WICHITA - WSU Athletics and the Wichita State men's basketball program announced on Wednesday its plan for "Bringing Back MTXE."

To recognize former head men's basketball coach Gene Smithson and his players from the MTXE era, the "Bringing Back MTXE" event will take place during the men's basketball game against Bradley on Jan. 3.

"I'm excited about it. My whole family is," Smithson said. "It was a complete surprise for my family and our family of players."

The current Shockers will pay tribute to the MTXE era throughout the game by wearing retro MTXE-style uniforms matching those of the former WSU greats.

Each game-worn jersey will be available to bid upon at the silent auction scheduled to take place during the game. Replica jerseys for a select number of former players will also be available for bidding. The auction will close approximately 20 minutes after the game's conclusion and each winner will be announced immediately following.

Smithson and players will be recognized during halftime and will attend a dinner party following the game in the Champions Club in Charles Koch Arena. One-hundred and fifty tickets at $100 apiece will be available to fans who wish to attend. Fans may order tickets to the event by calling 316.978.FANS.

Head Coach Gregg Marshall and the rest of the current Shocker coaching staff will join Smithson and the reunion members in attendance for dinner. Shocker legends Cliff Levingston, Xavier McDaniel, Lynbert "Cheese" Johnson are just a few guests scheduled to appear.

"We are excited to have these guys back at the Roundhouse for a great MVC rivalry game against Bradley," Marshall said. "It will be a great experience for our players to meet and interact with so many Shocker legends."

Smithson and his former players will reunite in Wichita on Jan. 2 at a private reunion held inside of Charles Koch Arena.

"I haven't seen most of them for many years," Smithson said. "Both my wife and I are looking forward to the whole thing and just being a part of it. But, we're especially excited to see the players - they were our family, too."

All proceeds from this event will support the Shocker Athletic Scholarship Organization (SASO).