VILLANOVA, Pa. – Villanova's annual kickoff celebration of the men's and women's basketball seasons, "Hoops Mania" was held before a packed house at Finneran Pavilion Saturday night.
 
The 2019-20 men's and women's basketball teams were introduced to the Nova Nation. A team led by Raven James and Cole Swider won the 3-point shooting contest with help from two members of the official Villanova student group, "The Nation." And the Villanova White team – led by eight points from junior guard Collin Gillespie – downed the Wildcats' Blue unit 16-12 in a short men's scrimmage.
 
The night concluded with an energetic performance from recording artist Swae Lee. Previous Hoops Mania performers have included 50 Cent, Nicki Minaj, and Drake.
 
"Hoops Mania" is the annual basketball preseason party that serves as the introduction to a new season. A 3-point shooting contest included representatives of the men's and women's teams, the official student group "The Nation", and for the first time, men's basketball alumni. Among those taking part were 2010 graduate Reggie Redding, 2012 product Maalik Wayns, 2014 grad James Bell and the captain of the 2018-19 Wildcats, Phil Booth. Booth also helped the Wildcats unveil the 2018-19 BIG EAST regular season and tournament championship banners that will now hang in Finneran Pavilion.
 
Kyle Lowry and Eric Paschall both recorded video messages that were included in the show.
 
The Villanova men's team opens its 2019-20 season – the Wildcats centennial campaign - at Finneran Pavilion on Tuesday, Nov. 5 when they host Army. The Villanova women, meanwhile, open the 2019-20 campaign one night later at the Finn, on Wednesday, Nov. 6 against George Washington University.