In an electrifying start to their 2025 TBT (The Basketball Tournament) campaign, La Familia came out firing on all cylinders, dominating their opponent in a blowout victory. The win not only marked a promising beginning for the former Kentucky Wildcats squad but also offered moments of personal redemption for a couple of players who have had their fair share of ups and downs in their basketball careers.
Before their much-anticipated opener, one player in particular was buzzing with excitement about the change of venue for this year’s TBT. Former Kentucky center Willie Cauley-Stein, the beloved 7-footer known for his shot-blocking prowess and athleticism, was eager to get back on the floor. This year’s tournament presented a new twist: the games were being played at the newly renovated Memorial Coliseum, instead of the usual Rupp Arena.
“I think the atmosphere is gonna be crazy,” Cauley-Stein said, with enthusiasm radiating from his words. “It’s a little smaller, more intimate, but there will be more bodies, more noise. It’s going to be louder, and that’s what I’m excited about. I can’t wait to play there—it’s going to be fun.”
And fun it was. The game got off to a fast start, with La Familia quickly asserting dominance over their opponents. The team’s blend of veterans, familiar faces from Kentucky’s past, and some younger talent, put together a performance that left fans buzzing. The atmosphere at Memorial Coliseum, as Cauley-Stein had predicted, was electric, with the crowd’s energy feeding into the high-paced game. The smaller venue only seemed to amplify the passion, creating an environment that was both intimate and thrilling.
Though La Familia has had some early struggles in past TBT appearances, the squad’s chemistry was evident in this opener. The ball moved smoothly, the defense was relentless, and the offensive execution was nearly flawless. What stood out the most, however, were the performances from two former Kentucky players who had previously faced adversity in their professional careers but were now finding their groove once again.
The first of these players was the aforementioned Cauley-Stein, who looked every bit the force that Kentucky fans remembered during his time with the Wildcats. His rim protection, rebounding, and presence on both ends of the floor were vital to La Familia’s success. Cauley-Stein, who had bounced around the NBA for several seasons, was now showing he could still be a key piece in competitive basketball. His energy and leadership were a huge factor in the blowout win, and it was clear that he was ready to prove that he still had plenty to offer.
Another former Kentucky Wildcat who made a statement in the game was Aaron Harrison. Harrison, who had made his mark with big shots during Kentucky’s 2014-2015 run to the Final Four, struggled to carve out a consistent role in professional basketball after his time in Lexington. However, in La Familia’s opener, Harrison reminded everyone of his clutch gene, scoring efficiently and stepping up in key moments. The veteran guard’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor made a significant impact, helping to extend La Familia’s lead as the game progressed.
The redemption storylines for Cauley-Stein and Harrison weren’t lost on the fans, who had fond memories of both players during their time in Lexington. Cauley-Stein, once a key player on Kentucky’s 2015 national title-contending team, and Harrison, known for his fearless shot-making and clutch moments, were proving that their best basketball wasn’t behind them. Their strong performances were proof that time spent in the professional ranks hadn’t dulled their skills—it had refined them.
As for La Familia as a whole, the team looked poised for a deep run in the tournament. The squad’s blend of experience and youth, combined with the chemistry and intensity on display, had the fans in Memorial Coliseum hoping for something special. After years of falling short in the TBT, this year’s team had the look of a true contender. The win over their first-round opponent was dominant, but it was the individual redemption arcs of Cauley-Stein and Harrison that stole the show.
With the TBT tournament now in full swing, La Familia’s players will look to carry the momentum from this blowout victory into the later rounds. If the opener was any indication, this could be a special year for the former Wildcats. The newly renovated Memorial Coliseum will likely host more high-energy moments as the tournament progresses, and if Cauley-Stein and Harrison continue to deliver strong performances, La Familia could very well be on their way to TBT glory.
For the Wildcats’ faithful, watching their former players rise to the occasion and find redemption on this stage is both heartwarming and exciting. The TBT isn’t just about the players—it’s about celebrating the legacy of Kentucky basketball, and this year, La Familia is doing just that.