Playing in their 9th TBT, Purple Reign looks to win the region for the first time.
Since 2016, Purple Reign, previously called Purple and Black, have played in every tournament except the 2020 one. In those eight years, they have failed to make it to the regional final every time, and boast a 5-8 record as proof. Last year, they got unlucky, taking on a five seeded Colorado team that would not only beat them, but have a bit of a Cinderella run and win the Wichita region.
This year, they’re back and are hoping that the change of scenery can propel them to a deep run.
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Current Roster:
- Austin Trice (Kansas State)
- Cam Martin (Kansas & Boise State)
- Cartier Diarra (Virginia Tech & Kansas State)
- Dajuan Gordon (Kansas State, Missouri, New Mexico State, & UT Arlington)
- Dominique Sutton (Kansas State & NC Central)
- Jacob Pullen (Kansas State)
- John Florveus (Georgia)
- Jordan Parks (NC Central)
- Justin Edwards (Maine & Kansas State)
- Spencer Bain (Kansas State)
Coaching Staff:
- Clent Stewart (Assistant Coach)
- Ryan Deppen (Assistant Coach)
Region: Kansas City
All-time Record: 5-8
First Matchup: vs. The Shine (July 19 at 2 p.m. EST)
Team MVP: Jacob Pullen
Jacob Pullen is known for having one of the most iconic shots in recent TBT history, and he and his team are hoping he’ll hit a few more of these in 2025.
— TBT (@thetournament) June 25, 2025
He’s an extremely gifted scorer, as we saw at Kansas State, and can comfortably score 25 points on any given night. Last year, he was guarded by Andre Roberson, a long time NBA vet who specialized in defense, and struggled, scoring 17 points, but doing so on 4-12 shooting. Pullen won’t have to face any defender as good as him this year, so he should shine for Purple Reign.
Make-or-break Player: Cam Martin
It’s a bit of a surprise that Martin is even on this team, considering he spent two seasons with the rival Kansas Jayhawks, but his impact down low could be a huge difference maker for Purple Reign. He can space the floor, and at 6’10, he will always be the biggest guy out there. If Purple Reign wants to succeed, a pick and roll with him and Pullen would be deadly, and I don’t think their first-round opponent would have an answer for it.
Team Outlook
Purple Reign brings back several players from last year’s team, but two of their top three scorers from last season aren’t on this year’s roster. Based on the current roster, Pullen will have to do a lot of heavy lifting on offense, but he’s the person you want if that’s the case.
They face The Shine in round one, a team making their TBT debut. A win there would set up a KU-K State second-round matchup against JHX Hoops. Expect one of the best crowds in the tournament if that were the case.
Purple Reign features seven former Wildcats, an impressive number even though it’s an Alumni team. Cartier Diarra scored seven points last year in the loss, and could be an X factor as well. Getting past JHX Hoops and Heartfire will be tough, but this team has the confidence to make a run and represent Kansas City.
[…] Shine will face off against Purple Reign, the Kansas State alumni team. Manhattan, Kansas is under a two hour drive, so expect a very one […]