OSU Basketball has been an important aspect in Stillwater since, well, forever. The coaches, players, trainers, the band over the years have all been dedicated and ready to work hard and play hard. Basketball games are some of the greatest times one will have. Gallagher-Iba Arena was once known as “The Madison Square Garden of the West” and to this day has mostly lived up to its name, until the last few years. An arena that had less and less people was a hard sight to see. But this year, that has changed. With a new coach, Brad Underwood, and a team that is more dedicated and determined than ever, GIA has been awakened with fans, old and new, and hype that can’t be stopped. With Big 12 Basketball season starting off, great change, and even better seasons for years to come, there are many great reasons why OSU Basketball at GIA is great, especially this season.

1. Brad Underwood

Okay, but who DOESN’T like this man? He not only is a great coach, but a great man, and it shows around campus. Coach Underwood is one of the best things to happen at OSU since “The Mullet."

2. The roaring sounds of GIA

The hashtag #AwakeTheGIAnt lives up to its name this season. Students are experiencing GIA at its prime, older fans reliving the past times and newcomers seeing ALL THE HYPE! GIA is the place to be this season. If you’re not there (with a bad excuse) then you’re doing it wrong.

3. The fans in the sea of orange

A sea of orange is always a delightful sight. Seeing it during football season is beautiful, but there’s something about seeing it at Historic Gallagher-Iba Arena that gives you chills. Along with the roars, the sea of orange are dedicated fans who make OSU, Stillwater, and Oklahoma great.

4. The players

From Forte III, to Evans, Solomon, Averette and Hammonds and everyone in between, the players have grown tremendously from past years. New players bring a new excitement to the table, but all of the boys have the one goal. Apart from being great players, they are also respectful off the court. With a determined attitude and mindset that the team shares, there’s no stopping these boys.

5. The experience itself

GIA has a certain aura to it. When you walk in there, you feel as if you are home, good or bad season. There is a friendly face everywhere you go, and there are thousands of people supporting one team, one school. Differences within these people are put aside. There are multiple organizations that contribute to make game day even better. They way GIA is set up is an experience of itself. Yes, the stairs may be steep and it’s more enclosed, but it IS the “Madison Square Garden of the West.” History has been made in that building. There is nothing like it in America. So many people from Larry Reece, to the Eskimo Joes mascots and Underwood and the free fries and flying pizza boxes are just some of the greatness that happens there. It’s an experience you just have to see for yourself.

All sports at Oklahoma State are pretty great to say the least. OSU has more dedicated alumni, fans and students than any school in America. Basketball at OSU has a rich history or being great, making memories, hearing the sounds, becoming a family, etc. you haven’t been to an OSU basketball game, you still have time! Be a part of history this new and exciting season. Make noise, get rowdy! There is nothing like it anywhere else. Go Pokes.