Yes, it’s still football season and most Huskies fans are not readily awaiting the beginning of the basketball season.

But a crazy event happened Friday night at the Convocation Center.

The NIU men’s basketball team’s lightly publicized Midnight Madness-type event wasn’t expected to draw many fans and wasn’t supposed to be very entertaining in what is being dubbed an annual event. But Victor E. Court was at its capacity late Friday night/early Saturday morning.

With 627 fans, including the band, the Huskies made the most for the students willing to put their Homecoming parties temporarily on hold.

Here’s a short glimpse of what was noticed at the hour-long dunk exhibition and intra-squad scrimmage.

NIU’s best player: Mike McKinney. The 6-foot-4 sophomore guard is an electrifying athlete, no doubt. Outside of a perimeter jump shot (which was a problem in the past), there is little else McKinney can’t do. He can get to the basket almost at will, has put on weight to his 200-pound frame and is the team’s best defender. He could be a superstar in the league, given time and extended range on the jumper.

Player to expect the most from: Cory Sims. Rarely does a university go to the junior college ranks unless they need help immediately, and this is no exception. Point guard Anthony Maestranzi is a very capable point guard in the conference, but NIU hopes that Sims can provide more penetration abilities from the lead-guard position. Although 2003 NIU point guard Jay Bates wasn’t an All-MAC player, he was consistently able to get by his man and create open opportunities from the perimeter for the Huskie shooters. Sims will need to be able to do this, or NIU will remain in the middle of the pack with a .364 mark from beyond the arc. The jury is still out on Sims.

Most exciting player: James Hughes. If he could get a proper grip on the ball with his teeth, the 6-foot-11 center would no doubt be able to dunk with a nod of his head. Hughes still needs strength on his 220-pound frame and more endurance, but the quick, agile, lanky big man could be a big-time performer. And his light-hearted nature and big smile make the game look fun.

The best player on the NIU bench: Ben Rand. NIU coach Rob Judson is probably counting down the days until Rand, a transfer from Iowa, will be eligible to play next year. A 6-foot-5 sharp-shooter and strong athlete, Rand will only be able to practice with the team this year because of NCAA transfer rules. He participated Friday and looked really good.

Still waiting on a break-out year: Todd Peterson. Last year was supposed to be his year, after a stellar freshman campaign. At 6-foot-8, he had trouble creating his own shot last season at the small forward position but will likely get more time at the power forward position. A rangy athlete with a pin-point outside shot, he could be dangerous by luring opposing teams’ big men to the perimeter. But the question is: Can he get the job done on defense?