Ever since the inception of The Basketball Tournament in 2014, Liberty fans have been clamoring to see their guys come together to take it on. Now, thanks to the efforts of a group of alumni, we’re all going to have the opportunity.

For those who don’t know, The Basketball Tournament is a nationwide, single-elimination, winner-take-all competition televised live on ESPN. A total of 64 teams will play in 8 regions, after which the quarterfinals will be played at Wichita State, with the final rounds being played in Dayton. At the end of all that, 63 teams will go home sad and broke and one will split $1 million. It all begins July 22 and concludes on August 2.

The Liberty group, going by the ‘Flames Nation’ moniker, currently has announced their roster for the event, highlighted by 6 former Liberty players:

Chris Parker 6’0″ PG (2021)
Lovell Cabbil 6’2″ PG (2016-2019)
Myo Baxter-Bell 6’5 G/F (2017-2020)
Larry Blair 6’1″ G (2004-2007)
Damien Hubbard 6’6″ G/F (2006-2007)
Anthony Smith 6’4″ (G 2006-2009)

This group will be joined by three others that have played with some of the former Flames professionally:

Erik Thomas 6’5″ G/F (New Orleans)
Travin Thibodeaux 6’8″ PF (New Orleans)
Maurice Sutton 6’11” C (Villanova)

Thomas is originally from Argentina and began his collegiate career at East Georgia State College and then Baton Rouge Community College. He finished his college career at New Orleans where he started for two seasons. In 2016-17, Thomas averaged 19.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game leading the Privateers to a Southland Conference championship and being named Southland Player of the Year.

Thibodeaux also played his collegiate ball at New Orleans, starring there from 2014-2018. His final year with the Privateers, he averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. He has spent the past few seasons playing professionally, including in the G League with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

Sutton played at Villanova where he made 17 starts during his career and played in 109 games from 2009-2013. He has played professionally since, including in the G League and three different NBA Summer League stints. Sutton has also spent much of his professional career in Latin America splitting his time in the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Mexico

Flames Nation is not guaranteed a final spot in the 64-team TBT, but they will have to be selected as an at-large from a group of teams. TBT states that having a “demonstrated fan base” is the most important factor to earning a spot in the field.

You can help them achieve this in a number of ways. First, follow them on their social media channels and spread the word about them there. They have a presence on Instagram and Twitter.

Also, for those interested in supporting the team more than just spreading the word, you can also sign up to be a booster of the team by clicking here. There is no cost associated for this.

Additionally, business can buy a sponsorship to support them. These business can get a variety of benefits ranging from a uniform patch, sideline t-shirt, and coaches polos. More information on that is below:

Help spread the word and let’s get Flames Nation TBT into the tournament this summer!