An NCAA rule change in April allowed the team or individuals to practice up to two hours per week before the official start of the season.

Tonight’s Maryland Madness marks the traditional start of the basketball season for fans, but the Terps didn’t wait.

A new NCAA rule passed in April allows teams to take part in team or individual instruction for up to two hours per week leading up to the Friday closest to Oct. 15, when teams begin the official practice schedule.

While students have heard about the new 8 p.m. start time for the event, many were unaware that their first look at the Terrapin men’s and women’s basketball teams isn’t the first time the teams have gotten on the court together.

In past years, a mid-October Friday night served as the first chance players had to practice together and with coaches and scrimmage against each other. Some students feel there will be a new atmosphere created since the team won’t officially be beginning practice in front of fans.

“It’s always been hyped as the first time practice, the first time the team’s been together,” freshman business major Evan Riedell said. “Now that they’ve held practices, it’s another day for them. It’s not that special.”

Hearing about the practices for the first time added to sophomore chemistry and biology major George Geatz’s frustration about the event.

“It doesn’t seem like it’s as much of a big event,” said Geatz, who already wasn’t looking forward to Maryland Madness. “It takes away the glory of it.”

Geatz also said he anticipated last year’s event for weeks because of the immense tradition.

Freshman letters and sciences major Dylan Leischow said his perception of the event was already diminished because of the earlier start time, and added that the practices do little to worsen the situation.

“Once they start extending [the time the teams can practice] a little bit, it doesn’t matter how far they extend it,” Leischow said.

Other students were less concerned by the Terps practicing prior to tonight. Freshman accounting and dance major Lanikah Jordan said she was just excited to see the Terps for the first time, no matter how many times they’ve practiced as a team.

Sophomore mechanical engineering major Matthew Sammons said the change in practice rules makes for a less entertaining atmosphere, but conceded it was worth it if it helped the team.

But in terms of fan enjoyment, some students are indifferent about the impact previous practices have on the event. Senior economics major Charlene Gerring, who laments the loss of some tradition from Midnight Madness, still anticipates seeing the teams for the first time this season.

“We’re still there to show them our support,” Gerring said. “It’s still something for basketball fans to look forward to.”

Contact reporter Stephen Whyno at whynodbk@gmail.com.