If you felt a buzz down by Freedom Hall, it’s because Luke Hancock just grabbed the clipboard for The Ville, Louisville’s alumni squad in The Basketball Tournament. The former Cardinal, a 2013 Final Four hero, was named head coach and GM Tuesday, and CardNation’s already dreaming of a deep TBT run. Hancock’s been with The Ville since it kicked off, playing in 2023, assisting last summer, and now leading the charge for the Louisville Regional, July 19-23. With Montrezl Harrell and Russ Smith as his first two roster locks, this team’s got enough juice to make the Yum! Center jealous.
Hancock’s no stranger to big moments. Back in 2012, he rolled into Louisville from George Mason, a transfer with a chip on his shoulder. Over two seasons, he played 76 games, but it’s 2013 that folks still talk about. That year, Hancock was the spark for a Cardinals squad that won it all, until the NCAA vacated the title, but don’t tell that to fans who watched him drop 22 points, including a perfect 5-for-5 from three, to earn Final Four Most Outstanding Player. His clutch gene was undeniable, and now he’s bringing it to the sidelines.
After college, Hancock chased the pro dream, NBA Summer League, a stint with Panionios in Greece, until an injury sent him to the real world. He’s a financial advisor now, a philanthropist giving back, and a voice on ESPN Louisville’s airwaves. But coaching The Ville? That’s personal. With Harrell’s dunks and Smith’s swagger, Hancock’s got a squad that could storm through Freedom Hall’s regional and into the TBT quarterfinals on July 29. Semis are July 31, and that $1 million title game? August 3
