Buckeye Alumni TBT Team Carmen's Crew to Host Regional Games at Ohio State's Covelli Center

The team of Ohio State alumni will begin its TBT title defense on campus as Ohio State partners with the tournament to host the Columbus Regional in the school's new Covelli Center from July 23-26.

“There’s no better place to have the tournament,” Evan Turner said in a statement. “I think that it’s going to be so special and fun to play at a place where we all became men. I think our guys are going to show up and show out and make the Buckeye faithful proud. This is definitely something I’m excited for and can’t wait to be part of and I know everybody in the city feels the same way!”

This marks the third-straight season Columbus has been a host site for The Basketball Tournament, but the first time it's taken place on Ohio State's campus as the games were held at nearby Capital University the previous two years.

“Our program prides itself on welcoming back our former players and having Carmen’s Crew back on campus for the Columbus Regional of The Basketball Tournament takes that to a new level,” current Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann said. “Buckeye Nation will once again be able to cheer on legendary Buckeyes in our newest modern facility, the Covelli Center. TBT will be yet another opportunity for Carmen’s Crew to continue its success playing in Columbus in front of our tremendous fans.”

Carmen's Crew enters the tournament this year as the defending champs after clinching their first title last year, handing the four-time reigning champions, Overseas Elite, their first-ever loss in the semifinals and defeating the Golden Eagles Alumni in the championship game.

As for the roster, Aaron Craft, Jon Diebler, William Buford, David Lighty and Evan Ravenel are all expected to make their return with Jared Sullinger and Turner returning as coaches.

IMPORTANT MEMO

The Champs are back.

- Sincerely, Carmen's Crew

: https://t.co/hlLg3nrHT3 pic.twitter.com/1mksAhDKFQ

— Carens Crew (@CarmensCrew) February 18, 2020

First-round games will begin Thursday, July 23 and Friday, July 24, with two games played each night. The remaining four teams will compete in the Regional Semifinals on Saturday, July 25, and the Regional Championship will be played on Sunday, July 26.

With a win in the regionals, Carmen's Crew would advance to the Championship Week which will be played at the University of Dayton Arena from Aug. 6-11.