Sideline Cancer TBT
Pancreatic Cancer is one of the world’s deadliest cancers with a 5 year survival rate of 9%. Sideline Cancer plays for those who are fighting pancreatic cancer currently, those who are no longer with us, and their families. Our mission is to take Pancreatic Cancer “Off the Sideline and to the Finish Line for a Cure!”
Sideline Cancer is a member of the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition and spreads awareness for victims like Alex Trebek, John Lewis, Greg Griffith, and families of the 56,770 people in the United States who are projected to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year.
As Greg once said, “The time for a cure is NOW!” The TBT has allowed for the Griffith Family Foundation to reach a larger community to provide hope to all that one day there will be a cure for pancreatic cancer.
The Sideline Cancer team has been a participant in the TBT since its inaugural debut in 2014. For the last 7 years, Sideline Cancer has brought a unique platform and story to the TBT by raising awareness for Pancreatic Cancer. Sideline Cancer is the ONLY team to have participated in all 8 TBT’s, posting a record of 13-8, making 3 Sweet 16s, 1 Final Four and Championship Game appearance.
In 2019, SidelineCancerTBT played it’s first of many nationally televised games when they took on the NCAA Blue Blood, Kansas Alumni Team named “Self-Made” after their Hall of Fame Head Coach, Bill Self in Wichita, Kansas. In front of 6,500 fans (TBT Record) and an ESPN audience, SidelineCancerTBT defeated the Kansas Alumni Team 87-63. The next night, Sideline Cancer played in front of 7,000 Wichita State Fans when we took on the Aftershocks of WSU. SidelineCancerTBT won the game on ESPN 78-70 in front of another record crowd. SidelineCancerTBT lost in the Sweet 16 to the University of Marquette’s Alumni Team called the Golden Eagles once again on ESPN.
In TBT 2020, Sideline Cancer was excited to return as 1 of 24 teams for another run in the “Quarantined” TBT on Saturday July 4th-14th at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. The tournament was broadcast on ESPN. It was the first professional tournament of any top four sport to be played after the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily suspended those activities. Promoting an “I Can Attitude & Believe Always Spirit” Sideline Cancer propelled itself to the Championship Game capturing the hearts of many new fans in the process, which included SidelineCancerTBT Trending 2nd in the world on Twitter, behind Dr. Fauci and ahead of Kanye West. Sideline Cancer played ALL 5 Games on ESPN.
In 2021, Sideline Cancer advanced to the quarterfinals, but was defeated by Team 23, the runner-up of TBT 2015. While trailing 38-29 going into the half, Sideline Cancer had a thrilling second half with the teams exchanging the lead for most of the half. The team came up just short of moving onto the semifinals. Sideline Cancer played 2 nationally televised games on ESPN, which included a Miracle Shot by Marcus Elam’ Keene!
In 2022, SidelineCancerTBT sought to finally bring home the $1M grand prize! The roster was headlined by Elam Ending legend Marcus Keene, Mike Daum, and NBA vet CJ Miles. Sideline Cancer won their first game in thrilling fashion over Defeat Diabetes, but lost to the home team, The University of Xavier in the Round of 32.
TBT 2023 brought a different flavor to the SidelineCancerTBT team as the roster was rebuilt. Marcus Elam’ Keene and Nick McGlynn were the only returning players. SidelineCancerTBT added former TBT Champion Tyrese Rice, along with Keve Aluma from Virginia Tech and St. Francis University product, Keith Braxton. SidelineCancerTBT went to the Sweet 16 before losing to the “Herd That” team from the University of Marshall. SidelineCancerTBT received 1 nationally televised game on ESPN, the Sweet 16.
We look forward to the TBT 2024 campaign as we remain true to our mission of taking “Pancreatic Cancer Off The Sideline & To The Finish Line For A Cure!” To date, SidelineCancerTBt has played 11 Games on ESPN in the past 5 Tournaments!
If you have an “I Can Attitude and Believe Always Spirit” and want to root for a team playing for something “Bigger Than Basketball,” then Sideline Cancer is the team for you. Check out the video below featuring Sideline Cancer’s Head Coach, Charlie Parker, Executive Director, Jordan Griffith, Star Players, Marcus Keene and Maurice Creek #ICAN #BELIEVEALWAYS #LETSGETIT
Cathy Griffith inspires us every single year 💜#WeBelieve pic.twitter.com/dqphMGiAdA
— TBT (@thetournament) August 1, 2021
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is a 5-on-5, winner take all tournament with a grand prize of $1+ million.
Sideline Cancer TBT Update
How local ‘Sideline Cancer’ team led to American basketball player’s escape from Ukraine
by Nicole Fuschino
BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — The Hollidaysburg-based Sideline Cancer basketball team has donated over $300,000 to pancreatic cancer research, given over $10,000 to patients directly, and were The Basketball Tournament runners up in 2020.
The latest thing they’re adding to their resume — doesn’t have to do with basketball or cancer — it’s helping to save someone from a war-torn country.
Here’s how it happened…
Click here to read the rest of the article and to watch the story ->
SIDELINE CANCER CONTINUES TO FIGHT FOR A CURE
By: Savannah Deuer | @sav_deuer38
“Since advancing to the TBT Championship in July, Sideline Cancer has never had a bigger platform. Many know the name from their deep run in TBT this past summer, or from their tournament appearances since 2014, as the team is the last remaining original TBT franchise. But Sideline Cancer is so much more than just basketball…” Read the rest of the article ->
About Sideline Cancer TBT
To learn more about the Sideline Cancer Basketball Team follow us on: Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook
To learn more about the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition: www.worldpancreaticcancercoalition.org/
To learn more about the TBT visit: www.thetournament.com
To learn more about the Sideline Cancer Basketball Team visit: www.thetournament.com/teams/sideline-cancer
Media Contacts: Billy Clapper (814) 251- 3383
[email protected]
Sierra Cobler (814) 505-2676
[email protected]
*CHILLS*
Tonight’s TBT Championship Game is about way more than $1 million for @SidelineTBT pic.twitter.com/GP7eQff9be
— TBT (@thetournament) July 14, 2020
Sideline Cancer TBT Ring of Honor
We are very blessed to have such remarkable players making such an effort to raise awareness about Pancreatic Cancer on behalf of Sideline Cancer®.
Alma Mater: Gannon University | Washington & Jefferson College
Height: 6’ 5”
Position: Shooting Guard
Twitter Handle: @AlbertVaracallo
Highest Level Played: Semi Professional
Highest Level Team Name: Steel City Yellow Jackets (ABA) | DuBois Dream (PBL)
Last Year Played at Highest Level: 2022
Height: 6’ 6”
Position: Small Forward
Twitter Handle: @masfresco
Highest Level Played: NBA
Highest Level Team Name: G-League Ignite
Last Year Played at Highest Level: 2020
*RETURNING*
Alma Mater: University of the Pacific
Height: 6’ 9”
Position: Center
Twitter Handle: @E_Thompson12
Highest Level Played: Overseas Professional
Highest Level Team Name: Voluntari (Romania)
Last Year Played at Highest Level: 2022
Height: 6’ 4”
Position: Point Guard
Twitter Handle: @kingarrett10
Highest Level Played: Overseas Professional
Highest Level Team Name: Ironi Nes Ziona (Israel)
Last Year Played at Highest Level: 2022
*RETURNING*
Alma Mater: Pittsburgh
Height: 6’ 7”
Position: Small Forward
Twitter Handle: @melartis1
Highest Level Played: NBA
Highest Level Team Name: Orlando Magic
Last Year Played at Highest Level: 2018
*RETURNING*
Alma Mater: Youngstown State & Central Michigan
Height: 5’ 9”
Position: Point Guard
Twitter Handle: @Marcus3Keene
Highest Level Played: NBA G-League
Highest Level Team Name: Varese (Italy)
Last Year Played at Highest Level: 2022
*RETURNING*
Alma Mater: Indiana & George Washington
Height: 6’ 5”
Position: Shooting Guard
Twitter Handle: @Mo_Creek
Highest Level Played: Overseas Professional
Highest Level Team Name: Medora Timberjacks (TBL)
Last Year Played at Highest Level: 2022
Alma Mater: South Dakota State
Height: 6’ 9”
Position: Power Forward
Twitter Handle: @dauminator24
Highest Level Played: Overseas Professional
Highest Level Team Name: Derthona Basket (Italy)
Last Year Played at Highest Level: 2022
Alma Mater: Drake
Height: 6’ 9”
Position: Power Forward
Twitter Handle: @nickmcglynn35
Highest Level Played: Overseas Professional
Highest Level Team Name: Stella Artois Leuven Bears (Belgium)
Last Year Played at Highest Level: 2020
*RETURNING*
Alma Mater: Indiana University | Xavier University
Height: 6’ 4”
Position: Shooting Guard
Twitter Handle: @23abell
Highest Level Played: Overseas Professional
Highest Level Team Name: Spars Realway (Bosnia)
Last Year Played at Highest Level: 2022
Alma Mater: Stephen F. Austin
Height: 6’ 2”
Position: Guard
Twitter Handle: @Yhannon_Bogues
Highest Level Played: Overseas Professional
Highest Level Team Name: Apollon (Cyprus)
Last Year Played at Highest Level: 2022
Alma Mater: Oklahoma
Height: 6’ 6”
Position: Shooting Guard
Highest Level Played: Overseas Professional
Highest Level Team Name: Levallois (France)
Last Year Played at Highest Level: 2022
Alma Mater: Youngstown State
Location: Bradenton, Florida
Position: GM
Twitter Handle: @BillyClapper
Bio: Billy Clapper returns for his 8th season with Sideline Cancer as General Manager. He is a basketball coach at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida and a ten year veteran of the college coaching ranks with stops at Penn State Altoona, Pitt Johnstown, and Indiana State. The former Youngstown State Penguins player will team up with professional basketball players to play in honor of “The Greg and Cathy Griffith Family Foundation” which is one of the leaders nationally in raising awareness for Pancreatic Cancer research. The GFF embraces the phrase “Sideline Cancer” to inspire hope to find a cure! Believe Always!
Alma Mater: Millersville University
Location: Dover, Pennsylvania
Bio: Division 2 All American 2008 NBA D-League 2008-2009 Professional in Iceland (Keflavik) 2011-12 Professional in Denmark (Bakken) 2012-13.
Parker will be back for another season as the Head Coach of Sideline Cancer after leading them to an incredible run to the TBT championship game two years ago. The Millersville University Hall of Famer and former overseas professional is the CEO of Crunch Time Hoops and trains players all across Pennsylvania.
Alma Mater: Pennsylvania State University
Bio: I am participating in “The Basketball Tournament” to promote Pancreatic Cancer Awareness, which will be the 2nd leading cause of death by cancer by 2022. Together WE CAN Sideline Cancer!!
You can support pancreatic cancer research and advocacy
by purchasing Sideline Cancer® merchandise!
16000 T-Shirts Sold from 2012 – 2022
Proceeds go to fund research, awareness, and advocacy to take pancreatic cancer off the sideline and to the finish line for a cure!
Note: Due to supply chain issues, we have had to alter how we produce and distribute our t-shirts. Our Sideline Cancer t-shirts are still available, however orders may be delayed 6 – 8 weeks for processing and delivery.
You can also support us by making an online donation!
If you want to notify someone about this gift, please leave YOUR email in the box indicated and an acknowledgment of your donation will be sent to the family by the Griffith Family Foundation.
If you have a donation you would like to mail to us,
please make your check payable to
“Sideline Cancer”
and mail it to:
The Griffith Family Foundation
P.O. Box 28
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
If you’re experiencing any difficulty with this donation form, please call Cathy Griffith at (814) 937-1082.
The Greg and Cathy Griffith Family Foundation is recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in the State of Pennsylvania. Click on the GuideStar logo to learn more about our Platinum rating.
About The Greg and Cathy Griffith Family Foundation
Through events like the TBT and campaigns like the Sideline Cancer® initiative, the Greg and Cathy Griffith Family Foundation has been able to raise and donate more than $300,000 to support pancreatic cancer patients and research.
A Big Shout-out to Our Sideline Cancer TBT Superfans!
Purple Fever Hoops is a highly competitive basketball organization that was established in 2019 as a 501(c)3 non-profit. This basketball organization serves girls and boys in the West-Central area of Pennsylvania. In 2021, they plan on becoming a member of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU).
They are also teaching our young men and women about the value of community service. Through their partnership with the Griffith Family Foundation/Sideline Cancer, the teams’ members will be given the opportunity to work on community service projects with the rest of the foundation’s members.
