I hate having to constantly defend Boston University men’s basketball team. Even with some of the most positive preseason press the Terriers have seen in years, it is unthinkable that some BU fans still refuse to believe that we can be anything more than a runner-up in a non-factor division.

No one can argue that the marketing and execution of Midnight Madness was not inexcusably disorganized — it was. But even so, as soon as the men’s and women’s basketball teams took to the court that Friday night, everyone at Case Gymnasium could find something to foot for. Whether it was the ridiculous dunking skills freshman forward John Holland showed off or the predictions that have circulated for weeks that the Terriers are the team to beat in America East, BU students are actually excited about basketball this season. It is this kind of preseason hype that can inspire our traditionally hockey-obsessed school to support the basketball program and draw potentially impressive crowds to The Roof this year.

Imagine The Roof completely packed with students, yelling and chanting as the final seconds tick down during a conference game against Vermont. Imagine the impact more fans could have made for the closely contested games last season, including the 56-54 loss to the NCAA Tournament-caliber University of Massachusetts-Amherst in Agganis Arena. Think of the impression our young and talented squad has already made in the conference and how much it can mature and develop this season. Imagine the Terriers as a formidable conference team and an NCAA contender.

We have a team of inspiring young players, a fan base for once excited about basketball, the potential to be a dominating conference competitor and all the hope in the world of returning to the NCAA tournament this season. Show me something not to believe in.

Stephanie Halligan

CAS ’09