I actually thought it was awesome. I don't think it needs to be revamped at all. The only thing I might do is try to bring the football team into it some where. We pretty much bring every other squad into it so why not have some video introduction and bring the team out for about 15 minutes? The whole thing has evolved into a pep rally anyway.
This isn't all aimed at you OP. Just consolidating some of my thoughts in this part. I think this was one of the better BBM's I've been to. It is basically a pep rally and has always been one. This is about basketball and should only be about basketball and the things that support basketball.
The men have a team and the women have a team. They also have the cheerleaders at the games so I have no problem with them performing as well. It is only like a 5 minute routine. My daughter is a cheerleader and does some tumbling classes as well so it is great to see the best doing what she does.
The football team already has a fan day and with the season halfway over, I don't think it needs to be apart of a basketball pep rally. Keep it mainly about basketball and throw in a little filler like always between the different teams and it is just fine.
Get rid of the fluff or don't invite the recruits. If I were 16 or 17, I'd be bored too. In fact, it was not that exciting for me since it seems that actual playing time for the kids has diminished over the last few years. Lots of build up for just a few short minutes of seeing them run and make a few dunks.
Have Cal put the guys through a practice very similar to the ones in the Craft Center. Do some drills where he can explain why the drills are important. Feed the crowd some insights on what they want to accomplish early to set the stage for further seasoning as practices get closer to actual games. If Cal says anything, it should be about this new crop of players we don't yet know. He should personalize it more. I'd say keep the women involved--the audience is captive yes but should support the women's team and can by sitting through some of their practice as well.
So, yes, BBM deserves a makeover.
Again this isn't all directed at you OP.
The recruits don't even really come out until right before the team does so that is a moot point. They have them doing other things before coming out. Probably touring the facilities and whatnot. At least they aren't out there watching the coaches and players do lame skits like at other schools. They also probably stay the night and watch practice in person in the morning before heading home to get a better feel for the inner workings of the basketball program.
When they come out, they get to see the level of excitement with the player introductions, hear a speech that is pretty much directed to them and their families, and see a quick little pickup game. They even get to meet former players in the NBA if they are available and sometimes meet other celebrities. If they want to see drills they can watch our pro day. If they want to see an organized practice, they can watch our Blue/White game. Both are on TV along with BBM and you probably don't see that much exposure for any other team out there. There might be a little less basketball then in the past, but Cal had said he puts them through 2 practices the next day. You don't want to get players injured from overdoing things do you?
I'm curious how many people that criticize BBM actually see it in person? If you go expecting a fun little pep rally and to get your first glimpse of the new players in person, then you get what you expect. If you want more than that and less of the other stuff just go to the Blue/White game instead.