The allure, appeal and charm of midnight madness festivities have long since diminished in college hoops. From the early '90s through the mid-2000s, the start of the season on Oct. 15 meant something universal. Now, schools just pepper the month of October with different events, all fairly localized.
That's fine, really, but it's good to see when a school or two can really make some noise. Like: concert-type noise. I was at Villanova two years ago, when Nicki Minaj put on a show. It was dynamite. (Standing in the back hallways of Villanova's home venue and seeing the players meet Minaj was also a fun little sideshow.)
Now Providence College is making its move by bringing in turn-of-the-centry hip-hop icon (is Luda an icon?) Ludacris to perform at the school's Late Night Madness on Oct. 17. Of course, Luda is also an actor these days as well. Good get, PC.
Here's a catch, though.
"The event is FREE, but in order for a student to be guaranteed admission to the event he/she must purchase a 2015-16 Providence College men's basketball student season ticket package," per the school's release.
Well-played. The Friars, by the way, have Kris Dunn coming back this season. The combo guard was voted on by college hoops coaches this summer as the most coveted player in the sport.
