Pepperdine's Blue and Orange Madness Kicks Off Basketball Season with Excitement and Anticipation

Pepperdine University's annual Blue and Orange Madness event marked the official start of the college basketball season, as students, families, and the Malibu community gathered to welcome the men's and women's basketball teams. The event featured a variety of competitions, games, and performances, showcasing the energy and enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming season.

Igniting the Passion for Pepperdine Basketball

Introducing the New Coaching Talent

The Blue and Orange Madness event served as the introduction of Pepperdine's new basketball coaches, Ed Schilling and Katie Faulkner, who joined the university this past spring. Both coaches addressed the crowd, sharing their excitement and vision for the upcoming season. The event provided an opportunity for the student body to connect with the new coaching staff and get a glimpse of the direction the programs are headed.

Showcasing Student and Player Talent

The evening was filled with a series of competitions and games that highlighted the skills and talents of both Pepperdine students and the men's and women's basketball teams. From the "Shooting Stars" challenge, where student-athlete teams raced to complete a series of shots, to the knockout game that showcased the sharp-shooting abilities of the players, the event offered a thrilling display of the athletic prowess on display.

Dunk Contest Steals the Spotlight

One of the highlights of the night was the dunk contest, which featured returning contestant David Mager and newcomers Jaxon Olvera and Taj Au-Duke. The crowd was captivated as the players showcased their impressive vertical leaps and creative dunking skills, with Mager ultimately impressing the panel of judges, including Pepperdine President Jim Gash and head women's basketball coach Katie Faulkner.

The Half-Court Shot Challenge

The event culminated with the highly anticipated half-court shot challenge, where President Jim Gash took the court in an attempt to replicate his previous year's success and award two lucky undergraduate students free tuition. Although Gash narrowly missed his shots, the crowd eagerly awaited the outcome, creating an electric atmosphere and a sense of anticipation for the upcoming season.

Celebrating Pepperdine Pride

Throughout the evening, the Pepperdine community came together to showcase their school spirit and support for the basketball teams. The Pepperdine cheer team, step team, and RND dance team delivered energetic performances, while the Cupid Shuffle closed out the night, leaving the audience with a lasting impression of the vibrant and enthusiastic Pepperdine community.

Securing Season Tickets for the Upcoming Season

As the Blue and Orange Madness event concluded, the university announced that season tickets for both the men's and women's basketball teams are now available for purchase. With options starting as low as $170 for the men's team and $85 for the women's team, the Pepperdine community is encouraged to secure their seats and be a part of the excitement of the upcoming season.The Blue and Orange Madness event successfully ignited the passion and anticipation for the Pepperdine basketball season, setting the stage for an exciting and engaging year ahead. With the introduction of new coaching talent, the showcase of student and player talent, and the celebration of Pepperdine pride, the event has left the community eager to support their teams and witness the success that lies ahead.