Buddy Boeheim Shines in TBT Debut as Fan-Favorite Former Syracuse Star

Buddy Boeheim's TBT Debut: A Family Affair and a Star-Studded Performance

Buddy Boeheim, the son of Syracuse University legend Jim Boeheim, has become a fan favorite in The Basketball Tournament (TBT) thanks to his sharp shooting and charismatic presence. As a former standout for the Orange, Buddy made his highly anticipated debut with Boeheim’s Army on July 19 at SRC Arena in Syracuse. His team, which is top-seeded in the region, will face off against We Are D3 in the second round on July 21 at 8 p.m.

The event was more than just a game—it was a celebration of the Boeheim family legacy. Buddy was joined by his brother Jimmy, who played a key role in the reunion. Their father, Jim Boeheim, served as head coach emeritus, watching from the bench as his sons took the court together once again. This moment echoed their time playing for Syracuse during the 2021-22 season, where they were teammates under their father’s guidance.

Buddy’s decision to join Boeheim’s Army came after a recent thumb surgery, which gave him the opportunity to focus on the tournament. His return was further solidified by the commitment of former Syracuse teammate Elijah Hughes, a 2020 NBA draft pick. Together, the duo delivered an impressive performance in the first round, leading Boeheim’s Army to a 97-71 victory over the eighth-seeded Herkimer Originals.

Buddy scored 24 points, while Hughes added 21 points, including five three-pointers. The pair formed a lethal one-two punch that dominated the game. “I knew I was going to have an offseason to have time to be able to do this,” Buddy said. “Once I heard (Hughes) was doing it... it was a no-brainer for me. You see why it's super fun out there. It's as fun as I've had playing basketball in a while.”

Boeheim’s Army, a regular participant in TBT, missed the 2024 tournament but returned in 2025. Buddy suffered a thumb injury in March while playing for the Oklahoma City Blue in the NBA G League, which delayed his participation. He became the second player to commit to the team in May, with Hughes being the first.

Before the game, Buddy was in Las Vegas, playing for the Indiana Pacers in the summer league on July 18. After flying back to Central New York, he hit seven three-pointers in his TBT debut, showcasing his sharpshooting ability.

Jimmy Boeheim contributed 10 points off the bench, marking his third stint with Boeheim’s Army. Meanwhile, Coach Jim Boeheim, a former Lyons star, received loud applause from fans as he watched his sons play together again.

Other standout performers included point guard Jacob Gilyard, who provided 10 points and 11 assists. His highlight-reel passes, including an alley-oop to Hughes and a slick feed to Chris McCullough for a dunk, kept the crowd engaged. Nick Perkins, a former University at Buffalo player, also made an impact, having won the 2022 TBT with Blue Collar U.

Herkimer Originals’ Sam Sherry led his team with 18 points, while Darry Moore and Jeremiah Sparks added 13 and 10 points respectively. Other players, such as Josh Gregory, Damien Call, and Maceo Jack, contributed smaller but meaningful numbers.

Looking ahead, Boeheim’s Army will face We Are D3 in the second round on July 21. The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1 at 8 p.m. The winner will advance to the third round on July 23, with all regional games taking place at SRC Arena in Syracuse through the first three rounds.

With its mix of family legacy, star power, and high-energy gameplay, Boeheim’s Army continues to captivate fans and prove itself as a formidable force in TBT.