Midnight Madness Events That Could Have the Biggest Impact on Recruiting

The events that are often associated with Midnight Madness are coming up in the next few weeks as many of the nation's elite college basketball programs are throwing a big party to celebrate the opening of the season.

Started as a special event by Maryland coach Lefty Driesell in 1971, the events have grown into huge sold-out shows that often include a little bit of basketball and something to entertain fans. And while the madness used to be at midnight to coincide with the old NCAA rules, now the madness events usually start earlier than midnight to accommodate television and fans of all age levels.

Now that schools can be flexible with how they run their season-opening events, some madness events have already happened, while many schools are going to host something during the Oct. 15 weekend.

These events are a nice way for fans to get introduced to new teams while also being a huge event for recruiting. Since so many fans are showing up and providing a great Midnight Madness atmosphere, schools want recruits to come and check things out. Some teams raise championship banners, and others have famous artists or emcees for the event. 

Here are eight madness events to keep an eye on during the next few weeks.

Recruiting ratings via Scout.com.

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and information were obtained firsthand.

Kansas

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

Event: Late Night in the Phog

Date: Oct. 1

Recruiting Significance: Kansas had the benefit of being the first major college basketball program to host a tip-off event this season, and it has already paid off. In addition to numerous recruits and their families visiting Lawrence for the event, the Jayhawks grabbed a Class of 2019 commitment from point guard Markese Jacobs.

With over 16,000 Kansas fans rocking Allen Fieldhouse, the event shows recruits why Kansas has one of the best home-court advantages in the country.

Arizona

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Event: McDonald's Red-Blue Game

Date: Oct. 14

Recruiting Significance: Arizona has built arguably the top madness event on the West Coast as Wildcats fans sold out the McKale Center for this event back in July.

With over 14,000 fans in the building for the scrimmage and dunk contest, it's a great time to show recruits why Arizona has been one of the top programs in the country over the past few seasons. The Red-Blue game has sold out for six consecutive years and remains a huge recruiting draw for the program. 

Kentucky

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Event: Big Blue Madness

Date: Oct. 14

Recruiting Significance: Many schools throw lavish parties to open the college basketball season, but almost all of them pale in comparison to Big Blue Madness. This year's opening Kentucky practice already has over 375 tents that have been waiting since Sept. 30 just to watch a basketball practice.

Past Big Blue Madness activities have included rapper Drake, while this year, two Kentucky fans got married in line for the event. Head coach John Calipari usually puts on Big Blue Madness in front of several elite recruits, and the event draws a lot of buzz every season.

Maryland

Nick Wass/Associated Press

Event: Maryland Madness

Date: Oct. 14

Recruiting Significance: Since Maryland is the birthplace of madness festivities, it is only fitting that the Terrapins continue to hold one of the best events in the country. Maryland Madness might begin a little earlier than Driesell's original midnight version, but it still brings a ton of Maryland fans to the building to support the basketball programs.

This year's theme appears to be some sort of SportsCenter theme, and with Maryland hosting a dunk contest, expect to see some highlights coming from this event.

North Carolina

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Event: Late Night with Roy Williams

Date: Oct. 14

Recruiting Significance: North Carolina's annual event is typically a laid-back affair, as it has scrimmages, a talent show and some sort of significant Tar Heel-related host. Stuart Scott was a former host of this event, and it's also had former Tar Heel players such as Kenny Smith be a big part as well.

The scrimmage is what people come to see, but the talent show has also given fans unique sides of some players such as Kennedy Meeks singing Drake last year.

UConn

Jessica Hill/Associated Press

Event: UConn Basketball First Night

Date: Oct. 14

Recruiting Significance: UConn's madness festivities are different than many schools' events because its women's program is usually honoring a national champion. Besides being an important night for Kevin Ollie and the men's team, it's a big night for Geno Auriemma and the women's team.

The two programs both hold a scrimmage and compete in inter-squad competitions during the night. There's also some fan-friendly aspects such as the dunk contest and "Selfie Session." Much like any other program, UConn uses the event to host a lot of recruits.

Syracuse

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

Event: Orange Madness

Date: Oct. 21

Recruiting Significance: Syracuse will have a great year for its madness festivities since it is celebrating Final Four runs from both its men's and women's teams from last season. Returning players will be honored with a ring at this year's festivities, and the on-court activities will include a scrimmage, dunk contest and three-point contest.

For recruits attending the event, it's a powerful message when they see both basketball programs celebrating playing during the sport's final weekend. In the past, Syracuse was usually open to a music act, having rappers such as Meek Mill and Wale before, but there is no musical act for this year's event.

Duke

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Event: Countdown to Craziness

Date: Oct. 22

Recruiting Significance: Duke's event is a week later than most events this year, so that could mean a lot of 5-star recruits will be in Cameron Indoor Stadium. When recruits see a crazed crowd and the Cameron Crazies during the event, it shows what the atmosphere can be like during a game.

With Duke looking like a major national title contender this season, it should be a big-time atmosphere to see the talented freshman class and returning veterans such as Grayson Allen to open up the new season.