BURN THE HORSE
First, let me say that I hope Meet the Trojans continues. It's a nice event that helps get fans ready for the basketball season. But I think it needs to be tweaked. There was no life in the Jack Stephens Center last night. Here's my 10 suggestions for improving the event.
1.
A better start time. 5 p.m. is way too early. By
the time we arrived at the Jack Stephens Center and sat down it seemed like the
event was over. How about doors open at 6 and the event begins at 6:30?
2.
Have the players and coaches stand on the same
side of the arena as the fans. It felt like they were miles away when they were
being introduced.
3.
Separate the men’s and women’s three-point
shooting contests. I couldn’t tell you who was even shooting in the women’s
three-point. By holding them simultaneously, it made you have to choose. And
since we were sitting at the men’s end, we watched them. Separate them and
crown a women’s champion and a men’s champion. Last night that would have added
less than 10 minutes to the total program.
4.
Bring the band. The Trojan pep band would add to
the atmosphere in the arena. Frankly, there was little to no atmosphere most of
the night. Let them play in the arena as people are arriving.
5.
Turn on the media lights. OK. I admit it. I’m
selfish. But there’s just no way to take photographs in that dark gymnasium. I’ve
got several blurry shots that look like ghosts in a haunted house.
6.
Play the highlight videos from last season. Might be a way to get
folks to thinking about what happened last year.
7.
Instead of having the coaches introduce the
players, use the arena PA announcers. And use the video board with their green
screen intros that are used during the season.
8.
After the introductions, introduce the coaches
and let the head coach speak for a minute.
9.
Get some TV/media type folks and/or former players
to judge the slam dunk contest.
10.
Do more interviews like the one Ray Tucker did
with Will Neighbour.
What do you think?
