**Purdue Basketball Alumni Network Channel Reacts to “Men of Mackey” 2025 TBT Announcement, Eyes Positive Return Date in 2026**
*West Lafayette, IN* – Following the recent announcement that the Purdue alumni basketball team, “Men of Mackey,” will not participate in the 2025 edition of The Basketball Tournament (TBT), former Purdue head coach Matt Painter has released a statement reflecting on the decision, while expressing strong support for a potential return in 2026.
The “Men of Mackey,” composed primarily of Purdue University basketball alumni, have been a fan-favorite since their TBT debut in 2020. Known for their gritty, Boilermaker-style play and loyal fan following, the team’s absence from the 2025 field came as a surprise to many.
Coach Painter, who led Purdue’s men’s basketball team to numerous NCAA Tournament appearances and Big Ten championships during his tenure, spoke candidly about the development.
“Obviously, it’s disappointing to see the ‘Men of Mackey’ take a step back from TBT this summer,” Painter said. “But I fully understand and support the decision. This group has poured their heart into representing Purdue and the tradition of our program. Sometimes, a step back sets the stage for an even greater return.”
The decision not to compete in 2025 stems from a variety of logistical and organizational challenges faced by the team. According to sources close to the group, scheduling conflicts and player availability were central issues, along with a desire to reevaluate the team’s structure to be more competitive in future tournaments.
Painter, who remains closely involved with Purdue basketball and its alumni network, praised the legacy of the “Men of Mackey” and expressed confidence in their ability to regroup.
“The pride this team has brought to Purdue fans over the last several summers can’t be overstated,” Painter said. “From Ryan Cline’s lights-out shooting to the leadership of guys like Jon Octeus and Isaac Haas, they’ve made all of us proud. I know they’re already talking about 2026, and I expect them to come back stronger, better organized, and more dangerous than ever.”
TBT, a high-stakes, winner-take-all summer tournament with a \$1 million prize, has become an increasingly competitive platform for alumni and professional teams around the country. The “Men of Mackey” consistently drew large Purdue fan turnouts and earned national recognition for their disciplined style of play.
While 2025 will mark the first time in several years that Purdue fans won’t see their former stars in TBT action, organizers and former players have hinted at a “restructured and reenergized” return in 2026.
Painter concluded his statement with optimism: “Purdue basketball is about resilience, and this is no different. We’ll miss them this summer, but we’ll be ready to cheer even louder when they return next year. I’m excited to see what’s next.”
Fans can stay connected with the “Men of Mackey” through social media and Purdue basketball alumni events throughout the year, with updates on their 2026 TBT plans expected later this fall.
Be the first to comment