Dick Vitale, Slam Dunks and Trick or Treating All Part of This Year’s Murphy Madness on Oct. 27

Dickie V

Murphy Madness is back, and it looks to be the biggest ever this year. After stellar seasons from both MTSU basketball squads, including a shocking upset of Michigan State by the men’s team, the fan base is as fervent as ever, which should make for a raucous atmosphere at the “Murph.”

If the success of the teams isn’t enough to get you there, then know that legendary basketball analyst Dick Vitale will be present, also.

Among events scheduled for Murphy Madness are a “Dickie V” impersonation contest, judged by Vitale himself, choreographed dance routines from both the men’s and women’s teams, and a three-point contest.

Perhaps the most anticipated event of the night, however, will be the slam dunk contest.

Senior Blue Raider forward JaCorey Williams electrified the fans at the Murphy Center at last year’s event on his way to winning the competition. Williams is the clear-cut favorite to repeat as slam dunk champion, but there was certainly some friendly competitive banter at Monday’s press conference.

JaCorey Williams

Senior forward Reggie Upshaw won’t be competing in the contest, but when asked who would win, Upshaw offered up a name other than Williams.

“We got a young guy, Davion [Thomas], we call him ‘Tree’, he might give JaCorey a run for his money. I’ve never seen anyone jump quite like Tree,” Upshaw said.

To which Williams later quipped, “Reggie is absolutely wrong.”

Williams then went on to say “Nah, I kid, but Davion is very athletic. I was a little scared when I first saw him dunk. I was like, ‘Dang, this young guy can jump a little higher than me’; but as far as creativity, I don’t know if anyone on the team has as much creativity as me when it comes to dunking that basketball.”

You will have to see for yourself who wins. Come for the free event at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27, at the Murphy Center on the MTSU campus. If you have little ones you can bring them to trick or treat at 4 p.m. in the Greenland Drive lot next to Murphy Center. Trick or treating will also be available on the Murphy Center concourse at 5 p.m. Be sure to stick around after the event to get autographs from all the Blue Raiders and Lady Raiders. See you there!