TCU Basketball alumni vying for spot in The Basketball Tournament

They’ve been part of some of the best basketball memories that TCU fans can claim… and now they’re trying to make some more.

And some money.

Coached by Lee Nailon, Fort Worth Funk, a team of former Frog hoopers, is looking to make their mark in basketball as they vie for a spot in The Basketball Tournament, a 64 team league whose winning team takes home a one million dollar prize.

“My goal with the Fort Worth Funk is to give each of the players a unique opportunity to continue to chase their dreams, improve their skills, and advance their basketball futures,” said Nailon. “We are working on developing a bond and chemistry that is so strong viewers will think the team has been playing together for years.”

So far, the team has announced a roster that includes Brandon Parrish, an Arlington, TX native who played for the Frogs from 2014-2017 and helped lead TCU Basketball to an NIT victory in 2017 as a senior. Alongside Parrish is Fort Worth native Alex Robinson, who transferred to TCU from Texas A&M to follow in the footsteps of his mother, who starred for TCU Women’s Basketball at the same time Jamie Dixon was taking the men’s program to new heights. Robinson owns several Big 12 and TCU assists records, and is excited to bring his experience to the tournament — as well as represent his home town. “Through the TCU basketball program, I was able to experience what it is like to be on a team that feels and functions like family. All the guys playing on the Funk bring that same mindset,” said Robinson. “As a team, our goal is to build a foundation for a TCU alumni team that will not only impact players down the road, but the TCU and Fort Worth community too.”

Trey Ziegler, who played just one season for the Frogs after sitting out a season as a transfer, is also on the roster, and several recent TCU alumni will be announced over the weekend as well. Each of these guys have had successful careers overseas over the last few years, and seeing how they’ve developed as players since their time in purple will be incredible for fans who watched them grow up on the hardwood at Schollmaier Arena.

In order to make the field of 64, Fort Worth Funk will need to show solid fan support and a large following. That has the athletes and coaches going to social media to ask for your help. “We have a lot to bring to the table and we want to bring some entertainment and notoriety to the city a lot of us grew up in,” Parrish said. “Fort Worth fam, we hope to have your support!”

The emphasis for the team is the city — whether it’s their hometown or home away from home, Fort Worth holds a special place in each of these guy’s hearts. “The name is inspired by the city we all have played in; the city that is home to a university who helped us grow as players and as men,” said Nailon.

If you want to support Fort Worth Funk and help them along their way to TBT, here’s how you can help:

- follow @ftwfunk on twitter

- follow @fortworthfunk on instagram

- like, share, RT, and tag @the.tournament (Instagram) and @thetournament (twitter)

Watch for more roster announcements this weekend and let’s support our Frog Fam, y’all!