You've seen it a bazillion times in sports:

Television cameras pan the stands at an event and people who might otherwise sit there and watch the action suddenly go nuts to become part of the scene, whooping it up like they are at a frat house party.

Some folks think the University of Hawai'i has lost its mind in the presence of the TV cameras, too.

The Rainbow Warriors agreed to tip off tomorrow night's non-conference men's basketball game with Idaho State at 11 p.m. to make the Stan Sheriff Center part of what ESPN is billing as its inaugural "College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon."

The network is attempting to do 24 hours of hoops employing five time zones, a gimmick to usher in the college basketball season. UH, with its geography, was offered the 4 a.m. (Eastern) time slot.

For its participation UH gets no rights fee from ESPN and probably stands to lose, maybe, $2,000 to $5,000 in walk-up sales from what it might otherwise have taken in at the box office had the game been played in its original slot, Tuesday at 7 p.m.

"It is a little crazy," acknowledges UH athletic director Jim Donovan.

But there is a method to the Rainbow Warriors' madness. A clue to its desperation.

When you are the only Division I team 2,500 miles removed from the recruiting mainstream, you have to be willing to take some chances. When you have enjoyed just one national TV appearance in each of the two previous years — and none at home — circumstances suggest you try something unorthodox to gain some notice. No matter how manini the spotlight.

When you haven't been to the postseason in four years — or the NCAA Tournament in six — and are coming off an 11-19 campaign, you have to try a little harder and be a bit more bold in reaching out to prospective recruits. "Visibility is important because recruiting is a life-blood for our program," Donovan said.

To be sure the viewing audience at that hour will be small. But there is also the day-long build up and follow up through frequent mention on the studio shows and ESPN properties. There is the validation that comes with being involved with the whole project.

With 20 home games, you can afford to take one leap of faith. And this is the one you can do it with. I mean it is not like a non-weekend date with Idaho State was going to pack the place. Or, even half of it. Not when the season opener on a Friday night against San Francisco enticed a meager 4,414.

So, the 'Bows have dropped their ticket prices to $8 for all seats, offered up freebies to students and laid on a bushel of promotions in an attempt to build an audience.

Is it crazy, especially if they get just 2,000 or so? Perhaps.

But if you're UH it is just plain nuts not to at least try something once in a while.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.