Doug Gottlieb Petitions NCAA to Allow Green Bay Phoenix in The Basketball Tournament (TBT), Aimed at Kentucky Favorite

In a bold and unprecedented move, Doug Gottlieb—head coach of the Green Bay Phoenix men’s basketball team—has formally petitioned the NCAA for permission to allow his collegiate squad to participate in The Basketball Tournament (TBT), a high-stakes summer competition typically reserved for alumni teams, former pros, and elite amateurs. The request, which quickly stirred debate across college basketball circles, centers on Gottlieb’s desire to elevate the profile of his team while challenging a fan-favorite and powerhouse entrant: the Kentucky alumni team.

Gottlieb, a former college basketball player and a longtime analyst, took over the reins at Green Bay in 2024 with a vision of revitalizing the program, which has struggled for national recognition in recent years. Under his leadership, the Phoenix have undergone a cultural and strategic transformation, with a renewed emphasis on competitiveness, media visibility, and player development. His petition to enter TBT is both a continuation of that vision and a statement of intent: Green Bay doesn’t just want to compete in the Horizon League—they want to be part of the national basketball conversation.

The Basketball Tournament, now a staple of the summer sports calendar, is a winner-take-all event with a $1 million prize awarded to the team that navigates the grueling, single-elimination bracket. Known for its Elam Ending format—which eliminates the traditional game clock in favor of a target score—the TBT has grown exponentially in popularity since its debut in 2014. It regularly features rosters packed with overseas professionals, G League standouts, and former NBA players. Most notably, it has become a platform for celebrated college alumni teams to reunite and relive their campus glory days. Teams like Boeheim’s Army (Syracuse alumni), Eberlein Drive, and Bluegrass Boys (Kentucky alumni) have drawn massive fan followings.

Gottlieb’s specific interest in challenging the Kentucky favorite is both symbolic and strategic. Kentucky, a titan of college basketball, has a vast and passionate fan base and a rich history of producing elite talent. Their TBT team routinely includes players who once starred in March Madness, many of whom went on to professional careers at the highest levels. By petitioning to enter his current NCAA team into a tournament dominated by such seasoned veterans, Gottlieb is clearly betting on his coaching acumen, the hunger of his young athletes, and the power of competition to galvanize his program.

However, the move is not without controversy. NCAA rules are notoriously strict when it comes to amateurism and the preservation of student-athletes’ eligibility. Participating in a cash-prize tournament alongside professionals could pose compliance challenges and potential risks to players’ eligibility. While Gottlieb’s request includes assurances that any participation would be voluntary and without pay for current college athletes, the NCAA has yet to respond publicly.

Many in the basketball community have expressed admiration for Gottlieb’s creativity and boldness. Analysts and fans alike have noted that a Phoenix entry into TBT could be a game-changer not only for Green Bay but also for the tournament itself, injecting it with fresh energy and a true David-vs-Goliath narrative. College basketball purists have also pointed out that the evolving landscape—particularly after the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rights—demands new ways of thinking about student-athletes and competitive opportunities outside the traditional season.

Should the NCAA approve the request, it would set a precedent with potentially wide-reaching implications. Other mid-major programs looking for exposure, or even power-conference teams with ambitious young rosters, might follow suit in seeking entry into TBT or similar non-traditional competitions. It could also prompt TBT organizers to reconsider their eligibility criteria and explore formal partnerships with NCAA institutions, especially as the lines between amateur and professional basketball continue to blur.

For now, Doug Gottlieb remains resolute. In interviews and social media posts, he has doubled down on his belief that this opportunity could serve as a developmental boon for his players, a marketing win for Green Bay, and a thrilling spectacle for fans of the sport. Whether the NCAA agrees remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Gottlieb era at Green Bay is one of innovation, ambition, and fearless disruption of the status quo.