Two passionate college basketball fans have become pivotal in boosting the spirit around the Long Island University (LIU) Sharks, who recently secured a spot in the NCAA March Madness tournament. Cameron Koffman and David Pochapin, despite never having attended LIU, ignited a wave of enthusiasm through a unique fan gesture known as the “Fins up” clap.
Their journey began as lifelong friends sharing a deep love for college basketball. Koffman, a Yale graduate, and Pochapin, an alum of Lehigh University, met at The Bronx’s Riverdale Country School and bonded over their obsession with the sport. This passion led them to support LIU fervently, especially during a difficult season when the team won only three games.
The duo’s creation, the overhead “Fins up” clap performed by LIU’s spirited section called “The Reef,” gained viral popularity after being adopted as a signature cheer during free throws. This distinctive gesture has since captured the attention of college basketball fans nationwide, even inspiring some University of Nebraska supporters. Barstool Sports dubbed LIU “America’s team” following the surge in fan engagement.
Pochapin explained the genesis of the chant: “We always were clapping after the free throws. So I guess from there, I just started yelling, ‘Fins up!’” Their initiative resonated with the college basketball community, transforming small fan gatherings into a vibrant, loud support system for the Sharks.
The rise in fan participation was dramatically evident when LIU claimed the Northeast Conference (NEC) championship with a 79-70 win over Mercyhurst. The atmosphere in the gym was electric, amplified by a passionate crowd that helped fuel LIU’s impressive 14-1 home record leading into the tournament. Head coach and former NBA player Rod Strickland attributed part of their success to this newfound home-court energy.
Notable LIU alumni have also embraced the phenomenon. Fox News commentator Brian Kilmeade praised the team’s performance and coaching, highlighting the national recognition LIU garnered. Former LIU basketball player and current ESPN broadcaster Alan Hahn shared that he encouraged his children to join in the “Fins up” tradition, emphasizing its impact on player morale.
Senior guard Greg Gordon, who scored 24 points in the NEC championship game, confirmed the role of the chant saying, “’Fins up’ is going to be a thing for this whole tournament. I truly believe it.”
Koffman and Pochapin’s dedication to LIU goes beyond cheering. After trying out multiple local colleges over the years, they settled on LIU due to Strickland’s NBA legacy and the program’s struggling fan base. They’ve turned their enthusiasm into active support, recruiting fans and even hosting team dinners.
A symbolic 14-foot shark sculpture donated by Koffman’s family now decorates the school’s basketball gym lobby, reinforcing the growing community spirit. The enhanced fan culture has also helped bridge divides between city and suburban alumni, which once posed challenges after LIU merged its Brooklyn and Post campus athletic programs in 2019.
Alan Hahn described this cultural shift as a long-needed unifier and credited it for revitalizing the program’s identity and success.
As the Sharks prepare to compete on the national stage during March Madness, Koffman and Pochapin remain steadfast supporters. “It has been a surreal experience,” Koffman said. “It’s just fun to see a team that you get so attached to performing at this level and capturing the heart of the nation.” Their story underscores how passionate fans, even outsiders, can profoundly impact a college basketball program’s spirit and visibility.