Fort Wayne Champs gear up for $1 million ‘The Basketball Tournament’

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – Since “The Basketball Tournament” (TBT) began in 2014, Fort Wayne has had a strong presence in the single elimination, winner-take-all tournament.

Once again, the Summit City is being represented with the Fort Wayne Champs. This year’s TBT squad has a few local connections, including a former Highlight Zone star and members of the Mad Ants.

Tre Crews, a North Side grad, won TBT last year as a member of Heartfire. Now in his third year of playing professionally, Crews is returning to the Champs to represent his home town.

Meanwhile, Mad Ant veteran forward Steph Hicks is also lacing up with the Champs. Hicks played in Fort Wayne from 2015-20, with a reunion in 2021-22 before the Mad Ants moved to Indianapolis. Walker Russell Jr., an original member of the Mad Ants, is serving as the Champs’ head coach.

The Fort Wayne Champs tip off TBT play on Friday against Men of Mackey, a team mainly comprised of Purdue alumni. Coincidentally, Fort Wayne native Rapheal Davis is serving as an assistant coach on the Men of Mackey. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

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