More roster additions on the way for La Familia ahead of The Basketball Tournament With eight play

With the opening tip of The Basketball Tournament (TBT) just weeks away, La Familia, the Kentucky alumni team competing in this year’s high-stakes, winner-take-all summer showcase, is making waves once again—not for who’s already on the floor, but for who’s about to join them.

After assembling an impressive core featuring eight confirmed players, including returning fan favorites and seasoned pros, La Familia is now preparing to finalize several more roster additions that could push the team into championship contention. According to sources close to the team, multiple former Wildcats and high-level pros are in advanced talks to suit up in La Familia blue, giving the squad a deeper, more dynamic roster than it entered last year’s tournament with.

“We’re not done yet,” said head coach Brad Calipari, who returns for his second stint leading the alumni squad. “We’ve got some guys who love the Kentucky brand, who’ve been following what we’re building, and they want to be part of it. We’re going to be smart about who we add, but we’re definitely adding.”

As of now, eight players have been publicly confirmed for La Familia, including veterans like Marcus Lee, Kevin Knox, and Isaiah Briscoe, as well as sharpshooting guard Ramon Harris and versatile forward Kahlil Whitney. That group brings a mix of professional experience from leagues across the globe, a shared Kentucky identity, and a collective chip on their shoulder to represent the program that helped launch their careers.

But with TBT’s unique format—single elimination, fast-paced play, and the famous “Elam Ending”—depth and chemistry are as important as talent. That’s why the coaching staff and organizers are being deliberate with their final additions, aiming to bring in players who can contribute immediately and fit the system without disrupting the flow.

“There’s no room for egos in TBT,” said Calipari. “You’ve got to defend, make quick reads, and leave it all out there. We’re looking for winners. Guys who can handle the pressure and raise our level.”

Among the names being floated as potential additions are several former Kentucky standouts still playing at a high level overseas and in the G League. While not officially confirmed, insider buzz suggests that guards like Mychal Mulder, Andrew Harrison, and Davion Mintz have all been contacted, while big men such as Reid Travis and Nick Richards remain on the radar if scheduling and insurance logistics can be worked out.

Bringing in a player like Mulder, known for his elite three-point shooting and stints with the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat, would give La Familia a sniper capable of changing games in short bursts. Harrison, a former NBA lottery pick and EuroLeague veteran, offers size and experience at the point guard spot—crucial in TBT’s high-intensity environment.

Mintz, who emerged as a fan favorite during his time in Lexington for his leadership and clutch play, has said in past interviews he’d “love the chance to run with some former teammates again if the timing works.” That chance could now be real.

“Davion’s game fits TBT perfectly,” said one tournament analyst. “He’s unselfish, tough, and can guard multiple spots. If he joins La Familia, it’s a serious boost.”

In the frontcourt, the possible return of Reid Travis—a bulldozing interior presence with pro experience in Japan—would anchor La Familia’s post game and offer a physical counter to the bigger lineups some opposing squads bring. Richards, who recently completed another season with the Charlotte Hornets, remains a longshot due to ongoing NBA obligations, but sources say discussions have been had.

Of course, not all additions need to be former Wildcats. TBT allows limited non-alumni spots, and La Familia could look to use one of those to bring in a “glue guy” with unique skills or elite chemistry with existing members. Last year, they utilized such a spot for a veteran point guard with ties to the coaching staff. That’s a possibility again this summer.

Still, for most fans, the excitement is rooted in the idea of seeing familiar faces return to the floor wearing Kentucky blue—even if it’s a slightly different jersey. That sense of identity, of playing not just for a check but for the pride of the program, is what separates La Familia from many of the other TBT squads.

“We want to represent Big Blue Nation the right way,” said Marcus Lee. “We want fans to be proud of how we play—how we defend, how we hustle, how we celebrate each other. That’s what Kentucky basketball is about.”

Lee, who’s played professionally in Europe and Asia since his time in Lexington, is expected to serve as a vocal leader for this year’s group. The same goes for Briscoe, the dynamic scoring guard who has spent the last few years making a name in the Israeli and Turkish pro leagues. Both have logged heavy minutes in previous TBT runs and know the tournament’s brutal pace.

“There’s no warm-up,” Briscoe said. “You lose one game, you’re done. So you’ve got to show up locked in. That’s why having the right mix of guys matters so much. One bad quarter, and you’re going home.”

That urgency has defined La Familia’s offseason planning. With the tournament’s start fast approaching, final roster decisions are expected to be made in the next 10 days. Team officials have indicated that they’re looking to add at least three to four more players, bringing the final roster to around 11 or 12 active participants.

The team will then convene in Lexington for a brief training camp before heading to their regional site for the opening rounds. This year’s bracket has yet to be finalized, but La Familia is expected to be placed in a competitive region with several veteran squads—perhaps including past TBT champions like Overseas Elite or the always-dangerous Sideline Cancer.

Even with new pieces coming in, the emphasis from Coach Calipari and the leadership group remains the same: culture, chemistry, and competition.

“It’s not just about names on the back of the jersey,” said Kahlil Whitney. “It’s about what we’re trying to build together. We all want to win, but we want to win the Kentucky way. That’s what La Familia means.”

Fans can expect more official announcements in the coming days, along with a full media rollout as the tournament nears. Behind-the-scenes footage, practice clips, and player interviews are all planned to keep Big Blue Nation plugged in as the team begins its march toward a million-dollar prize.

As for who will be joining the core eight? That answer will soon be revealed—but the message from inside the La Familia camp is clear: reinforcements are coming, and they’re coming with purpose.

“This group has a chance to do something special,” said Brad Calipari. “We’re going to finish building the roster the right way, and then we’re going to go compete. We’re not just showing up—we’re coming to win it.”