Oct. 14, 2011

Photo Gallery

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The University of Memphis 2011-12 basketball season got off to a raucous start in front of a jam-packed crowd at Memphis Madness at FedExForum. Fans witnessed a three-point shootout, dunk contest, intra-squad scrimmage, and a performance by special guest Yo Gotti.

Rick Ross, who was scheduled to headline Friday night's event, was unable to make the event due to an unknown health condition. Ross's plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Birmingham, Ala.

The night began at 5:30 p.m. as droves of fans waiting outside were finally allowed into FedExForum. Fans were able to get a sneak peak at the U of M's women's basketball team, which is also picked to win Conference USA.

Both the men's and women's teams were introduced player-by-player to the fans, and Coach Melissa McFerrin and Coach Josh Pastner each delivered a speech to the crowd.

On the women's end, preseason C-USA Player of the Year Brittany Carter also spoke to fans after doing a live television interview on Fox Sports South. Coach McFerrin talked about fulfilling the team's goal of becoming the class of Conference USA.

Antonio Barton stole the show in the three-point shootout, defeating Wesley Witherspoon for the title. DJ Stephens and Will Barton went toe-to-toe in the dunk contest, but Stephens won the duel with a high-leaping, between-the-legs slam.

The Tigers start the regular season Nov. 15 against Belmont at 11 a.m., as part of ESPN's 24 hours of hoops.