Oct. 18, 2007
You could feel the energy in McDonough Gym last Friday night-even from the parking lot.
There was much to celebrate at the 2007 edition of Georgetown's Midnight Madness. While waiting for the McDonough doors to open, the thousands of students (and a few scattered alums) stood before a gigantic television watching a replay of the Hoyas' 96-84 overtime Elite Eight victory over North Carolina. Across the parking lot, the buzz of excitement was punctured intermittently by the screaming and chanting of students recording Hoya Rival Rants for broadcast on the Verizon Center jumbotron. Hardly a holler away, Hoya Blue sold shirts seemingly by the boxful.
The 2,500 or so lucky students (and resourceful alums) who braved hours-long lines for coveted tickets earlier in the afternoon were treated to one of the best shows this basketball-crazed campus has ever seen. John Thompson III and the team's returning seniors helped unveil the 2007 Final Four banner. Jeff Green's mom helped induct her son into Georgetown's fraternity of NBA alums. Patrick Ewing Jr. helped teach Jerry Rice to dance.
Watching from the parking lot on the gigantic television, I was slighty removed from the action inside McDonough Gym. And yet strangely, the most important insight I gathered from Midnight Madness 2007 came from one of the most intimate moments of the night for the student fans in the stands.
As he emerged from the locker room for his introduction, the requisite "Eye of the Tiger" (or "Heart of a Hoya" if you prefer) blaring from the loudspeakers, Roy Hibbert took a detour smack dab into the middle of the center court section of student fans. In that moment, I saw on the big screen in the parking lot a couple dozen students whose facial expression said in no uncertain terms-there is no more awesome place in the world than right here in the gym celebrating the greatness of Hoya basketball.
None more so than Roy.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chances are if you're an alumnus you weren't in the impromptu mosh pit with Roy Hibbert last Friday. Maybe you caught ESPNU's coverage of Midnight Madness. Maybe you took in the festivities with me in the parking lot. Maybe you have an early bedtime.
Never fear! The Hoya Hoop Club's annual Open Practice-Mid-Afternoon Madness if you will-is coming up this Sunday, October 21 beginning at 3:30pm.
Announcements have already gone out via email to Hoya Hoop Club members. You can also read a brief synopsis at the Hoyas Unlimited Events page here.
Here is the schedule of events for this Sunday:
HOOP CLUB OPEN PRACTICE
3:30pm: Dinner
4:15pm: Q&A with Coach John Thompson III and autograph session with the team for Junior Hoya Hoop Club members
5:00-6:00pm: Practice
Admission is FREE for all Hoop Club members. You only need to do two things:
1. RSVP by contacting Hoyas Unlimited via email at hoyasunlimited@georgetown.edu or by phone at (202) 687-7159 before Sunday.
2. Renew your Hoop Club membership--or join for the first time.
OPEN PRACTICE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I make my donation at the door on Sunday?
Yes. The Hoya Hoop Club will have a table at the entrance to the event so members can make donations. If you are planning to make your donation on Sunday, we still request you RSVP to hoyasunlimited@georgetown.edu so we know you're coming-and can order enough food.
How much should I donate?
You can become a Hoya Hoop Club member for as little as a $25 donation, but you're welcome to donate as much as you'd like. For more information about the benefits of being a Hoop Club member, check out our member benefits brochure.
Can students attend?
Absolutely. All Georgetown students are eligible to be Hoya Hoop Club members, and we'd be happy to have you at the Open Practice and all of our events during the season. Last year the Hoop Club had twenty-one student members, and we're already well on our way to passing that number this season. All you need to do is RSVP to hoyasunlimited@georgetown.edu and make a donation to the Hoop Club.
What about Young Alums?
Definitely. Young Alums-the five most recent graduating classes-are the fastest growing demographic in the Hoya Hoop Club, and they're the driving force behind some of our most successful events during the year.
Every Young Alum who purchases season tickets for men's basketball has their Hoop Club annual donation included in the ticket price. For members of the classes of 2003-2006, the donation is set at $50. As part of a special promotion, the Class of 2007 receives a special discounted donation price of $20.07.
I can't attend the Open Practice, but I have a great question for John Thompson III. Where can I send it?
Email hoyasunlimited@georgetown.edu with your questions by Friday, October 19. We will try to ask Coach Thompson as many questions as possible during his session. A transcript will also be posted on GUHoyas.com later in the week.
Can I bring my camera?
Yes. However, the following guidelines apply:
Taking a picture of Roy Hibbert shaking your child's hand during the autograph session--COOL.
Taking a picture of Roy Hibbert setting a screen for Jonathan Wallace during the Open Practice-NOT COOL.
No cameras will be allowed inside of the gym during practice.
Will Patrick Ewing Jr. teach me how to do the Soulja Boy?
It never hurts to ask.
Be sure to keep checking the Hoop Club Blog in the coming days for a full recap of the Open Practice.
See you on Sunday!
John Hawkes (F'04)
Proud Member of Generation Burton
