8:36 p.m. - As Mean Green Nation invades Hot Springs, it's no surprise to find the Mean Green Pep Band, Cheerleaders, and NT Dancers leading the way. They were all over at the Sun Belt Pep Band Spectacular at the Convention Center tonight, and we were there to get some video and show you guys what's going on...
First, we got some thoughts on the event from some North Texas participants:
Shortly after that, Scrappy got into a dance-off with Howl from Arkansas State:
6:37 p.m. - Well after welcoming in most of the crew and checking out the arena some more we're now about to go see the band competition before heading to Lucky's for the radio show. We will have footage of the band probably for you in the morning as we gear up for the women's game against FIU. Hot Springs is slowly bleeding green at the moment and we're ready for some basketball!
6:13 p.m. - Hank Dickenson, Steven Bartolotta, and Stephen Howard just made it into town. As they were checking out the Convention Center, Stephen's brand new Flip camera recorded their encounter with an old nemesis.
4:31 p.m. - After running all over the court with her players during practice, Coach Stephens was able to catch her breath and talk to us about tomorrow's first-round game against FIU.
Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year Jasmine Godbolt has garnered a lot of media attention during the season, but how would she handle an interview from teammate Raquel Cuffie?
3:35 p.m. - We are back from the women's bball practice and you can officially sum this day up in two words: The Gorge. It literally took us about 47 minutes to find the high school gym they were practicing in despite only being about 15 minutes away. These hills and roads are something else.
Anyways, the coaches and girls seemed in good spirits and Jordan shot some great video that will be up shortly. Coach Stephens really thinks the Mean Green can pull off the upset.
Just a reminder that the coaches radio show will air tonight at 8:30 on 88.1 KNTU live from Lucky's Sports Bar and Grill as Coach Jones and Coach Stephens talk about the upcoming games.
Friday's Women's Practice
Coach Stephens going up against Brittney Hudson
12:45 p.m. - A quick video tour of the Summit Arena.
12:31 p.m. - Jordan and I are back from The Summit and before we go get some lunch I just wanted to fill everyone in on a few things. The arena is still getting some final touches done as far as banners and video boards but the setup is very nice. The weather here is perfect and we're going to go check out the women's practice at 2 p.m. We will be back with more updates as they day goes along but we hope you enjoy the video of our quick tour at the convention center and check back often!
Hot Springs Street Banners
Press Conference Room
10:06 a.m. - Good morning Mean Green Nation! It's a beautiful day here in Hot Springs and we begin our continuous coverage of the North Texas basketball teams at the Sun Belt Tournament. Jordan and I are getting a head start on things and are about to go pick up our media credntials for the weekend before heading on over to The Summit to shoot some video to allow you a tour of where both the men and women will be playing this weekend.
Following that we're planning on heading over to a local high school gym where the women will be practicing in preparation for their first round matchup with FIU. We'll have video up shortly of some interviews with players as well as some pictures.
View from our hotel: The Austin
View #2
Today's Schedule
- Pep Band Spectacular (6:30-8:30): Pep Band Concert featuring Sun Belt schools with free hot dogs, popcorn and Coke products
- Hot Hoops in Hot Springs Headquarters (8:30-10:30), Lucky's Bar & Grill, 711 Central Ave., Hot Springs: Join the Mean Green in Hot Springs as Head Coach Johnny Jones and Shanice Stephens host their pre-tournament radio show live and on location at Lucky's Bar & Grill. Lucky's will feature happy hour drink and appetizer specials, including Mean Green Margaritas and Green Pride Beer.
- Our Hot Springs Headquarters, Lucky's Bar & Grill, will also host pre and postgame gatherings for the Mean Green Nation with specials including Mean Green Margaritas and Green Pride Beer.
