The men’s and women’s basketball teams kicked off the 2009-2010 season on Friday, starting with an early morning practice, followed by the Red Rally that evening. The event, previously named “B-ballin’ in the Old Barn,” was held in historic Reynolds Coliseum.

Team posters, schedules and rosters for both teams were available to fans. Sidney Lowe bobble-heads were given out to those who arrived early. The night brought an opportunity for students and families alike to preview the teams and support the programs.

Kai Dawkins, a freshman in biology, said the Red Rally was a great change to start building hype and spirit for the teams prior to their seasons.

“I had a friend visiting and wanted to show her what N.C. State was all about and we had a lot of fun,” Dawkins said. “I want to see a lot of wins from both teams, and maybe beat Duke and Carolina.”

To start off the night’s festivities, the women’s team was welcomed to the court. Kellie Harper, who was recently inducted into the Tennessee Hall of Fame, received a standing ovation from the crowd. She assured fans that the team would work hard to have a successful season under her guidance.

“We are excited and anxious about starting this season off,” Harper said. “I promise you will be proud of the team we put on the court – they will play hard, they will play proud and they will play with a lot of energy.”

The team, which welcomes back key starters in senior Nikitta Gartrell, junior Tia Bell and senior Sharnise Beal, donned shirts that read, “Let the howling begin.” During a set of drills, Harper commented on the team’s first practice of the season.

“We started practice early today and worked on full court drills,” Harper said. “It should be a fun brand of basketball. The first day of practice we don’t expected to get better, but we’re working really hard.”

In between drills, Harper pulled a young Wolfpack fan from the crowd and called Bell, the girl’s favorite player, to the sidelines. The small fan, who barely stood up to Bell’s knees, received a hug from Bell.

Following a short break, coach Sidney Lowe hit the court for the introduction of the men’s team. Lowe commented on the history of State basketball, which is celebrating 100 years at the University.

“We have so much history and so much tradition at the school and I don’t think a lot of people understand that,” Lowe said. “But they’re going to find out about it.”

Lowe was excited to bring out his team and noted his hopes for the season.

“I think you’re going to see a different ball team,” Lowe said. “We’re young, but we’re going to be good.”

Several former coaches and players were in attendance at Red Rally, many of which played alongside Lowe and Monte Towe. But one player in the crowd towered above the rest, according to Lowe, not just in height, but in achievements.

“I still think we have one of the greatest teams, not just the 1974 team,” Lowe said. “And we still have the best college basketball player to ever play the game right here at N.C. State, and that’s David Thompson.”

After both teams were introduced, there was a 3-point shooting contest, which featured two young Wolfpack fans playing alongside their favorite players. A dunk contest followed, which brought many “Oohs” and “Aahs” from the crowd, particularly when 7’1″ freshman center Jordan Vandenberg made several dunks that appeared effortless.

The men’s team held a red vs. white scrimmage shortly afterwards, which the white team won 22-21. Each player cut away a piece of the net, a victory tradition started by Everett Case.

Lindsey Harrison, a junior in business in administration, said she enjoyed her night out at Red Rally.

“It met expectations, it wasn’t anything crazy, but it wasn’t terrible,” Harrison said. “I hope the men’s team is better than last year, but I’m not expecting too much.”

As for Harrison’s hopes for the women’s team, she falls in line with many other Wolfpack fans in the wake of Stephanie Glance’s departure.

“I don’t know what to think about the women’s team, after Yow’s passing,” Harrison said. “They’ll probably perform about the same, being competitive in the ACC.”

Danny Howard, a junior in political science, said he is looking forward to an exciting year for Harper and company.

“I think they looked pretty legit and they will definitely be getting things done this year,” Howard said.

State alum Kale Murray said he hopes the men’s team will be competitive in the ACC.

“I think the new freshmen look pretty good, I expect that some of them will end up starting,” Murray said. “Maybe we can get out there and beat some of our big rivals this year.”