COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Basketball Tournament (TBT), the winner-take-all, $1 million summer basketball event, today announces that Best Virginia, the West Virginia alumni team, will be replaced in the field of 24 after a team member tested positive for COVID-19. Playing For Jimmy V will play Herd That, the Marshall alumni team, on July 5 on the ESPN networks.

On Thursday, June 18, TBT was informed by Best Virginia that one of its team members had tested positive for COVID-19. TBT immediately initiated its pre-tournament protocol under the guidance of medical advisor Dr. Tom Hospel. Although it was determined that the timing of the positive test could have permitted the remainder of the team to enter into a 14-day self-quarantine and frequent-testing protocol, Best Virginia opted to withdraw from the 24-team field.

"This is a safety-first event," said Jon Mugar, founder and CEO of TBT. "We're disappointed for the Best Virginia players and fans that they won't get an opportunity to compete in TBT 2020, and our thoughts are with the player for a speedy recovery. While the virus remains a persistent threat, we have confidence in our health and safety plan and the many safeguards we have put in place to run this year's tournament."

Playing For Jimmy V is led by former Gonzaga star Josh Perkins, former Philadelphia 76ers forward Haywood Highsmith and Loyola-Chicago's Marques Townes.