Basketball, Sports

Terrier Nation packs Case for Terrier Tip-Off

If Patrick Chambers, the first-year coach of the Boston University men’s basketball team, was excited to lead his new team this upcoming season, Friday’s Terrier Tip-Off only added to that anticipation.

Chambers, who served as associate head coach at Villanova University, was greeted by an ovation from hundreds of members of Terrier Nation when he stepped onto the red carpet at Case Gymnasium.

‘I know this is a hockey school,’ Chambers said after the event. ‘But I think that [women’s basketball] coach [Kelly] Greenberg would agree that this was exciting tonight. There’s a buzz about basketball, and it feels good.’

Leading chants of ‘Go BU’ and throwing free t-shirts into the crowd, Chambers mirrored the energy and excitement he called on BU students, faculty and alumni to show as the basketball season tips off Nov. 17 at Agganis Arena.

Chambers told the crowd that he hoped to usher in a ‘new era’ of basketball at BU. Friday night’s showing was a good start.

‘I know that in previous years, only one side of Case had been filled,’ Chambers said. ‘This year, both sides were. Students came to see what’s up ‘-‘- they’re interested. We’ve piqued their interest.’

While Chambers was ‘pleasantly surprised’ to see support for both basketball squads, he knows that winning games is of paramount importance if the team hopes to enjoy continued support.

‘People are excited to see some good basketball, and I think [this team is] going to bring it to them,’ Chambers insisted.

In addition to showcasing Chambers and a men’s basketball team that posted a 17-13 record last season, the Tip-Off also introduced Greenberg and the defending America East regular season champion women’s basketball squad.

Greenberg, the 2009 America East Coach of the Year, guided her team to a 25-8 record ‘-‘- including a perfect 16-0 regular-season conference record ‘-‘- and an appearance in last year’s America East title game.

Greenberg said the support of Terrier Nation, which she called the team’s ‘sixth man,’ helped the Terriers post a 12-1 record at home last year. She expressed hope for a similar showing this season.

The evening, dubbed ‘The Premier,’ also featured appearances from Boston’s own ‘Status Quo,’ runner-up on ‘America’s Best Dance Crew,” along with the BU drumline, the BU band and the university’s cheerleaders and dance team.

After men’s senior guard Tyler Morris dispatched sophomore women’s guard Alex Young in the 3-point competition, Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore hosted one of the evening’s main attractions ‘-‘- the slam-dunk contest.

The contest finals pitted junior forward John Holland against senior guard Carlos Strong. After Holland’s failed attempt at a dunk over junior guard Matt Griffin, Strong was able to jam one home to take home the competition’s honors.

Chambers said he was happy to see his team have a good time and loosen up.

‘To see our guys go out there and enjoy themselves was amazing,’ Chambers said, adding that their hard work during a ‘rigorous’ summer program and difficult pre-season training merited such celebration.

‘We have a long way to go, but I’m upbeat, I’m positive,’ Chambers said. ‘If [the coaches and players] can meet in the middle, and go after this tough, non-conference schedule and get ready for the America East, we’re going to be special.’

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