MM 7.18: Former Maryland men’s basketball stars set to begin competition in The Basketball Tournament

This is a Maryland Minute, a short story followed by a roundup of Terps-related news.

The 12th edition of The Basketball Tournament returns Friday, with 64 teams set to face off in an elimination tournament. For a second season, some of College Park’s favorite former players will compete for the $1 million grand prize.

Several notable Maryland alums founded the team Shell Shock in 2023. After a year away, Shell Shock is making its return to the unique competition. Its roster features plenty of players that once lit up Cole Field House and the Xfinity Center. The team is coached by the legendary Juan Dixon, and other alums including Greivis Vasquez and Sean Mosley are helping behind the scenes.

Shell Shock enters Friday as the No. 2 seed in the James Madison region of the bracket. They face No. 7 seed Love Virginia, who represent the Richmond Pro Am summer league, in the round of 64. The game begins at 6:00 p.m. and will be available to stream on YouTube.

In other news

Maryland women’s basketball alumna Brionna Jones will be participating in her fourth career WNBA All Star Game, taking the place of Satou Sabally on Team Clark.

Former Maryland defensive back Tarheeb Still was named a breakout candidate by sportswriters at The Athletic.

Barstool Sports talent and former NFL head coach Jon Gruden displayed an impressive knowledge of Maryland sports while unboxing gifts from Maryland’s football and men’s basketball teams.