Basketball debut, Madness renewed

Brant Wilkerson-New : Sports Editor

Basketball’s rebirth began Friday night when the UNCW men’s and women’s basketball teams were officially introduced to a crowd of about 2,000 Seahawks fans. The evening’s festivities were a kick off to a season in which both teams look to rebound from disappointing performances in 2006-07

Todd Hendley’s skateboard entrance was the most entertaining, but T.J. Carter’s had to be the most anticipated. After missing last season following pelvic surgery, the senior guard was introduced last — standing as a shadow with his arms flexed in front of the green lights.

Carter wasn’t the only player sporting a new, leaner look. Todd Hendley appears to be in the best shape of his career and will likely be able to play more of an inside/outside game. Vlad Kuljanin is also lighter and has gained a step or two. Guard Daniel Fountain was also slimmer and had no problem getting above the rim. Montez Downey has also added muscle to his 6-foot-5, 225-pound frame.

The returning players weren’t the only attraction, with freshman Chad Tomko taking the 3-point shootout over Stephanie Fernald. The bright lights were no problem for the Charlotte product who rarely missed in the contest. Tomko’s shot wasn’t the only thing that was spot-on — he delivered a pass to Fountain during the dunk contest from the upper level of Trask Coliseum.

The dunk contest was easily the highlight of the night as the Seahawks threw down more dunks in one night than perhaps they did during the entire Brad Brownell era.

Freshman Dominique Lacy showed the athleticism that made him a prized recruit, dropping in a between-the-legs dunk, and Todd Hendley won the contest after throwing one down from just inside the free throw line.

It was his second dunk contest victory after taking the 2005 edition with a Michael Jordan-esq “rock the cradle” dunk.

With the festivities out of the way, Moss has had one week to get his team ready to play its first exhibition game Nov.1 vs. Ottawa. The regular season begins Nov. 10 when Bobby Cremins and College of Charleston come to town. Not to worry for UNCW fans, as Seahawk killer Dontaye Draper’s eligibility ran out following last season.

The women’s team is slated to open the season with a home date with UNC-Pembroke Nov. 6.