BROOKLYN, N.Y. (WCAX) – Catamount fans traveled from near and far to support the green and gold, but for one UVM basketball player this game here at the Barclay’s Center is a homecoming of sorts. He’s from a town in Long Island and we got the chance to speak to him and his father.
This might be TJ Long’s first time playing at Brooklyn’s Barclays center but it’s not his first stepping foot in the historic arena.
“Of course, l’ve been to a few basketball hockey games in the Barclays. A lot of my dad’s family’s from Rockaway, Brooklyn,” said TJ Long
The UVM Junior and Catamount Guard is a New Yorker himself, born in raised just outside the concrete jungle in Rockville Centre, a town on Long Island. It’s the place he says his basketball career began.
“Played to the town leagues and my dad was my coach till sixth and seventh grade. So he’s been a big part of it,” said Long.
“It’s an absolute thrill to see all his hard work pay off,” said TJ’s father Thomas.
Long’s dad Thomas watched over practice Thursday afternoon. He says “Team TJ” will be at the game in full force with 40 to 50 family members, friends, and former teammates and coaches.
“Myself, my wife, our whole family there will be a lot of extra green shirts in the stands because it’s so close to home,” said Thomas
After spending two seasons at Fairfield University, Long says one of the main reasons he came to UVM was the chance to make the tournament. And to get to dance in his backyard, also known the city where dreams are made of, he says is special .
“Just to kind of take a moment on, I’ve been dreaming of playing in this tournament as a little kid and to be able to do it in front of so many friends and family is just special,” said Long.
And we have plenty of coverage about March Madness here in Brooklyn coming your way. Stay with Channel 3. For now we are in Brooklyn, New York. Melissa Cooney, Channel 3 news.
