Peyton Siva Returns to Louisville

Peyton Siva Returns to Louisville as Player-Coach for The Ville in TBT 2025

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville legend Peyton Siva is officially coming home for the third straight summer, but this time, he’s taking on a brand new role. In a move that’s sure to stir excitement across Cardinal Nation, The Ville Louisville’s alumni team in The Basketball Tournament (TBT) has announced that Siva will serve as a player-coach for the 2025 edition of the $1 million, winner-takes-all summer showcase.

With Freedom Hall once again hosting the regional round from July 19–23, Siva will be doubling up duties: orchestrating plays from the bench while still making magic on the floor. And if that storyline isn’t enough, Siva will be working alongside his former teammate and 2013 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player, Luke Hancock, who returns as The Ville’s head coach.

The announcement is more than just a nostalgic reunion it’s the next chapter in Siva’s evolving basketball journey.

From NCAA Champion to Coaching the Next Generation

Siva’s career has been defined by leadership, resilience, and an unmatched love for Louisville. The former Cardinal point guard played a pivotal role in Louisville’s 2013 national title run (later vacated by the NCAA), putting up 18 points and five assists in the championship game against Michigan. But it wasn’t just one night that defined him.

In his four seasons at Louisville (2009–13), Siva played in 144 games and started every game in his final three years. He guided the Cardinals to back-to-back Big East Tournament titles in 2012 and 2013, earning MVP honors both times. Known for his quickness, grit, and high basketball IQ, Siva averaged 9.7 points and 5.5 assists per game during his collegiate career.

After being selected 56th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, Siva had stints in the NBA, G League, and overseas, playing professionally in Europe, New Zealand, and Australia before officially retiring in 2023.

But retirement didn’t pull Siva away from the game or Louisville. In 2024, he returned to his alma mater to join the men’s basketball staff as an assistant coach. That season, the Cardinals posted their best win total since 2015 and reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time in six years. Now, he brings that same coaching fire to TBT.

The Ville Reloaded: A Roster Built to Win

Siva joins an absolutely stacked Ville roster that features a mix of Louisville fan favorites and rising professional talent. Returning stars include:

• Russ Smith – The electric scorer and 2013 All-American is always a must-watch.
• Montrezl Harrell – The ferocious forward and former NBA Sixth Man of the Year brings physicality and passion.
• David Johnson – A versatile guard with NBA experience and local roots.
• Jay Scrubb – A dynamic scorer with high-level athleticism.
• David Sloan – A skilled playmaker and TBT veteran.

With more names expected to be announced soon, this roster looks every bit like a championship contender.

Home-Court Advantage Secured

Louisville fans continue to show out for their legends. After becoming the first TBT region to sell over 4,000 tickets, Louisville earned the right to host not just the regional, but also the quarterfinals (July 29), semifinals (July 31), and the grand finale a $1 million winner-take-all championship game on August 3. All games will be held at the historic Freedom Hall, offering The Ville a true home-court advantage throughout the tournament.

A Summer Celebration of Cardinal Basketball

With Peyton Siva now pulling double duty, The Ville’s 2025 TBT campaign is shaping up to be more than just a run at a title it’s a celebration of everything Louisville basketball stands for. Heart. Hustle. Brotherhood.

And with one of the program’s most beloved leaders at the helm on the sideline and the court Card Nation has every reason to believe that this summer could be something truly special.