Marriott Madness Ignites BYU Basketball Excitement

Provo, Utah - BYU basketball fans were treated to an electrifying evening of excitement as the university hosted its annual "Marriott Madness" event, marking the official start of the highly anticipated basketball season. The event, which was open to the public, showcased the talent and energy of both the men's and women's basketball teams, leaving the crowd buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming games.

Igniting the Passion for BYU Basketball

Introducing the Women's Basketball Team

The night kicked off with the introduction of the BYU women's basketball team, which featured a hype video set to the energetic beats of Roscoe Dash's "All The Way Turnt Up." The team's assistant coach, Josh Edwards, took the stage and fired up the crowd with some friendly rivalry banter, declaring that this year's squad is ready to "send shockwaves to that little school up North." Edwards further emphasized the team's mantra of "Joy, Passion, Purpose," leading the crowd in a rousing chant of "J-P-P."The women's team boasts an impressive roster, including standout players like sophomore guard Amari Whiting, Cal transfer Kemery Congdon, Baylor/Arkansas State transfer Kendra Gillispie, and true freshman Delaney Gibb. Fans eagerly anticipate the team's journey as they aim to defy the preseason Big 12 poll predictions and make a statement on the court.

Introducing the Men's Basketball Team

The excitement continued as the men's team took the spotlight, with a hype video that celebrated the rich history of BYU basketball. The introductions were made by class, with the loudest cheers reserved for the highly anticipated arrival of freshman Egor Demin. Demin, a five-star recruit from the U18 Real Madrid team, is the first such addition to the BYU basketball program in the internet era, and fans were thrilled to see him don the Cougar uniform for the first time.The crowd also erupted in applause for returning veterans Richie Saunders, Dallin Hall, and Fousseyni Traore, who have established themselves as key contributors to the team's success. Head coach Kevin Young, who was introduced to the tune of Jay-Z's "Young Forever," took the stage and addressed the enthusiastic fans, emphasizing the team's commitment to excellence and the electric atmosphere of the Marriott Center.

Showcasing Skills and Excitement

The evening's festivities continued with a three-point contest, pitting teams of players from both the men's and women's squads against each other. The competition was fierce, with Dawson Baker and Kemery Congdon emerging victorious over Egor Demin and Santa Clara transfer Marya Hudgins.The excitement reached a fever pitch with the highly anticipated slam dunk contest. Freshmen Elijah Crawford and Kanon Catchings, along with senior guard Trey Stewart, showcased their aerial prowess, with Crawford stealing the show by executing a spectacular dunk over BYU's beloved mascot, Cosmo.

Engaging the Fans and Building Anticipation

Coach Kevin Young took the opportunity to engage the fans directly, introducing them to a drill the team calls "Bingo Three." He demonstrated the drill with players Keba Keita and Dawson Baker, and then challenged the fans to join in the excitement, promising that whenever the team secures an offensive rebound and hits a subsequent three-pointer, the crowd should erupt in a thunderous "Bingo" chant.The evening concluded with the announcement of a free Blue & White scrimmage, scheduled for October 9th at the Marriott Center, further whetting the appetite of the eager BYU basketball faithful.Marriott Madness has once again ignited the passion and enthusiasm of the BYU community, setting the stage for an exhilarating basketball season filled with high-octane action, fierce rivalries, and the unwavering support of the Cougar faithful.