COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The Maryland men’s and women’s basketball programs officially kicked off the 2015-16 basketball season with Magic Maryland Madness Saturday night at the XFINITY Center.
Staying true to the Magic theme, fans were treated to a show by magician J.P. Wilson to start the event. Both squads were introduced with a backdrop of smoke, lights and special effects on a magic crystal ball.
Head coach Mark Turgeon magically appeared at midcourt and head coach Brenda Frese was escorted by her twin sons and magicians, Tyler and Markus Thomas.
Frese ended her speech to the crowd by encouraging fans to support both programs in their special seasons ahead.
Turgeon thanks fans for their support and excitement as both the men’s and the women’s teams were selected to win the Big Ten.
Before the show, fans filled the XFINITY Center Pavilion for autographs from their favorite Terrapins.
What They’re Saying…
Head Coach Mark Turgeon
On the night:
“This was good. The players on both teams had a good time. I think the fans had a good time. I was proud the way our guys played; we actually played hard and didn’t turn it into an all-star game and showed a little bit of what we’re going to be about.”
Head Coach Brenda Frese
On the Magic Maryland Madness:
“This is always a really exciting event for our fans and for our team. I know our freshmen were really excited to get out here. It’s special when both teams have exciting seasons ahead and we can’t wait to get started.”
Rasheed Sulaimon
On his first Maryland Madness:
“It was a good experience. It was a fun night for the fans and it was good interacting with them. I am excited to play with these guys. I think we have a bright future ahead of us and everybody is working hard. If we keep working hard, the sky is the limit for us.”
Melo Trimble
On returning back to Maryland:
“I knew that coming back would be a great decision for me to get better and get one more year under my belt. As a point guard something I want to focus on is my assist-turnover ratio and this year I hope to improve that with the great players around me such as; Robert [Carter Jr.], Rasheed [Sulaimon], Jared [Nickens] and also Diamond Stone.”
Robert Carter, Jr.
On team chemistry:
“We’ve been practicing for a couple of weeks now and we’re really coming together. We have a really talented group and Coach has been pushing us every day.”
Brionna Jones
On the freshmen experiencing their first Maryland Madness:
“We told them about the atmosphere here at the XFINITY Center, but seeing them getting a chance to experience it for themselves is the best part.”
Shatori Walker-Kimbrough
On being in front of the fans
“Like Coach B said before we came out, we’re playing in front of the best fans in the country. I love Maryland Madness, because it means the season is just right around the corner. So I’m just really excited for the whole season.”
Chloe Pavlech
On Maryland Madness:
“I thought it was a lot of fun. You know, this is my last one, so it’s a little bit bittersweet. But I had a great time. I think the guys killed it on the dance. We killed it on the dance. And obviously, judging from the guy’s scrimmage, they’re going to be great this year.”
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