“TBT” is almost here, and by that I do not mean “Throwback Thursday.” The first ever “TBT”, or otherwise known as “The Basketball Tournament”, is almost here in Philadelphia. However, this isn’t your everyday tournament. There is a special twist that utilizes social media and challenges fans.

The tournament takes place from June 6th to the 8th. However, leading up to the tournament, there is a signup phase that takes place. From now until May 1st, anyone can sign up for free and make a team. The catch – not every team will get to play. This is where the fans step in. The tournament will only feature 32 teams, and as of 1:15 p.m. today, there are 47 eligible teams. What’s in it for them? 500,000 dollars.

Listed on each team’s page is the number of fans for that team. The top 24 teams with the most fans receive an automatic bid and a guaranteed spot to play in the tournament. The last 8 spots are decided by the TBT selection committee. As for the other teams? They don’t get a chance to play in this year’s tournament. Each team will need to recruit as many fans as they can before the tournament field locks in on May 1st.

There are a number of high profile, recognizable teams looking to receive a spot in the tournament. One of these high profile teams are the 2009 Final Four Villanova Wildcats. Scottie Reynolds, Dante Cunningham, Corey Fisher, Antonio Pena, Reggie Redding, and Dwayne Anderson are all coming back for this tournament. They are uniting once again under the name “Team ROBY.” Maalik Wayns and Mouphtaou Yarou will also be joining them. Team ROBY currently has 122 fans and certainly will welcome more. This is where Nova Nation and you can help out. Simply sign up by clicking here. Registration is quick and easy and will only take a few seconds. Find “Team ROBY” on the site and simply click the button in order to “fan” them. If Team ROBY wins, fans will have a chance to win prizes as well.

Other notable teams include the 2010 Sweet 16 Cornell team, and teams representing Wisconsin, LSU, Siena, Maryland, and Notre Dame. Other players of note that are participating in TBT, include Austin Freeman, Chris Wright, Sean Singletary, Ryan Wittman, Aquille Carr, Anthony Ireland, Tony Gaffney, and Ryan Gomes.

Team ROBY needs your help, let’s give them the love Nova Nation has for them. Teams lock in on May 1st, time is of the essence.