Basketball season has arrived.

Florida Atlantic hosted its version of Midnight Madness — entitled Red Hot Madness — on Thursday, Oct. 27, the first official practice to the public allowed by the NCAA to start the season.

The night was filled with several different activities, prizes and awards as well as the first chance for the fans to see the 2016-2017 men’s and women’s basketball rosters.

It all begun with the introductions of both rosters, including the incoming freshmen and transfers.

The night went on to include a three-point shootout contest between players on both the men’s and women’s team. The winner was no other than junior forward Sasha Cedeno, FAU’s second-sharpest three-point shooter in a single season in program history.

The evening concluded with a dunk contest by the men’s team, as senior guard Adonis Filer, junior center Ronald Delph, sophomore forward Connor Shorten among others wowed the crowd with dunks.

OH. MY. GOODNESS. Adonis Filer brings down the hammer! ??? pic.twitter.com/PZe8r9ASYr

— FAU Athletics (@FAUOwlAthletics) October 28, 2016

Before heading out, Michael Curry and Kellie Lewis-Jay, the men’s and women’s head coaches, addressed the crowd, thanking them for coming out and showing support.

Michael James, an FAU alumnus class of 1995, voiced his excitement over both teams.

“I think it’s going to be a great season for both programs,” said James. “I like the pickup made by the men’s team with those young guys and I think Jay can really lead this group of women far.”

Laila McAdoo, a senior political science major who has been following both programs since her freshman year, said this may be the year in which she has the highest expectations for the men.

“They’re looking good,” said McAdoo. “They look athletic and they have shooters that can knock the three pointer down.”

Not all of the fans in attendance were as hyped about the programs. Jamal Taylor, a senior majoring in political science, expects more of the same.

“They probably will both have a losing record again by the end of the year,” he said. “One thing I have come to realize is to never put any high expectations on an FAU sports team. I used to be always hyped and excited about both football and basketball season but they always end up disappointing.”

The men’s team will return seven players from last year’s squad, which reached the second round of the Conference USA tournament before getting knocked out by Old Dominion 72-46.

This season’s team will feature three freshmen as well as four transfers.

The women’s team, on the other hand, will return eight from last year. It also reached the conference tournament but was defeated by North Texas 79-74.

The men’s team kicks off its season in the rainbow classic tournament in Hawaii versus Texas State on Nov. 11, while the women begin their season the same day, at home versus Florida Memorial at 7 p.m.

Hans Belot Jr. is a contributing writer with the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected] or tweet him @Don_Phenom_.