The lights went down in Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall but the energy level went up. Hoosier Hysteria had everyone on their feet in excitement and anticipation for one of the most cherished I-U traditions: Hoosier Hysteria. The night started off with court graphic projections. The technical team lit up the court with CGI flames, videos of old games, basketballs and other graphics. That led into the introduction of the women’s basketball team. Each player threw out an IU T-shirt to the crowd before breaking it down to Drake’s popular, “In My Feelings”. Women’s Coach Teri Moren came out to thank the fans for their support. She also introduced two alumnae, Tyra Buss and Amanda Cahill, who helped the women’s team get their 2018 WNIT championship win.
Then it was time to roll out the men’s roster. Among them was Indiana native and fan favorite, Romeo Langford, who received attention from top colleges all over the country for his talent as a shooting guard. He chose Indiana University, and Hoosiers are ready for the promising freshmen to hit the court. Coach Archie Miller gave a short speech also thanking fans and looking forward to the upcoming season.
Hoosier Hysteria included a basket contest between the men’s and women’s basketball teams. It was two-on-two with the players switching out every few minutes. The women won the basket contest. The dunk competition between the men’s players was next. Dunk after dunk was missed but the Hoosier fans remained engaged, excited and eager. The cheers of “ahh’s” and “ooh’s” overpowered the loud speakers playing music.
There was a short break to let the men’s basketball team warm-up for their collegiate competition–the highly anticipated scrimmage game. It was crimson vs cream jerseys. It was back and forth during the 11-minute competition but the cream came out on top 25-24.
After Hoosier Hysteria was over, fans made their way to the gate commons to get their free official posters of the 2018-2019 men’s and women’s basketball teams. Players were signing autographs for fans after the game.
Hoosier Hysteria brings in family, friends, fans, alumni and current students. Thousands of people fill the stadium of Assembly Hall. One IU alumni has been attending Hoosier Hysteria every year since he was a student in 1975. He’s hopeful for a winning season and loves the sights and sounds of Hoosier Hysteria.
Current IU students also emphasize the dedication of fans. IU senior, Chris Boyll, said, “With the new recruits, everyone is hopeful for a better season than last. I think it can happen. Our fans are loyal and with the amount of people who went to Hoosier Hysteria, that’s proof.”
Hoops, hopes and hysteria, Hoosiers are ready for what is to come in Indiana University basketball.
