UConn Basketball First Night

Huskies Kick Off Season with Annual Ceremony

The UConn Huskies have a tradition of winning championships. They also have an annual tradition of starting each season by introducing the players and coaches at the First Night at Gampel Pavilion.
 
This year that tradition has changed a bit. For the first time, both the men's and women's basketball teams were introduced together at one First Night ceremony.
 
"I think it's a lot of fun," said sophomore guard Caroline Doty. "They bring a lot of energy and a lot of excitement. I mean it's great with our girls but to add our boys as well I think it's great."
 
The night started off with an elaborate introduction of each player. That was followed by a skills competition and a dunk contest. UConn star Maya Moore got the crowd on their feet, when she threw down a dunk of her own.
 
"Now that woman can dunk, hopefully the men can take some pointers from them and start shooting the ball a little bit better," said former UConn star Donny Marshall.
 
Both teams came into the night with a championship goal in mind. The UConn men hope to build on their Final Four appearance. The women look to repeat as national champions, and fans think they both have the ability to win it all.
 
"I love the women's team. I love the men's team," said UConn sophomore Joe Kopman-Fried. "I want to see them both win. The women went a little bit further. I really hope they do what they did in 2004 championships; dual championships."
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