Look, I know they don't mean anything. Just introduce the teams (last one we had was men and women combined), maybe a little team scrimmage, 3-point shootout, maybe some dunks...but mainly introduce this (nearly) brand new men's team/staff and remind everyone the women's team is loaded this year coming off a 30-win season. It's been hinted at around here a lot that interest has lacked in the last few years with the men's on-court results, and there seems to be some buzz around the program with Boals' hiring. Something like this might help keep that buzz rolling.

But mainly, I selfishly want to see what we have and learn who all the new faces are. How hard would it be for the athletic department to pull something like this off? I know we had one a few years ago with Saul, maybe in his second year. I remember Kenny Kaminski in a 3-point shootout.

They couldn't find a way to incorporate "Stand for Defense" so they gave up trying to make it work.

It seems to me that the last Saturday home game in October vs. Kent State would be the ideal time to schedule an event at the Convo and to genuinely attempt to generate some enthusiasm. Depending on the starting time of the football game the event could be held either before the kickoff in Peden (assuming a 4pm or later kickoff) or after the game (assuming a noon or 2 pm kickoff). I'd be really disappointed to see the Athletic Department miss this opportunity to get things started on the right foot for Coach Boals and the team.

Yes! and the basketball court will go...?

Let's try to keep our suggestions in the real world. you know this is absurd.

Except that some of our "fans" would likely turn it into a drunken brawl. They did, after all, have to reroute the Homecoming parade away from Court Street after beer was thrown on marchers. Big downside potential, IMO.

Do it on one of the greens, on the other hand? Excellent idea.

Great questions - so let's agree it is worth a call to Pitt (who must see some value as it is becoming an annual event there) and Arizona (and Xavier) all of whom have held their event outdoors since this was first batted around years ago. See what the costs, safety, security, and logistic needs are. Then figure out if is it even possible, and if so, where it could it be held. Let's also look at past Midnight Madness agendas ands see what is really needed (generally include: 3-point costs, dunk contest, and yes, coaches free throw shooting contests).

You nailed it - Midnight Madness is a gimmick - has been since Lefty Driesell started it at Maryland. Its all about fan engagement. So the Athletic Department places a few calls and we go from there.

As SBH said, maybe it is not uptown, but on a green - Hell, set up lights, bleachers and a few hoops (no floor needed) outside Peden in the parking lot. Just get it up and out of the Convo to reflect the new and exciting regime. And take it out of an arena where even if the bottom bowl is filled, it still looks like no one is there - and put it into a festival setting where its alive with multiple events.

There is a tournament in Waverly in June - You would think if Waverly could figure out a way to afford it, Ohio could as well.

Basketball outside in October, what could go wrong?

Maybe don't think so big with a full court and game. Just one portable hoop on the bricks for 3 point contest and dunk contest in front of old Baker. No dribbling required. A mic and some good speakers and we are good to go.