Oct. 10, 2004

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman's men's and women's basketball programs will tip off of preseason practice Friday with a Midnight Madness Party at Timmons Arena, it has been announced.

Midnight Friday marks the NCAA's official opening to the collegiate basketball preseason, and the Midnight Madness Party will allow Paladin fans their first glimpse at the 2004-05 Paladin and Lady Paladin squads.

Doors to Timmons Arena will open at 11:00 p.m., and the event will include special introductions of both teams, a men's slam dunk contest, and three-point shooting contest between the men's and women's squads.

The Furman Pep Band, Danzers, and cheerleaders will be on hand for the event, and numerous prizes will be given away, including a super grand prize at the close of Madness.

Entrances by Furman men's head coach Larry Davis and women's mentor Sam Dixon are courtesy of Harley-Davidson of Greenville.

The Furman Paladins return nine lettermen and three starters off last year's squad that posted a 17-12 record and 8-8 Southern Conference South Division mark. Among the returnees are senior forward Nick Sanders and junior guard Tony Carter, as well as 2003-04 SoCon Freshman-of-the-Year Quan Prowell.

Furman's Lady Paladins registered an 18-11 overall mark and 14-6 SoCon slate a year ago. Among Furman's top returnees are junior guard Tommie Paris and senior center Jen Nadalin.