Some students on campus may be unaware of what Hoops Madness is, but that could all change at 7:30 tonight when Big Sean helps celebrate the beginning of a new Nittany Lion and Lady Lion basketball season at Rec Hall.
Only in its second year, Hoops Madness is an event meant to introduce new players on the women’s and men’s basketball team while enjoying live music and performances by the Lions Pep Band, Lionnettes dance team, Penn State Cheerleaders and the Nittany Lion.
Last year, Grammy nominated rapper Fabolous performed. This year’s act Big Sean has experienced recent success working on the track “Mercy” with Kanye West.
Penn State Cheerleader Alyssa Duffy took part in Hoops Madness last year and loved the event but thinks this year will be even better.
“This will be a chance for everyone to get introduced to the new players, and it’s another year with coach Chambers,” Duffy (sophomore-elementary education) said. “I’m just as pumped this year to have him coaching,”
As a huge fan of Big Sean, Duffy also said it’s a big deal being able to see him for free and more of her friends have been getting excited and asking about the event.
Before Big Sean takes the stage, Penn State football cornerback Mike Wallace, who is out for the season due to a pectoral tear, will rap and perform with DJ Rictor.
Wallace, or “Wallz,”(senior-telecommunications) said the opportunity to open for Big Sean is “pretty monumental,” especially because Big Sean is an artist he draws inspiration from.
“It’s a dream come true being able to perform with an artist doing so well,” Wallace said.
Wallace said he will be giving the audience a taste of his old material, as well as new music from his up-and-coming album out in November.
Previously a DJ for Penn State favorite Wiz Khalifa, DJ Rictor was asked to collaborate at the event by Wallz and said he could not turn down the chance.
DJ Rictor said Penn State sports are getting bigger and better every year, and Hoops Madness is a good way to showcase the new teams.
Big Sean’s recent wave of success and popularity should be enough to make students want to camp out, Rictor said.
“I’m honored and humbled to be a part of Hoops Madness this year,” Rictor said, “I think everyone should come out. It’s going to be a bigger year.”
Doors to Rec Hall for Hoops Madness will open at 6:30 p.m. and the event begins at 7:30 p.m. Students with season tickets will get early admittance at 6:15 p.m. The first 300 fans through the doors will also receive a free Hoops Madness T-shirt.
