In what has become an eagerly anticipated summer tradition for Boilermaker fans, the Purdue alumni basketball team, known as “Men of Mackey,” officially announced their participation in the 2025 edition of The Basketball Tournament (TBT). The announcement was made earlier this week via a coordinated press release and a live stream event hosted at Mackey Arena, generating a wave of excitement among Purdue alumni, students, and basketball enthusiasts across Indiana and beyond.
The Men of Mackey, composed primarily of former Purdue University basketball stars, have competed in several past TBTs, earning a loyal fan base and drawing considerable attention for their gritty play, strong team chemistry, and Boilermaker pride. Their participation in the 2025 TBT, an annual winner-takes-all event with a $1 million grand prize, is expected to be their most ambitious campaign yet, fueled by a revamped roster, enhanced preparation strategies, and a renewed determination to make a deep run.
A Team Built on Tradition and Brotherhood
Founded in 2019, the Men of Mackey have steadily become one of the more recognizable alumni teams in TBT. With roots deeply embedded in Purdue’s storied basketball program, the team serves as a bridge between generations of Boilermaker athletes and fans. Over the years, the roster has featured well-known names such as Dakota Mathias, Robbie Hummel, Isaac Haas, and Jon Octeus.
This year’s announcement emphasized not just participation, but a comprehensive plan to elevate the team’s performance on and off the court. Former Purdue standout and Men of Mackey general manager, Ryne Smith, confirmed that recruiting for the 2025 squad is already underway, with the team aiming to feature a mix of seasoned TBT veterans and recent Purdue graduates.
“We’re not just coming back to compete,” Smith said. “We’re coming back to win. We’ve learned a lot from our past runs, and this year, we’re taking it to another level in terms of preparation, chemistry, and execution. Our fans deserve that.”
Star-Studded Roster Expected
While the final roster is yet to be confirmed, early reports suggest the Men of Mackey are in discussions with several high-profile Purdue alumni who have enjoyed successful careers in the NBA, G-League, and overseas leagues. Names such as Carsen Edwards, Vincent Edwards, and JaJuan Johnson have been floated as potential signees, alongside returners like Evan Boudreaux and P.J. Thompson.
A particularly intriguing development is the possibility of a comeback for Robbie Hummel, the former Purdue All-American who has transitioned into a successful broadcasting career with ESPN and Big Ten Network. While Hummel has not formally committed, sources close to the team suggest he has been involved in offseason training sessions and remains physically prepared for a potential return.
“We’ve always had the talent,” said Dakota Mathias in an interview following the announcement. “This year, we’re bringing in not just talent, but a deep roster with versatile players who can defend, shoot, and lead. We’ve all worn the black and gold, and that bond drives us.”
Preparation Begins Early
In contrast to previous years when training began just weeks before the tournament, the Men of Mackey are taking a more professional approach to preparation in 2025. The team has scheduled a multi-week training camp in West Lafayette, where players will train under the guidance of former Purdue assistant coaches and current pro-level trainers. The emphasis, according to team leadership, is on conditioning, in-game strategy, and team cohesion.
Additionally, the team will play in two exhibition games open to the public—one in Indianapolis and one at Mackey Arena. These games aim to raise funds for the team’s expenses, strengthen fan engagement, and give players a chance to test their chemistry in competitive settings.
“We’re not treating this like a summer pick-up game,” said assistant coach and Purdue legend Brian Cardinal. “We’re treating this like a championship run, because that’s what we believe we can do.”
Fan Engagement and Community Support
One of the most compelling aspects of the Men of Mackey has been the unwavering support from Purdue’s fan base. In past years, Boilermaker Nation has packed arenas and flooded social media in support of their alumni squad. The team’s announcement of enhanced fan engagement opportunities for 2025 was met with great enthusiasm.
Planned initiatives include a digital fan hub, exclusive content for season ticket holders, limited-edition merchandise, and a behind-the-scenes docuseries chronicling the team’s journey to the TBT. The Men of Mackey also plan to host a youth basketball clinic and fan fest in West Lafayette in July, where kids can meet the players and participate in skills sessions.
“TBT is more than just a tournament for us—it’s a celebration of Purdue basketball, past and present,” said Smith. “Our fans have always stood by us, and we want them to feel like they’re part of the team.”
The Road Ahead
While the official TBT bracket won’t be released until later this summer, the Men of Mackey are expected to be seeded in one of the Midwest regional sites, possibly in Indianapolis or Columbus—both locations with strong Purdue alumni bases. The single-elimination format, known for its dramatic Elam Ending (a format where games end on a made basket instead of a running clock), has become a hotbed for upsets and memorable moments.
Despite the unpredictability of the tournament, the Men of Mackey are optimistic. Their 2023 campaign ended in a second-round exit, and they were notably absent in 2024 due to scheduling conflicts and roster issues. But with renewed focus, a robust roster, and a unified mission, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year.
“Our goal is simple,” said Smith. “Win it all. And we truly believe this group can bring that trophy home to Purdue.”
A Legacy in the Making
As TBT continues to grow in national prominence, drawing elite talent and millions of viewers, the Men of Mackey stand out as a team with both skill and story. They’re not just playing for a million dollars; they’re playing for Purdue pride, for teammates past and present, and for every fan who ever shouted “Boiler Up” from the bleachers of Mackey Arena.
For now, the countdown begins. The summer of 2025 could be the moment the Men of Mackey go from alumni favorites to TBT champions. One thing’s certain: the Boilermaker faithful will be behind them every step of the way.
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