Doug Gottlieb Wants His Team in The Basketball Tournament
Yes, that Doug Gottlieb.
The former college basketball analyst, radio host, and occasional Kentucky critic now head coach at Green Bay is aiming to get his team into this summer’s edition of The Basketball Tournament (TBT), a high-stakes event that Kentucky fans know quite well.
Gottlieb Eyes TBT as a Unique Opportunity
After a rocky 4–28 debut season with Green Bay, Gottlieb is now requesting NCAA approval to enter his team in TBT as an alternative to an international summer tour. Normally, the NCAA allows programs to take overseas trips every four years for development, but Gottlieb argues that TBT offers similar value intense competition, national visibility, and a meaningful experience without the cost of international travel.
Speaking to CBS Sports, he pointed out the inconsistency in the rules:
“If I play this same game three hours north in Canada, it’s fine. But here in the U.S., it’s not allowed? It doesn’t make sense.”
Green Bay’s athletic director added that any prize money could be donated to charity, downplaying concerns over the event’s financial stakes.
The NCAA has yet to respond to the proposal.
TBT and Kentucky: A Familiar Match
Kentucky fans are no strangers to TBT, largely thanks to “La Familia,” a team of UK alumni that competes annually. In 2024, Rupp Arena hosted tournament games, and it will do so again in 2025. The atmosphere last year was electric, with fan favorites like the Harrison twins returning to the court in blue and white for a shot at the $1 million prize.
This year, La Familia will be coached by former UK guard Sean Woods.
Could Gottlieb Face Kentucky’s Finest?
If Green Bay is approved to join the tournament, they might face La Familia at Rupp setting up a potential clash between Gottlieb and a squad full of former Wildcats, right in front of Big Blue Nation. That’s the kind of summer hoops drama fans live for.
A Bold Idea That Makes Sense
While Gottlieb’s coaching stint has been met with skepticism and plenty of internet jokes, his TBT pitch is actually quite reasonable. Instead of staging soft exhibition games abroad, Green Bay would test itself against high-level talent in a competitive, winner-take-all format. No gimmicks. No handpicked opponents. Just real games that matter.
For Green Bay, it’s a valuable growth opportunity. For Kentucky fans, it’s more summer basketball to enjoy. And for the NCAA? It’s decision time.
Stay tuned to see if Doug Gottlieb and Green Bay make their TBT debut and if Rupp Arena becomes the backdrop for an unforgettable summer showdown.
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