By: Gabe Maturo

After missing TBT 2020 due to COVID-19, Best Virginia is back

In a summer where COVID-19 turned the sports world upside down, Best Virginia fell victim to the same fate.

Within the immediate lead up to the tournament, a player from the West Virginia alumni squad tested positive for the virus.

After breaking the news to TBT officials, they voluntarily withdrew from the Columbus bubble.

We're sorry we let you down, West Virginia. We won't be able to play in @thetournament this year due to COVID-19. To all the other teams - stay safe, ramp up your safety awareness, and go win some games! https://t.co/nAFPCxI80B

— Final Fourcast Podcast + BEST VIRGINIA (@finalfourcast) June 22, 2020

For a team that had high hopes heading into TBT, this series of events was heartbreaking.

This year, however, is a different story. Recently on Inside TBT, Kevin Jones announced that Best Virginia will return for TBT 2021.

🚨BREAKING🚨

Kevin Jones tells us that after not getting to play last year, Best Virginia is... BACK.

Which former @WVUhoops players (and coaches 👀) could we see join @kevjones5 in @thetournament 2021⁉️

Shout out @finalfourcast pic.twitter.com/Q7S3gtyPjq

— Inside TBT (@InsideTbt) February 5, 2021

Before their bout with COVID-19, Best Virginia was coming off a tournament where they beat Seven City Royalty (Old Dominion alumni) before losing to Overseas Elite. 

That group featured a buffet of former WVU stars, including Jaysean Paige and 2010 NCAA Tournament hero Kevin Jones.

BEST VIRGINIA, TBT 2021 ✅

Be sure to subscribe to our podcast to find out new player additions, who is returning, as the months get closer...

Also, @thetournament, let’s chat 😎 pic.twitter.com/WATRrn1JI0

— Final Fourcast Podcast + BEST VIRGINIA (@finalfourcast) February 5, 2021

Paige started off TBT 2019 hot, scoring 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in the win against Seven City Royalty.

Just a game later, Jones put on a spectacular performance against the 4x champs Overseas Elite, logging 20 points and 8 boards.

Although they didn’t make it far, their fan base made it a tournament to remember. Thousands of West Virginia fans flooded into Richmond to watch their favorite alumni, cheering them on every second of the way.

Best Virginia (@FinalFourCast) Win ✔️ Sing Country Roads ✔️

Even five hours away from home, @WVUhoops fans made it feel like Morgantown at the Siegel Center this summer! #TBT2019 pic.twitter.com/zL1jL9glYp

— TBT (@thetournament) August 26, 2019

Last year Best Virginia was set to host a regional in Charleston, WV, but once again COVID-19 got the best of them. The regional sites were canceled and the tournament moved to a bubble format.

Now, the upcoming tournament is expected to return to a regional location format and all are hoping fans can attend in a limited capacity. Will we finally get to see Best Virginia play in front of the home crowd?

🚨BREAKING🚨: Kevin Jones tells @InsideTbt that Best Virginia (@finalfourcast) WILL return for TBT 2021!

See you this summer, West Virginia??? 👀 pic.twitter.com/nvhBmAMMq3

— TBT (@thetournament) February 5, 2021