The Mr. Beast of Basketball is joining La Familia for The Basketball Tournament this summer. Jesser, a YouTuber with 31 million subscribers, was added to the roster on Tuesday to bring the overall total to 11 players — this being the first non-hooper while also bringing in the biggest platform to promote the Kentucky Wildcats’ alumni squad.
Born James Riedel out of Westlake Village, California, the YouTube star now gets to suit up for La Familia in July and turn his kinda-sorta pro dreams into a reality.
“What’s going on everybody? I’m super hyped to announce that I will be joining the University of Kentucky’s TBT squad, La Familia, this summer,” Jesser announced. “It’s gonna be so sick and we’re gonna be competing for a million-dollar prize. I’m pretty much a pro player now. … It’s gonna be sick.”
“We’re bringing on one of the biggest basketball creators in the world: Jesser,” La Familia said of his addition. “His love for the game is real, his platform is massive, and his support brings national attention to our team — to our city. This summer the world will be watching!”
Jesser’s Kentucky connection appears to be through Willie Cauley-Stein, the former Wildcat appearing on one of his videos — 64 College Hoopers Compete for $10,000!, to be specific — back in March.
That video got nearly five million views in three months.
Take a look at the latest (and likely final) roster going into the event in late July:
- Ansley Almonor (2024-25)
- Kahlil Whitney (2019–2020)
- Aaron Harrison (2013-15)
- Andrew Harrison (2013-15)
- Willie Cauley-Stein (2012-15)
- Archie Goodwin (2012–2013)
- Doron Lamb (2010–2012)
- DeAndre Liggins (2008–2011)
- DJ Burns (Murray State)
- Kerem Kanter (Xavier)
- Jesser (YouTube)
La Familia is the No. 1 seed in the Lexington Regional, which will take place at Memorial Coliseum July 18-22. Their TBT journey will start against Stroh’s Squad on Friday, July 18, at 9:00 p.m. ET on FS1. If La Familia advances to the second round, they will face the winner of War Ready (Auburn Alumni) and X-Rayted on Sunday, July 20, at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports.
The Lexington Regional championship game is Tuesday, July 22, at 6 p.m. ET on FS2. Tickets for the Lexington Regional are now on sale at TBTHoops.com/tickets.
The winner of the Lexington Regional will play the winner of the Louisville Regional in the quarterfinals on Monday, July 28, at 6 p.m. on FS1. The semifinals and $1 million winner-take-all championship game will be July 31 and Aug. 3.
TBT Lexington Regional Seed List
- #1 Seed: La Familia (Kentucky Alumni)
- #2 Seed: Eberlein Drive
- #3 Seed: Dunkin Dogs (Louisiana Tech Alumni)
- #4 Seed: War Ready (Auburn Alumni)
- #5 Seed: X-Rayted
- #6 Seed: Tampa Florida Pickup Basketball
- #7 Seed: Richards Elite
- #8 Seed: Stroh’s Squad
Lexington Regional Bracket
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