The annual official kick-off for Villanova Basketball is here - "Hoops Mania presented by Advance Staging Productions." Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the festivities will be getting underway at 7 p.m.
...A moment to reflect on the official title...ugh...
Tickets to the highly anticipated event were given to full-time undergraduate students only through a lottery system, and were also available for season-ticket holders.
Typically, there is a signature musical guest every year -- but once again, the identity of the guest has been kept under wraps.
...I'm pretty confident I know who it is thanks to a well-placed source, but I'm going to hold off while I wait for them to confirm...I will say though, if they are correct -- it's going to be very, very good and the students will be happy...
The Wildcats are expecting a fine list of recruiting prospects in attendance as well, with the following targets confirmed:
- 2011 G Nick Faust
- 2012 F Kyle Anderson
- 2012 G/F Savon Goodman
- 2012 G Omar Calhoun
- 2012 F Amile Jefferson
- 2012 G Ryan Arcidiacono
- 2013 F Reggie Cameron
...I still don't see Faust coming to 'Nova...but that 2012 list is very strong...
This weekend is also Homecoming. The annual Blue-White scrimmage will be held in The Pavilion at 11:30 a.m. The Men's Soccer team hosts Cincinnati at 1:00 p.m. on West Campus, and the Football Team will be hosting James Madison at 3:30 in Villanova Stadium.
Finally, Vince Nicastro on Friday's event:
"Hoops Mania has become one of the most anticipated events on our calendar, and serves as a great way to celebrate the start of the college basketball season and our Homecoming activities," said Villanova Director of Athletics Vince Nicastro. "We look forward to Villanovans from far and wide being part of this and the many other exciting events this weekend."
Check out the official press release from Villanova.com for more details.