Miami Madness Tips Off the UM Basketball Seasons

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – On Thursday night, the University of Miami basketball teams put on a high-energy exhibition in front of a rocking BankUnited Center in the first-ever Miami Madness celebration.

Fans were able to meet their favorite Hurricanes on the court, as they participated in a number of promotions including tricycle and relay races and even a game of knock-out.

Then the Miami players had the opportunity to show their skills as the men’s and women’s squads each took part in a short, light-hearted scrimmage. The women’s team was highlighted by the three-point shot while the men went above the rim.

Performances by the Sunsations, Kaos and the Storm wowed the crowd, which included celebrities such as UM President Donna E. Shalala, ESPN analyst Jay Williams and NBA players James Posey (Pacers), Jannero Pargo (Bulls), Jarrett Jack (Hornets) and Serge Ibaka (Thunder).

A three-point shootout and a slam dunk contest brought the fans to their feet just in time for Coach Jim Larranaga and Coach Katie Meier to say thank you to the fans and invite everyone to the first home games on Nov. 11.

On that day, the nationally-ranked women play Texas Pan American at 1 p.m. and the men host Tennessee Tech at 7 p.m.