Fall arrived in full swing across the nation, bringing cooler temperatures, long-sleeve shirts and pumpkin-themed consumer goods with it. But for Butler, this season means more than just color-changing leaves and cardigans.
It is time for basketball to return to “Indiana’s Basketball Cathedral”, Hinkle Fieldhouse.
On Oct. 6, Bulldog fans got their first look at the reinvented men’s and women’s basketball teams at the Butler Basketball Tip-Off Party in Hinkle. Fans got the opportunity to shoot on the court, play games, meet players and hear from new head coaches Ronald Nored and Maria Marchesano before watching both teams participate in open practices.
For young fans like Sevyn Courtney-Williams, daughter of men’s assistant coach Jalen Courtney-Williams, the event was more than an opportunity to have fun. It was a chance to show their support for both teams and, for those wanting to pursue basketball, gain knowledge on what they can incorporate into their own games.
“My dad coaches the men’s team, so I came just to support him and the whole team,” Courtney-Williams said. “[I want to see] their techniques and stuff, because when I grow up, I want to play basketball, and I just want inspiration [to reach that goal].”
One can not have all work and no play, though. Courtney-Williams was able to indulge herself in various activities before the practices began.
“My overall favorite [activity] was probably the face [painting],” Courtney-Williams said.
However, this event is not just for the fans. Having an open practice such as this gives these athletes — some of whom have not played in Hinkle at all — an opportunity to experience the stadium’s aura.
Lindsay Sparks, assistant athletic director for marketing and licensing, hopes this first taste of what is to come will make these Dawgs hungry for more.
“[We did] some fun player introductions [before the practices start],” Sparks said. “They’re gonna pick a walkout song, we’re gonna do a spotlight and really make them feel special … Each player individually [will] get to hear their name under the lights in Hinkle Fieldhouse for the very first time with their PA announcer, who will announce their names all season long. [We tried] to give them that first moment, [that] ‘Wow, this is what I get to do on a daily basis.’ [We wanted to] make it special for our student-athletes.”
Sparks also believes the event offers fans a unique perspective into what has been happening with both squads since the hirings of Nored and Marchesano in the spring.
“[This is] the first public look at our men’s and women’s basketball teams for the [2026-27 season],” Sparks said. “It’s them experiencing what practice has been looking like since June, when the players all came back. I’m excited for people to come in and see that and really just be excited about basketball season.”
With both new coaches being Butler alumni and multiple new transfers joining both squads, many feel like these teams have a new buzz around them that they have not had in recent years.
Butler alum Scott Harvey expressed similar feelings, wanting to support and see for himself how these teams look with many fresh faces on both rosters.
“I think it’s just cool to have a night to kind of hype up the team and showcase the new players,” Harvey said. “It’s a whole new roster. It just kind of builds excitement about the year.”
Luckily for Bulldog fans, they will not have to wait much longer for their excitement to be heard inside Hinkle’s walls.
The men’s basketball team tips off on Oct. 11 in an exhibition game against Indiana at home, while the women’s team starts its season on Oct. 24 with a scrimmage against Ball State.