Check out the TDCB Intro Video

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Check out the TDCB Intro Video *

WHAT is tournament dreams?

Tournament Dreams College Basketball (TDCB) is a dynamic, play-by-play basketball simulation that captures the drama, depth, and passion of college basketball like never before. This immersive game lets you experience the thrill of watching real college teams and players compete in high-level simulation matchups — all driven by a powerful analytics-driven game engine.

TDCB is a fun, fast-paced, and statistically authentic simulation that captures the true flow of a college basketball game — all unfolding in real time, right on your screen.  You can rewrite history by replaying iconic seasons, test your coaching acumen in high-stakes matchups, or create entirely new dream tournaments that showcase your vision of the ultimate college basketball showdown.

A COLLEGE BASKETBALL EXPERIENCE

Tournament Dreams College Basketball is more than a simulation — it’s a college basketball experience. Built by passionate fans for passionate fans, TDCB brings the drama, strategy, and unpredictability of real college hoops to life through deep analytics, play-by-play action, and meaningful decision-making.

TDCB puts you courtside with real teams and players, letting you recreate history, test hypothetical matchups, or craft your own dream tournaments — from tip off to the final buzzer. Whether you’re guiding your favorite program to a championship run or reliving classic rivalries, TDCB delivers the energy, drama, and unpredictability that makes college basketball special.

INTRODUCING

Basketball net icon with orange rim

Tournament Dreams College Basketball (TDCB) is a dynamic, play-by-play basketball simulation that captures the excitement, depth, and passion of college basketball like never before. Developed by Dynamic Sports Sims, LLC, this immersive game lets you experience the thrill of watching real college teams and players compete in high-level simulation matchups — all driven by a powerful analytics-driven game engine.

TDCB is designed to be a fun, fast-paced, and statistically authentic simulation that captures the true flow of a college basketball game — all unfolding in real time, right on your screen.  Whether you’re guiding your favorite program to a championship run or reliving classic rivalries, TDCB delivers the energy, drama, and unpredictability that makes college basketball special.

Every game of TDCB tells its own story — from thrilling buzzer-beaters and dominant player performances to surprising upsets and program-defining victories. You can rewrite history by replaying iconic tournaments, test your coaching acumen by guiding your team through high-stakes matchups, or create entirely new dream tournaments that showcase your vision of the ultimate college basketball showdown.

At its core, TDCB is a fast-paced, play-by-play simulation that mirrors the real flow of a college basketball game. The unique game engine is built upon extensive play-by-play data, advanced analytics, and detailed player metrics. This ensures that each game unfolds with realism, showcasing the strengths, weaknesses, and playing styles of individual athletes and entire teams. From the opening tip-off to the final buzzer, users will witness the true essence of college basketball, including thrilling last-second shots, tough defensive battles, and high-octane offensive performances.

REALISTIC PERFORMANCES

Basketball hoop and net illustration

TDCB allows you to watch and coach real teams and players in simulated college basketball action, where each player and team performs true to life.  Players perform according to their real-life tendencies, playing styles and skill sets.  You’ll see each player’s role and strengths come alive on the court. 

·        High-volume scorers hunt their shots

·        Elite defenders lock down opponents

·        Three-point snipers launch from deep

·        Savvy playmakers orchestrate highly efficient offenses.

Team strategies are just as authentic — you will witness some teams thrive in an up-tempo, transition-heavy attack, while others run disciplined half-court sets and play stifling defense.  Fans will see contrasting styles clash on the court and individual players thrive in their unique skill-set.

DYNAMIC RATINGS SYSTEM (drs)

  • TDCB incorporates a real-time rating adjustment system that reflects current game conditions.

  • Player and team ratings adjust based on momentum, fatigue, coaching decisions, home-court advantage, and the skill ratings of all other players on the floor.

  • This ensures that the flow of each game is influenced by realistic basketball dynamics rather than static ratings.

  • Each player is rated based on their shooting tendencies, scoring efficiency, passing ability, rebounding, defense, and other key advanced statistics.

  • Specific ratings are assigned for playmaking and shooting in the three levels of scoring on the court: At the Rim (ATR), Mid-Range (MRG), and Three-Pointers (3PT).

  • Players are rated for their unique scoring and playmaking abilities in both Half Court and Transition Offense.  

  • Players are also evaluated for their ability to draw fouls, make free throws, avoid turnovers and generate steals and blocks.

Innovative AssistED System

Basketball with silhouette of a player dunking

  • TDCB’s Assisted Player Rating (APR) ensures that assists are not randomly assigned but rather happen organically in the flow of the game.

  • Each player is rated for how often they set up teammates to score and how often they scored off assisted passes from teammates.

  • Pass-first point guards will create more scoring opportunities, and shooters will benefit from quality “dimes” for higher percentage looks.

  • This system enhances realism and provides an exciting visual representation of assist-driven plays, from pinpoint passes for open 3’s to high-flying alley-oops.

JOURNEY FROM CONCEPT TO CREATION

Basketball hoop and net icon on a black background.

Tournament Dreams College Basketball was designed from the ground up to not just calculate outcomes, but to feel like a real college basketball game.

Every possession is shaped by context — who’s on the floor, how the defense reacts, where shots come from, and how momentum shifts over time. Every game tells its own story — from thrilling buzzer-beaters and dominant performances to surprising upsets and program-defining victories.

Basketball with silhouette of player dunking

Unlike static simulations, player ratings in TDCB are dynamic, so the game is always alive:

  • A shooter’s effectiveness changes based on fatigue, opponent and coaching strategy

  • Defenders influence outcomes through positioning, pressure, and matchup advantages

  • Momentum makes hot streaks feel hot and cold spells feel frustratingly real

Player and team ratings adjust based on momentum, fatigue, coaching decisions, home-court advantage, and the skill ratings of all other players on the floor.

Basketball with silhouette of player dunking

DYNAMIC RATINGS SYSTEM

THREE LEVELS OF SCORING

Each player is rated based on their shooting tendencies, scoring efficiency, passing ability, rebounding, defense, and other key advanced statistics.

  • Specific ratings are assigned for playmaking and shooting in the three levels of scoring on the court: At the Rim (ATR), Mid-Range (MRG), and Three-Pointers (3PT).

  • Players are rated for their unique scoring and playmaking abilities in both Half Court and Transition Offense.  

  • Players are also evaluated for their ability to draw fouls, make free throws, avoid turnovers and generate steals and blocks.

ASSISTED PASSING SYSTEM

TDCB places a strong emphasis on ball movement and team offense.

  • TDCB’s Assisted Player Rating (APR) ensures that assists are not randomly assigned but rather happen organically in the flow of the game.

  • Each player is rated for how often they set up teammates to score and how often they scored off assisted passes from teammates.

  • Pass-first point guards will create more scoring opportunities, and shooters will benefit from quality “dimes” for higher percentage looks.

This system enhances realism and provides an exciting visual representation of assist-driven plays, from pinpoint passes for open 3’s to high-flying alley-oops

SHOT QUALITY MATTERS

Not all shots are created equal — and TDCB treats them that way. Every shot attempt is evaluated and influenced based on:

  • Open vs. contested looks

  • Defensive pressure and proximity

  • Shooter tendencies and skill set

A clean catch-and-shoot three feels completely different than a forced jumper late in the shot clock — and the results reflect that.

Tournament Dreams College Basketball was born out of my deep passion for the sport of college basketball and lifelong hobby of sports simulation gaming. The game’s development began during the COVID-19 pandemic when I revisited years of ideas and notes for building a realistic college basketball simulation. Initially designed as a tabletop game with player cards, dice, and a game mat, TDCB evolved into a digital format to enhance gameplay speed, accuracy and depth.

By utilizing the Microsoft Excel and Access platforms, the game became a more robust and efficient simulation, allowing for detailed statistical replays and reporting. Now the game engine is powered by deep data on every team and player, and creates an exciting game of basketball using Dynamic Ratings Charts, Virtual Dice and Digital Cards for each team and player.

After five years of dedicated research, playtesting, and refining, TDCB is now in its final stages of development, looking to bring an unprecedented level of depth to college basketball simulation gaming.

GAMEPLAY FEATURES

Basketball with silhouette of player dunking

TDCB features many innovative gameplay features that help enhance realism. Beyond the play-by-play engine, TDCB incorporates a series of advanced systems that work together to replicate the unpredictable, emotional, and strategic nature of real college basketball. These features are designed not just to simulate numbers, but to capture the feel of the game — the runs, the swings, the pressure, and the fatigue that define every possession.

Each system interacts dynamically with the others, ensuring that no two games ever play the same way. Player and team performance evolves based on context, momentum can shift in an instant, and even subtle coaching or gameplay decisions can influence the outcome. The result is a simulation that feels organic and alive — one that mirrors the drama and intensity of college basketball. 

Some of TDCB’s unique gameplay features include: Dynamic Ratings System (DRS), Assisted System, Assisted Player Rating (APR), Momentum Meter, Fatigue System, Team & Conference Power Ratings, and more.

Minimum System Requirements

These are required for the game to run correctly.

  • Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit)

  • Microsoft Office:

  • Processor: Intel Core i3 or equivalent

  • Memory (RAM): 4 GB

  • Storage: 2 GB free space

  • Display: 1366×768 resolution or higher

  • Excel Settings: Macros enabled (installer sets TDCB as a trusted location)

  • Internet: Only required for download and updates

  • TDCB is a Windows-only game. It requires Windows Excel and Access/Access Runtime.

  • Not compatible with Mac Excel or macOS database drivers.

  • Mac users may be able to play using Parallels Desktop (Windows 10/11 required).

  • Not supported on Chromebooks, iPads, or mobile devices.

WHAT MAKES TDCB UNIQUE?

Recommended System Requirements

For the smoothest gameplay, fastest stat processing, and best experience.

  • Operating System: Windows 11 (64-bit)

  • Microsoft Office:

    • Microsoft 365 Excel/Access (latest version)

    • 64-bit Office strongly recommended for large databases and faster queries

  • Processor: Intel Core i5/i7 (10th generation or newer)

  • Memory (RAM): 8–16 GB

  • Storage: SSD (solid-state drive) recommended

  • Display: 1920×1080 or higher

  • Excel Settings: Macros enabled (installer sets TDCB as a trusted location)

  • Display Scaling: 100% scaling recommended for best visual layout

  • Internet: Not required for gameplay

  • TDCB is a Windows-only game. It requires Windows Excel and Access/Access Runtime.

  • Not compatible with Mac Excel or macOS database drivers.

  • Mac users may be able to play using Parallels Desktop (Windows 10/11 required).

  • Not supported on Chromebooks, iPads, or mobile devices.

HOW THE GAME PLAYS

At the heart of TDCB is a play-by-play game engine driven by advanced analytics and detailed player metrics. The game engine is powered by deep data on every team and player, and creates an exciting game of college basketball using Dynamic Ratings Charts, Virtual Dice and Digital Cards for each team and player. Running on the Microsoft Excel and Access platforms, the game is a robust and efficient simulation, allowing for detailed statistical replays and reporting.

  • Player ratings adjust dynamically based on game context — momentum, fatigue, coaching choices, and matchups.

  • Offensive and defensive tendencies reflect real-world styles, so you’ll see elite defenders lock down opponents and sharpshooters heat up from deep.

  • Games unfold with the realism of real college basketball — from buzzer-beaters to momentum shifts.

CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE

TDCB doesn’t just simulate games — it lets you live and design your college basketball experience:

  • Build and seed your own tournaments.

  • Replay historic rivalries or craft “what-if” matchups across eras.

  • Guide your favorite team through season replays or deep tournament runs.

  • Coach your way: Adjust strategies, scout matchups, and shape the flow of each game.

A GAME WITH HEART

TDCB honors what makes college basketball special:

  • Emotion and unpredictability — upsets, Cinderella runs, and gut-wrenching finishes.

  • Storytelling through stats — every box score tells a narrative.

Our goal is simple: give fans a platform where every simulated game feels real, meaningful, and memorable.