Missing the Magic, PMAC-style

These threads from the past couple of days really have me yearning for some excitement in the PMAC again. I don't just mean some exciting games, although that's a good start.

I think LSU has contributed to the lack of energy and excitement in the way that they use promotions and piped in music. The most exciting halftime show in a while was last game when the final Four teams were presented. While those teams deserve the recognition they received, the presentation and video package was lacking. And you let Rudy and Ricky speak, but don't give the mic to the most quotable and inspiring man ever to coach at LSU? Really?

And let's talk about player introductions. Snoozefest. The music is boring, and the video intro portion takes way too long and kills any energy in the crowd rather than building it.

The video "shell game" needs to go. Or at least be a truly random presentation. As it is, everyone in the building knows the pattern. If it starts on 1, it ends on 3; if it starts on 3, it ends on 1, if it starts on 2, it ends on 2. Wow. Really exciting.

Now, we as fans need to do our part. We need to cheer our tails off. We need to ride the refs and the other team. We need our students to creatively and with wit get under the skin of opposing players.

And finally, we need our team to play with some enthusiasm. Dive on the floor for loose balls. Show some excitement when you're playing. Or when you're sitting on the bench watching.

If we could just start to address a couple of these small points, the atmosphere could build upon itself. And before you know it, the team starts to feed off of it, and stays in games where they are outmatched and doesn't let teams back in when they are ahead.

Am I dreaming?