UConn sets date for men’s and women’s basketball First Night event

College basketball season is right around the corner.

UConn announced on Monday that its annual “First Night” event featuring the men’s and women’s basketball teams will be held on Oct. 18 at Gampel Pavilion. More information, including the start time of the event and ticketing details, is expected to be available in the coming weeks.

Last fall, the Huskies’ men’s basketball team received its national championship rings just before the event and players were able to flash the new bling during the WWE-style introductions. That process may repeat itself.

This year’s event is taking place four days after the men play Rhode Island at Mohegan Sun Arena as part of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s enshrinement weekend. That charity exhibition will benefit Coaches vs. Cancer.

First Night festivities in the past have included a three-point contest, other shooting games and last year a “dunk showcase” replaced the dunk contest.

Look for Alex Karaban and Azzi Fudd, who partnered in the 3-point contest and won each of the last two years, to keep that streak going. UConn fans got to know Cam Spencer well last fall as he couldn’t hide his frustration after losing to Karaban. This year, Karaban might have a similar top competitor in freshman Liam McNeeley.

Samson Johnson soared over Jonathan the Husky mascot Space Jam style to win the dunk contest two years ago, and Jayden Ross beat Solo Ball in last year’s dunk showcase.

Both programs are poised for strong seasons with the women’s team returning stars Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd and others while welcoming top recruits Sarah Strong, Allie Ziebell and Morgan Chelli. Coach Geno Auriemma and associate head coach Chris Dailey are hunting their 12th NCAA championship in their 40th season together in Storrs.

On the men’s side, Dan Hurley and company have reached the mountaintop and hope to extend their stay for another year. The back-to-back national champions are expected to have their latest banner raised before the Nov. 6 season-opener against Sacred Heart, and will look to become the first program in more than a half century to win three NCAA tournament championships in a row.