Friday was an opportunity for University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee basketball fans to be introduced to their 2005-2006 men’s and women’s teams.

The event, FAN-tastic Friday, which was a part of PantherFest activities and the unofficial kick-off for the basketball season, was held at the U.S. Cellular Arena and drew nearly 1,500 people.

The event was formerly called Midnight Mayhem.

“Four years ago, we didn't even have (this),” coach Rob Jeter told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “Milwaukee has come a long way.”

Jeter is anxious for the new season to begin.

“I just wish we could (actually) practice tonight, but these events are important and necessary, so we're going to have fun doing it,” he told the Journal Sentinel. The Panthers were reintroduced to the public. Fans enjoyed seeing senior guard Boo Davis dance even before he was introduced.

FAN-tastic Friday included a half-court shot and a dunk contest. The dunk contest was won by freshman guard Kaylan Anderson.

It also included a chance for the new UWM players to be introduced. Junior guard and forward Kevin Massiah was one of them.

“It's been a good transition for me,” Massiah told the Journal Sentinel. “I'm just trying to add a piece to the puzzle. These are a good group of guys who have tasted success, and it's a good feeling.”

UWM is confident in its attempt to repeat the success of the 2004-’05 season. “Definitely, we won't catch anybody off guard this year,” Joah Tucker told the Journal Sentinel.

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