Emporia State kicked off the 2024-25 basketball season with Late Night at White on Oct. 24 at White Auditorium. ESU fans were able to get a sneak peek at this season’s rosters for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
Late Night started off with introductions of both teams. The players were able to do their own walk out as their names were called. Following introductions, the first year women’s and men’s players engaged in a surprise dance battle judged by the fans, who decided the victory belonged to the women’s team.
After the dance battle, the audience had the opportunity to participate in a ping pong challenge to win prizes and the women’s basketball team competed against each other in a three point contest. The men’s basketball team also showed off their dunking skills.
Freshman forward Elizabeth Tjaden and graduate student Faith Paramore competed for the final winner of the women’s contest. Paramore claimed her win against Tjaden, making her the winner of the three point contest two years in a row.
Following the festivities, both teams played a scrimmage of eight minutes each, substituting every athlete in and allowing the fans to take an early look at what the season holds.
Junior guard Malik Edwards Jr. says he is feeling good about this season, and junior Cael McGee, also a guard, said his favorite part of Late Night is “the atmosphere.” Freshman guard Awit Mamer said it was great to see the community come out and get to know the teams.
“It was cool to experience because it was my first time at White with fans,” he said.
Makenna Clark, a women’s sophomore guard, appreciates having Late Night at White because she believes it excites the team by seeing how much support they will get from the fans at games this year.
“We play for our community and want to do our very best to represent ESU at a high level and give the community good basketball to watch,” said Clark.
Junior guard Gracie Gilpin also loves Late Night at White and especially enjoyed the three point contest.
“My favorite part was getting to showcase our team to our community while having fun with my team and being in the three point contest,” she said.
Senior guard Macy Smith said she is looking forward to the season and is very hopeful.
“I am super excited for the season. We have a great team with a lot of potential,” Smith said. “It’s been a long preseason and I can’t wait to get out there against other teams.”
ESU Men’s Basketball will play their first season game at 10 a.m. on Nov. 8 in St. Joseph, Mo. against Wayne State. ESU Women’s Basketball will follow the men’s team to Missouri where they will face off against Minnesota State–Mankato on Nov. 8 at 5:15 p.m.
Men’s basketball will have their first home game on Dec. 1 at 2 p.m.; the home-opener for women’s basketball is set for Nov. 13 at 7 p.m.
