MAAC Announces Hall of Fame Exhibit

The MAAC held a press conference Wednesday afternoon in Springfield, Mass., to publicize its three-year deal with that community to host the 2012, '13 and '13 men's and women's post-season basketball tournaments at the MassMutual Center there.

That's old news, but a big of "new" news emerged from the press conference, a partnership between the conference and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for an exhibit at the Hall to focus on several aspects of MAAC basketball that will open in the fall of 2011.

Here are exerpts from the press release:

"The MAAC Council of Presidents unanimously approved the exhibit that will provide our 10 member institutions excellent exposure to basketball fans of all ages," said MAAC Commissioner Richard J. Ensor. "The display will celebrate the history of the MAAC, the experience of being a student-athlete and raise awareness of the annual conference championships taking place each year in Springfield."

The exhibit will feature several different themes. Each of the 10 MAAC Institutions will have an individual kiosk to highlight the institution and its basketball history. Featured items will include a team jersey, a large acrylic team logo and information on the institution.

Secondly, a piece entitled "A Day in the Life of a College Student-Athlete" will provide visitors unique insight into what it takes to succeed as a college student-athlete. A video presentation will show selected MAAC student-athletes through their experiences, both inside the classroom and on the playing floor.

Another display will celebrate the 30-year history of the MAAC, including photos, artifacts and other memorabilia. Lastly, a section will be devoted to current happenings in the MAAC, including up-to-date news, standings and information on championships.

The presence of the MAAC in the Basketball Hall of Fame will include an exclusive area on the museum’s second floor. The museum, which has 200,000 visitors annually, will feature the MAAC schools for the three years of the MAAC Championships.

BLOGGER'S NOTE: The upcoming affiliation with the Hall brings to mind an idea ...

The MAAC should consider initiating its own Hall of Fame for men's and women's players. This is the conference 30th season of operation, so there are certainly plenty of worthy candidates.