Little fans, big hoops

Each year, the city of Dayton is bombarded for three days with some of the most intense competition in all of sports — the First Four — as eight men’s collegiate basketball teams vie for the chance to continue in the NCAA Tournament bracket.

All team practices are free and open to the public, and Dayton basketball fans and families alike flock to UD Arena to see the beginnings of a championship team. And while all fans are eager to see top-tier basketball, it’s the smallest fans who are somewhat awestruck.

“I’m here to see everybody,” said Joi, a sixth grader from Englewood as she watched Alabama State practice with her mom on Monday. “I think it's pretty cool. I play basketball, and I'm competitive. I just love that feeling [of being on the] basketball court.”

UD alumnus and basketball fan Anthony Trimble ’05 brought his son, Patrick, a second grader, to watch a few of the first teams practice.

“I’m just a passionate sports fan and basketball fan — I love the Flyers. I wanted [Patrick] to experience seeing the basketball players up close.”

Patrick, however, was most excited about one team in particular. “Dayton!” he said, in between mouthfuls of cheese pizza. His dad reminded him that while they’re on the Flyers’ home court, they wouldn’t be seeing them practice Monday, unfortunately. (The Flyer men play in the first round of the NIT Wednesday in Boca Raton, Florida.)

Perhaps the most excitement of the night (besides the pizza, of course) came in the form of the team from North Carolina sporting powder blue jerseys — powerhouse UNC. The crowd was overwhelmingly a sea of blue jerseys and Air Jordan logos as fans waited to see the Tar Heels take the court, albeit two hours late due to travel delays.

One family traveled from Carlisle, Ohio, a 30-minute drive south of Dayton, just to see their beloved team.

“We always watch the selection show as a family, and we were actually surprised we got in,” said UNC fan Rebecca, who brought her three kids to see the Tar Heels.

“But since they play Tuesday night (at 9:10 p.m.), it’s too late for the kids. So, when we found out [open practice] was an option, we decided to come.”

Second grader Brody was excited: “I grew up watching them.” 

His sister, Alexis, a sixth grader, said while she was eager to see the entire UNC team, she really wanted to get a peek of her favorite player.

“I really like R.J. Davis,” she said of the UNC senior guard. “He’s really good.”

Their other sister agreed. “R.J., for sure,” said Bailey, a fifth grader.

And Davis didn’t disappoint. He shot well over 10 3-pointers in practice and scored several more times during a scrimmage near the end of the team’s 40-minute practice slot. By the time practice was over, at least, it looked like the siblings knew their stuff.

Tonight, UD Arena will host its 138th and 139th NCAA tournament games, the most of any arena. At 6:40 p.m. ET, the No. 16 seed St. Francis will face off against No. 16 Alabama State. At 9:10 p.m. ET, No. 11 North Carolina will take on No. 11 San Diego State.

Photographs by Maggie Endres '26