Each summer, "The Basketball Tournament" is held, with a prize of 2 million dollars awarded to the winning team. Teams (64 in all) are formed full of overseas professionals, former NBA players, and countless former college standouts at the major NCAA D1 level and beyond. The tournament has grown in popularity immensely over the past couple years and is sponsored by Puma brand and every game is broadcast on the ESPN family of networks.
A very familiar face in the Grace Christian University community, Allen Durham, is taking part in this tournament for the first time this year, and after three rounds of play things are going quite well for Durham and his squad.
He has provided rebounding and efficient scoring for the Jackson TN Underdawgs squad, helping the team earn an Elite 8 birth after they posted three impressive wins to capture the Memphis region title this past weekend, despite entering the tournament as the lowest seed (#8).
Durham did not necessarily plan on playing in the event until a month ago, when he was approached by an opponent (Odgra Bobo) at the Ludington Gus Macker 3 on 3 tournament and was convinced to join the squad.
"The experience has been new, fun, and intense! I've met some great guys that are determined and passionate about this event, and that's right up my alley," said Allen.
Allen and the Jackson TN Underdawgs will face the winner of the Wichita division in the TBT Elite 8 on Friday, August 2 in Chicago, Illinois. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2 at 9:30 pm.
