‘It’s time to win’: TBT and the Aftershocks are coming back to Koch Arena this summer
After a record-breaking experience at Koch Arena last summer, it was a “no-brainer” decision for the Wichita State basketball alumni team, The Aftershocks, and The Basketball Tournament to continue their partnership.
TBT announced on Tuesday that the 64-team, single-elimination summer basketball tournament broadcast on ESPN — with a winner-take-all $2 million grand prize — is returning to Koch Arena for an encore performance this summer. The Wichita regional will feature the Aftershocks and seven other teams playing games on July 30-August 2.
All-session tickets, starting at $30, are available for purchase at goshockers.com.
“After the turnout we had last year, I think it was a no-brainer for everyone involved that you have to come back,” said Aftershocks coach Karon Bradley, referencing to WSU fans nearly tripling the previous TBT attendance record last summer.
“We’re excited to play in front of Shocker Nation again, but our thing is that we got a taste of it last year. Now we definitely want to win it all. Our goal is to win that $2 million. I think the guys now understand the level of focus you need to be able to do it. We’re looking forward to seeing the fans again and playing in front of even greater energy this time.”
It is unknown if K-State and Kansas will again form alumni teams that would join the Wichita State team in the regional, but some of the Aftershocks’ roster is known.
Bradley said he has already received commitments from eight players: Tekele Cotton, Toure’ Murry, Joe Ragland, Conner Frankamp, Rashard Kelly, Shaquille Morris, Clevin Hannah and JT Durley. After injuries prevented Cotton, Murry and Ragland from playing last summer, Bradley said that all three are motivated to play this summer in front of Shocker fans.
“They’ve all said that they’re in and it was quick,” Bradley said. “They didn’t need any time to think about it. They had a great experience last year and for guys like Tekele and Joe and Toure’, they were on board real quick. Guys are really excited about it.”
Bradley said he will once again be joined by former Shockers PJ Couisnard, Zach Bush and JR Simon on the coaching staff. The team is planning on keeping up to four roster spots available for additions closer to the competition.
The players returning from last year’s team are motivated to win all three games at Koch Arena after winning the first game and losing in the second last summer.
“It was fun the first time around for us and for the fans to get the chance to see us on the floor,” Bradley said. “But now it’s time to win. We’re coming back with the mindset of winning the whole thing. More than anything, it’s about winning now.”
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