A trip to the carwash, big afros and basketball. Where could I possibly be?

Turns out this was all part of the excitement of Flyer Madness. New NCAA rules allow for the first practice to begin three hours earlier this year as the first practices could begin at 9 p.m. as opposed to the traditional midnight start time. The UD festivities kicked off from the Frericks Center at 9:30 Friday night.

In front of more than 2,700 spectators, the 2005 Flyers men's and women's basketball teams took a trip back in time to the 1970's with their extravagant entrances.

UD broadcaster Larry Hansgen took the microphone to introduce the squads. Some of the more memorable looks were those of women's head coach Jim Jabir, who gave his best James Brown impression, and men's head coach Brian Gregory was simply stunning as Saturday Night Live's Tony Manero.

Following the introductions, both coaches were given the opportunity to speak to the many proud supporters of UD basketball. Each coach was thrilled to have opportunity to be a part of the legendary program whose success comes so much from the unending support they receive from the fans.

Once the introductions were completed, the teams donned their more customary practice gear, red and blue jerseys. The basketball entertainment began as the women's team competed in a three-point shootout and the men challenged each other in a slam dunk contest.

Senior guard Lyndsey DeWitt outshot sophomore Kiki Lund. There were shades of 'Vinsanity' when freshman Charles Little went up for a dunk and the ball emerged through the bottom of the mesh but he stayed high off the ground as his bicep curled around the rim. However, sophomore Brian Roberts outdid the challengers Desmond Adedji, Monty Scott and the aforementioned Little to take the 2005 UD slam dunk title.

Both teams return to the court with talented and more experienced squads in the 2005-06 season. Coach Brian Gregory, as well as coach Jim Jabir, are entering their third seasons as the respective men's and women's coaches.

The women's team, who return eleven letter-winners, seek to improve on their 12 win season last year. The Flyers placed fifth in the Atlantic 10 last season and led the conference in rebounds. They look to continue the dominance on the boards as last year's leading rebounder, as well as scorer, Cara Wright, returns this season.

The women's team's first challenge will be against the Ohio legends team on Nov. 16 and the regular season kicks off two days later against Akron.

The men's team is returning 10 players to the team this year including the three top scorers from last year. An intensive summer workout regiment has the team ready for action on the court as their first official practice took place Saturday.

The next open event for the public to take a look in on this year's Flyers will be Saturday at UD Arena beginning at 10 a.m., prior to the UD football game against Valparaiso.

The 'night with the Flyers' was an exciting and comical way to begin the 2005-06 season which the teams hope to fill with excitement and many victories.