Indiana fans live by their basketball and tonight, they’ll get their first opportunity to check out the 2011-12 Indiana Hoosiers. It will also be the first chance to see heralded-freshman Cody Zeller in the cream and crimson.
Hoosier Hysteria tips-off the basketball season and usually marks the team’s first official practice. However, with the festivities moved back to Saturday instead of the usual Friday at midnight, I’m sure the Hoosiers have already practiced once Saturday. The public evening practice is completely for the fans and more of an “opening ceremonies.”
I will be hosting the night on BTN.com stream and will be joined throughout the night with Lucas Mayer, Samantha Dewig, Tricia Whitaker and BTN’s Tim Doyle. Our broadcast will begin at 7:30 pm EST and can only be seen at BTN.com. Click here for the direct link, and note, you have to sign up for a $15 monthly package that you can cancel after a month. Keep in mind the Hoosiers exhibition game is also only on BTN.com.
The women’s team will take the court at 7:30 with the men to follow at 8. They will have a three-point/hot spot and a dunk contest. I’ve seen the script and let me tell you, there will be a couple very special things happen tonight.
Those expected to compete in the shooting contest are Jordan Hulls, Victor Oladipo, Will Sheehey, Daniel Moore, Austin Etherington, Taylor Wayer, Remy Abell, Matt Roth, Derek Elston and Cody Zeller.
Sheehey, Oladipo, Zeller and Raphael Smith will show off their hops in the dunk contest.
Former players D.J. White and Eric Gordon will return to soak in the events and also serve as dunk contest judges. The men’s time on the court will be hosted by ESPN college basketball personality Bill Raftery.
I’ve spent all week preparing for Hoosier Hysteria. Not only did I have to look ahead to the season but also read over each Big Ten team. Indiana has many changes, both to the men’s and women’s squads. I talked with women’s coach Felisha Legette-Jack about her team, the offseason and goals for this season. There is so much new information and so that’s where my boards and notes come in handy.
It’s going to be a fun night, full of excitement and hope. Get there early, donate canned food items and enjoy some Hoosier basketball. Indiana fans need something to cheer for and so that’s what Tom Crean intends to do…with a few tricks up his sleeve.