Best Virginia to Face Marshall Alums Herd That in TBT First Round

The Basketball Tournament released its bracket Tuesday afternoon during a Facebook Live selection show, announcing that Best Virginia will take on in-state foes Herd That — made up of Marshall University alumni — on July 5.

The Mountaineer alumni team was shockingly seeded at No. 10 in the now 24-team tournament, missing the chance to have a first-round bye, which was given to the top eight teams.

WE’RE IN! pic.twitter.com/1a3NwWJZHm

— The Final Fourcast • BEST VIRGINIA TBT (@finalfourcast) June 16, 2020

No time was announced for the game, but Best Virginia will face No. 23 Herd That in game eight of the tournament at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

Among the Herd That roster, formerly known as the West Virginia Wildcats, is Jon Elmore and C.J. Burks, who met the Mountaineers in the 2018 NCAA Tournament, and former Texas Tech forward Zach Smith.

If Best Virginia wins this match-up, the team would advance to play The Money Team in the second round, which is the No. 7 overall seed. Interestingly, The Money team will feature former Mountaineers power forward Devin Williams. Williams was originally set to play for Best Virginia this year and played for Best Virginia in last year’s tournament.

Tuesday’s selection show was hosted by Chris Vosters, Tim Scarborough, Fran Fraschilla and Seth Greenberg. Fraschilla introduced the Best Virginia team, calling it a “beefed up roster” featuring WVU’s Final Four squad members Da’Sean Butler and Kevin Jones.

The Best Virginia alumni team has also announced general manager John Flowers, Nathan Adrian, Daxter Miles Jr., Tarik Phillip, Juwan Staten, Jaysean Paige, Jonathan Holton, Logan Routt and Teyvon Myers are also on the roster.

Greenberg said he believes Best Virginia has a chance to win the $1 million prize through the single-elimination tournament “if they can make shots.” However, he also touted the defense calling it the best defensive team in the tournament.

“Those West Virginia guys are a different breed they way they play defense,” he said.

Commentators also discussed it being a “shame” this game was not going to be able to be played in Charleston due to COVID-19. Best Virginia was initially included in a 64-team version of the event and was selected to host a regional game at the Charleston Civic Center.

Also in Best Virginia’s portion of the bracket is Overseas Elite, which is the No. 2 overall seed and a four-time champion of the tournament. Overseas Elite beat Best Virginia in the second round in 2019.

The altered tournament due to COVID-19 will be held from July 4 to July 14 and will be televised live on ESPN with no fans in attendance.