Flash Alumni Competing for Mid American Unity in TBT
6/30/2017 2:04:00 PM | Men's Basketball
KENT, Ohio – Three former Kent State University men's basketball players are set to compete for Mid American Unity in The Basketball Tournament (TBT), a winner-takes-all 64-team single elimination tournament for $2 million.
Former Flash Michael Porrini serves as the point guard and general manager for Mid American Unity, and has organized a squad that includes Justin Manns and Jay Youngblood.
"I'm honored to play in the TBT and be able to put not only Mid American Unity under the spotlight, but Kent State athletics as well," said Porrini. "This is a huge opportunity to display our talent and come together to represent Northeast Ohio."
Porrini has had a heavy role in simply getting his team to the tournament. He was tasked with organizing the team, hiring the staff, bringing in an athletic training staff, while setting up accommodations and nutritional meals.
"Last year as just a player, I knew I would want to have my own team," said Porrini. "So I took the route of becoming the GM of Mid American Unity. I chose that route because I knew what it would take to put a team together, with a staff and administration. I've been in certain situations in my career where I was able to take lessons, both in Europe and in college, to be the best GM that I can be for the upcoming tournament."
After organizing the team, Porrini had to rally fans to put Mid American Unity in the top-nine of the Midwest in a fan vote. After successfully qualifying for the tournament, Porrini's squad is scheduled to start tournament play against Bradley's alumni team: Always a Brave. Mid American Unity is a 14 seed in the Midwest region.
The entire tournament will be featured on the ESPN Family of Networks. The opening weekend, held at Bradley, will take place July 15-16 on ESPN3 and the Watch ESPN app. The next round, the "Super 16" will be held July 20-23 and broadcast on ESPN and ESPN2. The last round, taking place in Baltimore, Maryland, will be held August 1-3 on ESPN, with the winner taking the $2 million cash prize.
For more information on the team, check out their team page on the tournament website HERE. Fans can follow Porrini on Twitter at @M2porrini.
