Every summer since 2014, one team has taken the court in The Basketball Tournament (TBT) wearing purple not just for pride—but for purpose. That team is Sideline Cancer.

Now, in 2025, Sideline Cancer has made history again.

With a heart-pounding 74–72 win over LA Ignite in Louisville, KY, the Sideline Cancer TBT team not only became Louisville Regional Champions, but also secured their 20th TBT victory—a milestone reached by only a handful of teams in tournament history. With that win, they’ve advanced to the Elite 8, continuing their journey to the TBT Championship and lighting the path for cancer patients and families nationwide.

From a Laundry Basket Dream to a National Movement

The origin of Sideline Cancer’s involvement in TBT is as humble as it is heartwarming. It began with a simple conversation between Greg Griffith and his wife Cathy, as she carried a laundry basket upstairs. Greg—who was battling pancreatic cancer at the time—dreamed of a high-level basketball tournament airing in the slow summer sports months. That dream became a reality when, through divine timing and determination, Sideline Cancer joined the inaugural TBT in 2014.

Since then, they’ve been the only original team to appear in every single tournament.

Powered by Faith, Teamwork & a Fierce Love for the Mission

This year’s tournament run has been filled with more than just buzzer-beaters and Elam Enders—it’s been marked by moments that define what Sideline Cancer truly represents.

In Louisville, Jermaine Marrow redeemed last year’s missed shot by sinking the game-winner against the #1 ranked Louisville team—one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. Chris Coffey followed that up with a put-back dunk in front of his hometown crowd, sealing the team’s spot in the quarterfinals and sending Freedom Hall into a frenzy.

But perhaps the biggest victory came off the court.

On the very morning of their Regional Championship win, Team GM Billy Clapper shared that after seven months of chemotherapy treatments, his doctor declared he is cancer free. His journey through Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma has been an inspiration to the entire Sideline Cancer family.

Watch the emotional moment where Coach Charlie Parker told the team the news after their win:
Watch on Instagram

Cheering for a Cause

None of this would be possible without the incredible support from the community. In the stands of Freedom Hall were families affected by cancer, cheering the team on with unwavering belief and an “I Can” spirit. They were there for Billy. They were there for their own loved ones. They were there for every name written on a Sideline Cancer jersey and every person battling this disease.

This marks the 14th time Sideline Cancer has played on national television, using their platform to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer and rally support for the mission that drives them year-round.

More Than Basketball: The Sideline Cancer Patient Assistance Program

Sideline Cancer isn’t just about summer basketball. At its core is the Greg and Cathy Griffith Family Foundation, which leads the Sideline Cancer Patient Assistance Program—providing direct financial support to cancer patients and families.

Over the past two years alone, the program has raised over $200,000 to help ease the burden of cancer-related expenses for individuals across dozens of communities.

Their message is simple:
“I Can Attitude. Believe Always Spirit.”
And their impact is real.

You Can Help Sideline Cancer Change Lives

Inspired by this run? Want to make a difference?

• Host a Sideline Cancer Event at your school or organization
• Make a donation to support cancer patients in need

To get involved, contact Jordan Griffith, Executive Director, at [email protected].

What’s Next?

The team now heads to Charleston, West Virginia, for the TBT Elite 8, with their next game airing Monday night at 8 PM on FS2. With momentum, mission, and millions watching, they continue to play for something far bigger than themselves.

One win at a time.
One family at a time.
One step closer to curing cancer.

#ICAN #BelieveAlways #SidelineCancer