Join us for the Southern Hoops Tip-Off Talk—a special evening to launch the SCSU Men’s and Women’s Basketball season and raise vital funds for both programs. With an expected crowd of over 500 guests, this exciting event will feature some of the biggest personalities in the sport, including legendary broadcaster George Grande as emcee. Guests will enjoy a night of meet-and-greets, interviews, autographs, and a silent auction—all in support of Owl basketball.
Date: September 24, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Aria Banquet, 45 Murphy Rd, Prospect, CT 06712
Event Program Overview
The evening’s program will run for approximately three hours and includes the following highlights:
Meet and Greet
An hour-long meet and greet with our special guests, food, and open bar.
Autographs and Networking
An hour for autographs, networking, and interaction between the special guests and the attendees.
Silent Auction
Bid on exciting auction items, with all proceeds benefiting the SCSU Men’s and Women’s Basketball programs.
Live Program with George Grande
Legendary broadcaster George Grande will serve as the evening’s master of ceremonies. Known for his work as a WTNH-Channel 8 Sports Anchor, he also gained national recognition as the longtime radio voice of the Cincinnati Reds, a frequent emcee at MLB Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in Cooperstown, NY, and one of the original hosts of ESPN’s SportsCenter. George will interview our six special guests and field Q&A's from the crowd.
Featured Guests
SCSU Head Women's Basketball Coach
SCSU National Champion Player, 2007
SCSU All Time Leading Scorer
CT Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
Northeast-10 Conference Hall of Fame
SCSU Head Men's Basketball Coach
8 Year NBA Player
1998 NBA Champion, Chicago Bulls
Drafted in the 1st round in two pro sports (MLB & NBA)
First player in NCAA to have 1500 points, 750 rebounds, 275 assists, and 300 steals
Former NBA Player
Member of UCONN'S All Century Team
Fox Sports Game & Studio Analyst
Broadcaster - 2012 Summer Olympics
2x All Big East Player
UConn Head Women's Basketball Coach
12 Time National Champion
All Time Winningest Collegiate Coach
Naismith Hall of Fame Member
2x Olympic Gold Medalist (2012 & 2016)
Master of Ceremonies
Lead Broadcaster of 17 Years, Cincinnati Reds
31 Years Emcee for MLB Hall of Fame Inductions
Former WTNH Channel 8 Sports Anchor
Member of Board of Directors for USA Baseball
Iconic Broadcaster
Analyst CBS Sports College Basketball Coverage
Lead Analyst Fox Sports Coverage of Men's Basketball
4 Time Sports Emmy Award Winner
Sports Broadcaster Hall of Fame
Travel Information
Airports
Bradley International Airport (BDL)
Approximately 30 miles from the venue
Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN)
Approximately 35 miles from the venue
Local Hotels
Courtyard by Marriott Waterbury Downtown
Approximately 5 miles from the venue
Holiday Inn Cheshire – Southington by IHG
Approximately 6 miles from the venue
Venue Highlights
Located at the elegant Villa Rosa, Aria Wedding & Banquet Facility is renowned for its timeless beauty and exceptional service. Now entering its third decade, Aria continues to set the standard for unforgettable events. Consistently rated as a five-star wedding venue by WeddingReports.com, Aria is the perfect setting for celebrations of all kinds.
