Fans Invited to Attend Husky Hoopla on Oct. 13

From GoHuskies.com

Basketball tip-off event follows 7 p.m. volleyball match

SEATTLE - One night, two great events!

That is the slogan for a unique doubleheader of University of Washington athletic activities that takes place, Friday, Oct. 13 at Bank of America Arena.

For the first time in eight years, Husky fans have the opportunity to tip off the new season by joining the Washington basketball teams for their opening practice of the 2006-07 campaign.

The UW men's and women's basketball squads conduct their first official on-court gathering on Oct. 13. They will hit the hardwood following the 7 p.m. volleyball match between the Huskies and Washington State.

Dave "Softy" Mahler of SportsRadio 950 KJR AM serves as Master of Ceremonies for the Husky Hoopla festivities, helping Dawg fans get pumped up for another great year of basketball.

The event will include scrimmages by the men's and women's basketball teams, a slam dunk contest, fun contests and lots of prizes.

Husky Hoopla is free for all fans and will start approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the volleyball match.

Fans can guarantee a seat for Husky Hoopla by purchasing a ticket to the volleyball match and helping the fifth-ranked Husky spikers attempt to break their attendance record of 5,712 fans.

Fans wishing to attend only the Husky Hoopla will be admitted free of charge at the beginning of the third game of the volleyball match.

This exciting Husky Hoopla marks the first time UW had conducted a public event in conjunction with the first basketball practice since Oct. 16, 1998.

The Husky men return two starters from the 2006 team that registered a 26-7 record, made its third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and advanced to the Sweet 16 for the second straight season. Those returning starters, sophomores Jon Brockman and Justin Dentmon, are joined by a recruiting class that was ranked among the best in the nation.

Lorenzo Romar begins his fifth season as head coach of the UW men's basketball team.