Carmen’s Crew returns to The Basketball Tournament (TBT) as the reigning $1 million champions after capturing the title in last summer’s competition.
Carmen’s Crew is back in The Basketball Tournament (TBT), carrying with them the weight of past glory and the expectations that come with being the reigning champions. After clinching the \$1 million prize in last summer’s edition of the highly competitive winner-takes-all tournament, the team returns not just with hardware, but with a target on their backs. Their journey from a group of Ohio State alumni to national TBT champions has been filled with grit, chemistry, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Now, with the lights shining a little brighter and every opponent eager to knock them off their throne, Carmen’s Crew embarks on another title defense filled with familiar faces, high stakes, and renewed ambition.
Their championship run last summer wasn’t just about talent. It was about cohesion, about knowing where your teammate would be before he got there, and about trusting each other in the defining moments of close games. That chemistry, developed over years playing together in Columbus, gave them an edge against more hastily assembled squads. From the early rounds of the bracket to the tense Elam Ending in the championship game, Carmen’s Crew leaned into their experience and connection to outplay and outlast every opponent that came their way. The victory was a culmination of years of participation in TBT, a tournament that rewards not just skill, but heart, strategy, and composure.
As they prepare to defend their crown, the roster for Carmen’s Crew features many of the same key pieces that powered last year’s title-winning campaign. Veterans like Aaron Craft, whose defensive tenacity and leadership remain unparalleled, are once again suiting up. Craft, once the face of Ohio State basketball’s hard-nosed identity, proved last summer that he still has what it takes to control a game with his defensive instincts and clutch decision-making. His return signals that Carmen’s Crew remains as committed as ever to bringing championship-level intensity to every possession.
Alongside Craft, familiar names such as David Lighty and William Buford bring scoring punch and veteran savvy to the lineup. Buford was instrumental in last summer’s title run, delivering timely buckets and acting as a calming presence when the pressure mounted. Lighty, a player with international experience and a versatile skill set, offers the kind of two-way play that becomes invaluable in the single-elimination format of TBT. Together, this core forms the backbone of Carmen’s Crew—a group of players who have been through battles, both collegiate and professional, and who understand the stakes of every possession.
But the competition is fiercer than ever. TBT has grown exponentially in recent years, attracting overseas professionals, former NBA players, and high-level talent hungry for the \$1 million prize. Each team arrives believing they have a shot at glory, and for Carmen’s Crew, that means every game will be a test. The reigning champs can no longer fly under the radar or sneak up on anyone. Instead, they’re the measuring stick. Every opponent will bring their best effort, and every game will be a war.
This year’s tournament also features an expanded field and increased media attention, making the margin for error even smaller. Carmen’s Crew knows that one cold shooting night or a couple of defensive lapses can end a title defense prematurely. That knowledge shapes everything they do—from how they train, to how they scout opponents, to how they manage minutes and chemistry. There’s no room for complacency when the tournament’s single-elimination format leaves no second chances.
One of the defining traits of Carmen’s Crew is their ability to adapt. Last summer, they faced teams with different identities—some built around athleticism, others around perimeter shooting or size in the paint. In each matchup, they adjusted. Whether it was switching defensive schemes, exploiting mismatches, or making halftime tweaks, they showcased a level of tactical maturity that few teams could match. That adaptability will again be tested this summer, especially as new teams enter the fray with fresh strategies designed to dethrone the champs.
What makes TBT so unique is not just the prize money or the single-elimination tension, but the passion. These games aren’t just for paychecks. They’re about pride, about representing schools, communities, and alumni bases. For Carmen’s Crew, that connection to Ohio State runs deep. Every game they play feels like an extension of their college careers. They wear the scarlet and gray not just in color, but in spirit. The support from Buckeye Nation adds an extra layer of motivation and responsibility. When they step onto the court, they carry the hopes of fans who remember their college glory days and who now rally around them in this summer showcase.
The Elam Ending, one of TBT’s most innovative features, adds to the drama. It eliminates the game clock in the final stretch, instead requiring teams to reach a target score. That format puts a premium on execution, decision-making, and nerves. Carmen’s Crew thrived under those conditions last year, often finishing games with precise execution and cold-blooded poise. Their ability to embrace and excel in that format was one of the keys to their championship. And now, with even more experience navigating that unique finish, they hope to once again make it an advantage.
Beyond the court, Carmen’s Crew has become one of the flagship teams of TBT. Their success has elevated the profile of the tournament and set a standard for how to build a competitive roster. They’re not just a collection of talented individuals; they’re a true team. Their practices are intense, their preparation thorough, and their camaraderie real. That culture, built on shared history and mutual respect, is what transforms them from a good team into a championship-caliber squad.
The tournament isn’t just about the players. The coaching staff, led by individuals with deep basketball acumen and close ties to the team, plays a pivotal role. Scouting, game planning, and in-game adjustments are critical, especially with limited time between games. For Carmen’s Crew, having coaches who understand their strengths and can communicate clearly under pressure gives them an edge. Their preparation, attention to detail, and ability to keep players focused will be just as important as any big shot or defensive stop.
With each passing summer, the narrative surrounding Carmen’s Crew evolves. They’re no longer underdogs or sentimental favorites. They’re champions. And with that status comes a different kind of pressure—the pressure to repeat. Sports history is littered with teams that climbed to the top only to falter under the weight of expectation. Carmen’s Crew knows that staying on top is harder than getting there. But they also know what it takes. They’ve been tested, they’ve triumphed, and now they return with the scars and wisdom that come from surviving the gauntlet.
For fans, their return adds a layer of excitement to this year’s TBT. Every game they play carries the weight of their title defense. Every possession feels like it could swing momentum. Every matchup is a potential classic. Whether it’s a rematch with a team they beat last year, or a clash with a new contender, Carmen’s Crew brings a blend of high-level basketball, emotional intensity, and compelling storylines. They are one of the faces of the tournament and one of its most respected forces.
As the games begin, the road to another \$1 million prize will be anything but easy. But Carmen’s Crew doesn’t shy away from challenges. They embrace them. They know the grind. They understand the stakes. And they believe in each other. Whether they make another championship run or fall short, one thing is certain: they will compete with heart, discipline, and pride. The journey continues, and the reigning champs are ready for the battle ahead.
