The full rosters are set for the second annual TeamMatt vs. TeamKenny Showdown, presented by Copper Beech Townhomes. The preseason tipoff event is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, at 7 p.m. in the Convocation Center.
After the grueling twelve-round draft on Monday, both head coaches walked away feeling as though their rosters would lead them to victory. #TeamMatt had the first overall pick and wasted no time in pulling Jazmon Gwathmey off the board. #TeamKenny came into the draft with a strategy in mind and went for an all-arounder with his first selection, drafting Jackson Kent. The two head coaches kept their game faces on as they continued down the draft board, consulting with their assistants before each pick. #TeamMatt knew that leadership can't be overstated when you take the floor and he stuck to the game plan, drafting three seniors out of his first six selections.
As the R3IGNing champion of the TeamMatt vs. TeamKenny Showdown, #TeamKenny certainly can't be counted out. He believes that his squad has what it takes to retain the championship this year, but we will certainly find out on Thursday when TeamMatt and TeamKenny take the floor.
Fans will be treated to a competition made up of three challenges on Thursday night. The first challenge will feature four participants from both squads joining forces with JMU students to complete a skills challenge. The team that can complete the course, featuring dribbling, passing and shooting, will win a point for their team.
The second challenge will feature four total teams, two from both TeamMatt and TeamKenny, competing in a NBA style 3-point competition. Each team will shoot from the same spots on the floor and make as many 3-pointers as possible within 45 seconds or until the shooters have used all their attempts. TeamMatt's teams will shoot at one hoop and TeamKenny's at the other. The two higher scoring teams from the opposing baskets will square off in a final round to determine a winner. The team that sinks the most 3-pointers within the time limit will be declared the winner and awared one point for their team.
TeamMatt and TeamKenny will take a short break from the court and let a few lucky kids take over to compete in our children's dunk contest. We will have a mini basket on the floor and four contestants will have the opportunity to showoff their best dunk for the crowd. Each dunker will be awarded a prize, and the winning dunker will win a special JMU Basketball prize pack.
The final challenge of the night will feature the best dunkers from the JMU men's basketball team. We will have a three-round, head-to-head dunk competition to see who is the best dunker on the JMU campus. Points will not be awarded for this challenge, but bragging rights are on the line. Select JMU women's basketball players will be on hand to judge the dunks, but they will rely heavily on fan applause to determine the winner.
After the winner of the TeamMatt vs. TeamKenny competition is determined, fans will be invited down to the court to meet and greet with the teams. The first 500 students in attendance will receive a TeamMatt or TeamKenny t-shirt compliments of Copper Beech Townhomes. The Athletic Ticket Office, located inside the Convocation Center at Entrance D, will be open during the event for anyone interested in purchasing season tickets and for general customer service. Tickets can also be purchased online at JMUTickets.com or by calling the ticket office at (540) 568-DUKE(3853).
The JMU women's basketball squad opens its season on Friday, November 15, against Longwood at 2 p.m. while the men's basketball teamopens its home slate against FIU on Friday, November 20th at 3:30 p.m.
Season tickets are available now at JMUSports.com/tickets. More information on tickets can be found HERE for men's basketball or HERE for women's basketball or by calling the Athletic Ticket Office at 540-568-3853.