LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Another name was added to the roster for The Ville, the University of Louisville's alumni team represented in the $1 million, winner-take-all summer basketball event broadcast live on FOX Sports. 

Chane Behanan, a key contributor to the Cardinals' 2013 national title team and to last year's TBT entry, is officially on board again. And he can't wait to get going.

"All year I've been thinking about this moment," Behanan said Tuesday. "Last year, we didn't have the right outcome, lost by a buzzer-beater. Like I said, I've been thinking about this and preparing myself since January. I'm looking forward to it now that we added (Montrezl Harrell) and Chris Jones. It's going to be a good month."

A couple of other former Cardinal standouts will be coaching this year's squad. Reece Gaines is the head coach.

"These are true ballplayers that love the city. They love the school," Gaines said. "They have a great history together. It's an honor to be a part of that and a part of them."   

"I cannot wait," assistant coach Luke Hancock said. "Last year, I feel like we got to dip our toes in the water. This year, we're going all out. We've got a great group of guys. I keep messaging everybody and telling them 'You better be running. You better be working out. You better be in shape.'

"We've got a group that is already a tight-knit group, especially with the guys coming back off the experience last year. They're going to be incredibly motivated. It was a heartbreaker at the end for us last year, and we're going to use that this season to try to go all the way."

The Ville lost in last year's regional final, 64-62, missing its last five shots from the field. 

Hancock said he is not planning on playing this year but said he would do whatever is needed to help the team. 

The Ville opens with a game against a Bellarmine alumni team, UKnighted at 1 p.m. Saturday July 20 at Freedom Hall. It will be televised on WDRB. 

There is a possible meeting in the quarterfinal against the UK alumni team, should both teams win three regional games.  

"That would be an exciting opportunity," Gaines said Tuesday with a smile. "I think it will probably be one of the best games out there that's not sanctioned by the NBA or NCAA. It will be a legit situation if that happens. I'm excited for that opportunity."

Related Stories:

Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.