October 20, 2009 | Stephen Slade

‘First Night’ Festivities Kick Off Basketball Season

Judges for the 'First Night' dunk contest, from left, recording artists Lloyd and Amerie, women's basketball assistant coach Shea Ralph, and former Husky Donyell Marshall. Photo by Stephen Slade

<p>Judges for the dunk contest during UConn Basketball First Night on Oct. 16 were, from left, recording artists Lloyd and Amerie, women's basketball assistant coach Shea Ralph, and NBA standout Donyell Marshall, a former Husky. Photos by Stephen Slade</p>
Judges for the dunk contest during UConn Basketball First Night at Gampel Pavilion were, from left, recording artists Lloyd and Amerie, women's basketball assistant coach Shea Ralph, and NBA standout Donyell Marshall, a former Husky. Photos by Stephen Slade
<p>The UConn Men's and Women's Basketball teams pose with recording artists Lloyd and Amerie, center, during UConn 'First Night' festivities at Gampel Pavilion on Oct. 16 marking the start of the basketball season. Photo by Stephen Slade</p>
The UConn Men's and Women's Basketball teams pose with recording artists Lloyd and Amerie, center, during festivities on Oct. 16 marking the start of the basketball season.
<p>All-American Maya Moore competes with the men's basketball players in the dunk contest. Photo by Stephen Slade</p>
All-American Maya Moore competes with the men's basketball players in the dunk contest.
<p>Senior forward Stanley Robinson hangs on the rim in the dunk contest. Photo by Stephen Slade</p>
Senior forward Stanley Robinson hangs on the rim in the dunk contest.
<p>Women's team player Caroline Doty and Jerome Dyson from the men's team sign autographs during 'First Night' at Gampel Pavilion. Photo by Stephen Slade</p>
Women's team player Caroline Doty and Jerome Dyson from the men's team sign autographs.