Dedicated Alumni Create Viral Basketball Tradition for Long Island University
Two devoted college basketball enthusiasts have successfully transformed the atmosphere at Long Island University basketball games through their innovative 'Fins Up' tradition, despite neither having attended the institution themselves.
Cameron Koffman, a Yale University graduate, and David Pochapin, who studied at Lehigh University, developed their passion for LIU basketball through their shared commitment to collegiate athletics. The pair, who first met as students at The Bronx's Riverdale Country School, have dedicated considerable time and energy to supporting the Sharks basketball program.
The Birth of a Tradition
The now-famous overhead 'Fins Up' gesture emerged during free throw attempts and has gained widespread recognition across college basketball circles. The tradition originated during a period when LIU games attracted minimal attendance, particularly during the team's challenging 2023 season when they secured only three victories.
'There was really no one in the building,' explained Pochapin, a financial technology professional residing in Manhattan's Chelsea district. 'Given that anything you said and did was heard and echoed throughout, it became the perfect environment to develop what has become an iconic chant.'
The dedication of these supporters has contributed to a remarkable transformation in team performance and fan engagement. LIU recently secured the Northeast Conference championship with a 79-70 victory over Mercyhurst, earning their place in the NCAA Division I tournament with an impressive 14-1 home record.
Professional Recognition
Head coach Rod Strickland, formerly of the New York Knicks, acknowledged the significant impact of fan support on team performance. 'That's what home-court advantage is about, that energy,' Strickland commented following recent games.
Notable LIU alumnus Brian Kilmeade, currently a Fox News commentator who played soccer at the university, expressed enthusiasm about the program's national visibility. 'It's remarkable to consider that the entire country will recognize LIU's ability to compete with established programs on the national stage,' he stated.
Community Building Efforts
Beyond creating the signature chant, Koffman and Pochapin have undertaken various initiatives to strengthen the program's community. They have organized dinner events for freshman players and contributed unique memorabilia to the facility, including a 14-foot shark replica now displayed in the gymnasium lobby.
The cultural shift has also helped address historical divisions between the university's Brooklyn and Long Island campuses, which merged their athletic programs in 2019. Former LIU player and current ESPN broadcaster Alan Hahn noted that this development 'feels like the unifying element we have been needing.'
As LIU prepares for March Madness competition, the impact of dedicated fan support demonstrates the significant role community engagement plays in collegiate athletics success.