As TBT makes its awaited return to the land of Kentucky Basketball, the roster is pretty much finalized and the games are about to take off. But, before we root on Team La Familia for another summer, I spoke with a new face to the TBT program that just wrapped up his own UK experience only a few weeks ago.

Ansley Almonor, the Farleigh Dickinson transfer and 2024-25 Kentucky Wildcat, has accepted an opportunity to undergo his first year with Kentucky’s alumni team in The Basketball Tournament.

He was just arriving when Nate Sestina and Kerem Kanter helped lead Team La Familia to a Final Four finish before they were defeated by number one seeded Carmen’s Crew, 76-70, so I’m sure that fun nostalgic run all the way there had a major impact on his decision to join this year’s squad.

“Yes, (it) definitely played a part in my decision. Seeing the fan turnout and how much BBN got behind the guys last year made it more intriguing, for sure.”

The team won 4 games along the way, creating a very memorable matchup in Freedom Hall with Louisville’s ‘The Ville’ in the Elite Eight. I was honored to sit court-side for it, photographing the moment as it all unfolded. The building was at maximum level of intensity and it felt like the entire world was watching, even if it was just the basketball world. It would ultimately end in an on-court brawl, plus an immediate lock-in for fans already planning for the following summer’s opportunity to do it all again.

At Kentucky, Ansley Almonor was used primarily as a shooter off the bench. Mark Pope utilized him as a spark of points in the middle of the game to help energize the team during long, cold shooting stretches, and I expect for Sean Woods to do the same. As he’s trying to navigate his post college basketball career, Ansley is ready to contribute to any team in any system in any way that they need him to, hoping to open that first door of a professional career with a great tape of performances from the event.

On how he expects to be used this summer? He says, “I feel like that’s definitely more up to coach. I’m ready to do whatever they need me to be successful. I am very excited to show all aspects of my skill set.” So maybe we will get a fully unleashed version of Ansley this summer, seeing him showcase a skillset we might’ve never even seen from him before.

During our interview I also tried to hold Ansley hostage to give me a name that he’s most excited to play alongside, but he wouldn’t budge. He says he’s just excited to be involved with the other greats that have spent time in Lexington before him.

“No one in particular just excited to be on a team with a group of prestigious alums,” he responded.

Ansley, along with the rest of the 6 seniors from last year’s Kentucky team had nothing but great things to say during their one year stop with Kentucky. Many suggested they wanted more as the experience flew by but it was even better than they could have imagined. Uniquely, Almonor gets another chance to play in front of the die-hard UK fanbase without having to wait a decade to do so like most of the current roster had to.

“Very excited. That’s one of the main reasons why I decided to join the team. Playing in front of BBN is a privilege and I can’t wait to go out there and represent them again.”

Regarding alumni in general, even if they haven’t played for Team La Familia, I asked Ansley who his favorite former Kentucky Basketball player was all-time. I love hearing the stories of these players growing up and watching the same players that all of us did, many years ago. The flashbacks run through my veins and I get to experience once more a small chapter within Kentucky Basketball that I haven’t felt since that time period it seems. For AA, it was Isaiah Briscoe that he remembers fondly.

“Isaiah Briscoe because of growing up in the tri-state area. He was very influential on how we all played the game and just watching him with the swaggy style he had on the court, it just really inspired me at a young age.”

And lastly, for any of the fans who haven’t watched a TBT game or are on the fence about coming out to support this year’s run, I asked him to give his sales pitch on why they should.

“I can’t wait to go out there and represent you guys this summer. I appreciate all the support and love you’ve given me throughout my time wearing the blue and white. Let’s go get this championship.”

The Basketball Tournament will officially begin on July 18th, with La Familia’s first matchup coming at 9:00 PM against Stroh’s Squad in Lexington. With a win, they’ll play on July 20th at 2:30 PM, having a chance to advance to the Lexington Regional Championship Game on July 22nd at 6:00 PM.

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