In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball and TBT communities alike, Kentucky standout Ansley Almonor has announced he will suit up for La Familia in the 2025 The Basketball Tournament (TBT), breaking from the traditional path taken by many UK alumni.
The announcement was made late Monday night via Almonor’s social media, where the rising star posted a video in La Familia’s jersey, captioned simply: “Legacy isn’t always about where you’ve been. Sometimes, it’s about where you’re going. #LaFamilia #TBT2025.”
While it’s not uncommon for players to join alumni or region-based teams, Almonor’s decision to forgo a roster spot with the Kentucky-centric “Bluegrass Boys” has raised eyebrows. Given his breakout senior season, many expected the 6’7″ forward to headline the University of Kentucky’s TBT entry — especially with the 2025 tournament kicking off at the iconic Memorial Coliseum, a hallowed ground for Wildcat legends.
Instead, Almonor will join La Familia, a high-powered squad known for its flashy style, deep Dominican roots, and history of upsets in the single-elimination, \$1 million winner-take-all tournament. The team is led by several overseas pros and former NCAA standouts with strong ties to New York basketball culture — a move that may hint at Almonor’s broader ambitions and personal identity.
“Ansley’s decision reflects his desire to blaze his own trail,” said La Familia’s head coach, Luis Montañez. “He’s not just a Kentucky player — he’s a competitor, a leader, and someone who wants to grow beyond the shadow of the blue-and-white.”
Reaction across Big Blue Nation was mixed. Some fans praised the move as bold and forward-thinking, while others felt slighted by the snub to a Kentucky-based team — especially with the hometown crowd expected to pack Memorial Coliseum in July.
Regardless of loyalties, the spotlight will be firmly on Almonor as he makes his TBT debut in a setting loaded with emotion and history.
The 2025 TBT tips off in early July, with Memorial Coliseum hosting first-round matchups in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most electric atmospheres. And now, with Almonor facing off against former teammates and a passionate Kentucky fan base, the stakes — and drama — just got a whole lot higher.
