Basketball season is getting underway this week as the NMU men’s basketball team prepares to kick off Midnight Madness at 11:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14. The team will showcase the event in the PEIF practice gymnasium, located in Room 150.

A disc jockey, the NMU dance team and cheerleading squad will get the show underway; before the players take the court for team a introduction. Following the introduction, the Wildcats will have an inter-squad scrimmage; before capping the night off with a slam dunk contest. Admission for the event is free and fans will have the chance to win prize giveaways.

The season marks the second year at the helm for head coach Doug Lewis. In his first season with the ’Cats, the team went 9-17 overall and 4-15 in the GLIAC. The Wildcats, who didn’t have any seniors on last year’s squad, are returning three this season, including a transfer from Eastern Washington University.

Senior center Jared Benson led the team in scoring last year at 14.1 points per game. Senior forward DeAndre Taylor was second in scoring for the ’Cats at 13.6 points per game. Senior guard Martin Gross, who started 22 of 26 games, will also look to add a spark offensively. Senior forward Rashano McRae is in his first year with NMU after transferring from Division I Eastern Washington University.

Also returning for the Wildcats is junior forward Joe Simon, sophomore guards Chris Paquin and Curtis Pettit and sophomore forward Matt Craggs. Redshirt freshman guard Spencer Huss is also returning to the team. This year’s squad also features six true freshmen.

The ’Cats first game of the season is at home when they host University of Wisconsin Superior at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12. at the Berry Events Center.