Clemson to Host "Rock the 'John"

The start of basketball season is an exciting time for all Tiger fans, and Clemson is going to kick off the 2008-09 season in style.

Rock the 'John - Tiger Tip-Off 2008 is Clemson's version of Midnight Madness, which is commonly known across the country as the first night of practice for the upcoming basketball seasons.

The event will be fun and entertaining for Clemson basketball fans of all ages. It will feature performances from the Clemson University cheerleaders, Rally Cats, and Tiger Band, as well as a high flying dunking act from Sky Hawk, a mascot of the Atlanta Hawks. There will also be great promotions where fans will have the chance to win exciting prizes including a Wii, X-Box, Clemson athletic trip of your choice, tickets to the men's and women's ACC basketball tournaments, gift certificates to the Anderson Mall, and other great gift cards to various local merchants. Also, a student will have the chance to ride away from the event in a brand new car!

The 2008-09 men's and women's basketball teams will be introduced to the crowd, and fans will hear from head coaches Oliver Purnell and Cristy McKinney. Once the teams are on the court they will compete in a brief scrimmage, a three-point shootout, and the men will participate in a dunking showcase. There will be free pizza for the first 500 Clemson students and free Coca-Cola products for everyone. After the events on the court are complete, fans will have the chance to get autographs from their favorite Tiger players and coaches.

Rock the 'John - Tiger Tip-Off 2008 will be hosted by Jeremiah Dew (J Dew from the Greenville Drive). It is free of charge and will begin at 8:00 pm on October 17 in Littlejohn Coliseum, with doors opening at 7:30 pm. This event is presented by Tom Winkopp's Highpointe, Coca-Cola, and Papa Johns.