Georgia’s basketball teams will tip off practices this year with a Midnight Madness-style event.
The 2012-13 versions of Mark Fox’s men’s hoops team and Andy Landers’ women’s team will be unveiled in “BasketBASH” 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 12 in Stegeman Coliseum.
“It’s something that we’re going to give it a go,” athletic director Greg McGarity said Monday. “It’s just a little different. I know that the coaches expressed an interest in doing something — let’s take a chance here.”
The men’s basketball team last held such an event at the start of the 2002-03 season, Jim Harrick’s last as Bulldogs coach.
The Georgia men went 15-17 last season. The women were 22-9 and lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
“We’re not coming off great seasons, but it’s just a way that we can maybe drum up some excitement,” McGarity said. “It is the open weekend.”
Georgia’s football team has a bye that weekend.
Basketball players will be available for autographs between 7-8 p.m. and the teams will hold an informal public practice to follow.
The event is free. There will be prize giveaways, face painting and inflatables for the kids.
Among schools also holding events that night as practices begin: Kentucky, NC State, Syracuse, North Carolina, Missouri, Indiana, Georgetown, Maryland, Baylor and Kansas.
