed Men of Mackey (Purdue Alumni) #5 seed Fort Wayne Champs

#6 seed Eberlein Drive #7 seed Fail Harde

The Cru (Valparaiso Alumni) will play Assembly Ball (Indiana Alumni) on Friday, July 19, at 8:00 p.m. ET on the Big Ten Network. If The Cru advances to the second round, they will face the winner of Men of Mackey (Purdue Alumni) and Fort Wayne Champs on Sunday, July 21 at 8:00 p.m. ET on FS1.

The Butler Regional championship game is Tuesday, July 23 at 7 p.m. ET on FS1.

The winner of the Butler Regional will play the winner of the Pittsburgh Regional in the quarterfinals on July 29 or 30 (official game date, time, and location to be determined). The semifinals and $1 million winner-take-all championship game will be Aug. 2 and Aug. 4 in Philadelphia, Pa. at the Daskalakis Athletic Center.

For more information on The Cru and tickets for this year’s Butler Regional, visit TheTournament.com.

About The Basketball Tournament

The home of the Elam Ending®, The Basketball Tournament has grown from a unique idea among friends to one of the most exciting and engaging events on the summer sports calendar, with national exposure, social media buzz and regional championships across the country - culminating in a winner-take-all $1 million game. Every year it attracts some of the best players in the world. For more information on TBT’s eleventh season, visit www.thetournament.com

Media Contacts:

Jake Pavorsky - jake@thetournament.com, 856-357-2455 Freddy Stakey -fstanley@thetournament.com, 919-667-3439