Doug Gottlieb Wants in The Basketball Tournament
Yes, that Doug Gottlieb.
The former radio host, college hoops analyst, and part-time Kentucky critic turned Green Bay head coach is trying to get his squad into The Basketball Tournament (TBT) this summer. And Kentucky fans? This is a tournament Big Blue Nation knows all too well.
Gottlieb goes all-in on TBT
Gottlieb, who led Green Bay to a cough 4–28 record in his first season, is now petitioning the NCAA to allow his Phoenix squad to enter TBT as a way to simulate an overseas trip—something the NCAA permits once every four years. But instead of flying to Europe or Australia, Gottlieb sees TBT as a budget-friendly alternative: top-tier competition, national exposure, and a summer of serious development. Gottlieb recently spoke to CBS sports about the trip.
""So the NCAA's argument is, 'Hey, in summer competition, you can't play these games in the United States. They're not NCAA-sanctioned.' So if I played this exact same game three hours north of here in Canada, it'd be OK. It doesn't make sense.""Doug Gottlieb
The AD for Green Bay said they could worry about the prize money later but that it could go to a charity in a statement to ESPN.
The NCAA has yet to rule on the proposal.
And as much as fans love to poke fun at Gottlieb’s dual role as head coach and radio host—and his rocky debut season—this idea? It actually makes sense. TBT pits teams filled with former college stars and fringe pros against each other in a high-stakes, single-elimination format.
Kentucky's deep ties to TBT
Kentucky fans know the tournament well thanks to La Familia, a squad made up of former UK players that’s become a regular in the event. In fact, Rupp Arena served as a host site in 2024 and will do so again in 2025, bringing the action right back to Lexington.
Last year’s tournament offered a $1 million winner-take-all prize, with familiar faces like the Harrison twins suiting up in blue and white one more time. The games were packed with fans, energy, and just the right mix of nostalgia and competition. This years team will be coached by Sean Woods pictured above.
So if Green Bay gets the green light, they could end up playing in front of the same passionate BBN crowd—possibly even against La Familia. Just imagine Doug Gottlieb facing off with a roster full of Kentucky alums at Rupp Arena. Now that’s summer basketball drama.
A rare idea that actually tracks
While Gottlieb’s time at Green Bay has sparked skepticism—and memes, oh how I love the memes—this TBT plan is hard to argue with. Instead of burning budget on an international trip, his players would face legit pros in a competitive environment. No hand-picked exhibition games. No weak summer scrimmages. Just players fighting for a million dollars and everything on the line.
For Green Bay, it could be invaluable. For Kentucky fans, it could be fun. For the NCAA? Well, they’ve got a decision to make.
Stay tuned to see if the NCAA gives Doug Gottlieb a TBT hall pass—and if Rupp Arena gets a little louder this July.