LIU Sharks' 'Fins Up' Fanbase Takes March Madness by Storm

A group of college basketball fanatics turned the LIU Sharks' home court into a viral sensation this season.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 12:00pm

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A group of college basketball fans in New York City adopted the Long Island University Sharks as their team in 2023 and turned the school's home court into a viral sensation. Calling themselves "the Reef," the fans started a tradition of raising their hands in a "fins up" motion during free throws that has become a rallying cry for the Sharks. As LIU made a surprise run to the NCAA Tournament, the Reef's antics and the team's on-court success have captivated the college basketball world.

Why it matters

The Reef fan section's enthusiasm and traditions have helped transform the atmosphere at LIU's home games, contributing to the team's strong home record this season. Their viral "fins up" celebration has also brought national attention to the Sharks program, which is making its first NCAA Tournament appearance since the school merged its Brooklyn and Post campuses in 2018.

The details

David Pochapin and Cameron Koffman, two college basketball fans from New York, were looking for a local team to support in 2023 when they discovered the LIU Sharks playing in the small Steinberg Wellness Center. Drawn to the intimate atmosphere, they started bringing friends to games and leading the "fins up" cheer during free throws, a tradition that quickly caught on with the rest of the crowd. As the Sharks improved on the court under head coach Rod Strickland, the Reef fan section grew in size and prominence, with the "fins up" celebration becoming a viral sensation on social media.

  • In February 2024, the "fins up" tradition started during a game against Merrimack.
  • On March 4, 2026, a video of the Reef leading the "fins up" cheer during the NEC tournament quarterfinals went viral on social media.
  • On March 14, 2026, the Sharks will face the Arizona Wildcats in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

The players

David Pochapin

One of the founders of the Reef fan section who helped start the "fins up" tradition at LIU games.

Cameron Koffman

One of the founders of the Reef fan section who helped start the "fins up" tradition at LIU games.

Rod Strickland

The head coach of the LIU Sharks, who has led the team to a 24-10 record and its first NCAA Tournament appearance since the school's merger.

Spence Howell

The director of the LIU marching band, who has helped lead the "fins up" cheer from the stands.

Winston

A miniature dachshund who has become a mascot for the Reef fan section, complete with his own custom shark fin.

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What they’re saying

“We finally got a chance to take a breather at 10 p.m. or so after the game, after the net cutting and everything. We grabbed a beer nearby and we just couldn't even speak for a second, we were pretty overtaken by emotion.”

— David Pochapin

“Having this fanbase and having this support behind us while we play, it gives you plus-15 attributes to everything you got. It makes you want to go harder, get on the ground. Makes you want to just play hard because you got a whole bunch of people who are watching you and who want you to win.”

— Shadrak Lasu, Sophomore forward

“We're just tickled pink that we get to go. We are so excited. Every member of the pep band's just ready to rock. ['Fins up'] is going with us forever, until someone makes us stop.”

— Spence Howell, Marching band director

What’s next

The Sharks will face the top-seeded Arizona Wildcats in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on March 14, 2026. The Reef fan section plans to travel to San Diego to support the team in its Cinderella run.

The takeaway

The story of the Reef fan section and the LIU Sharks' viral "fins up" celebration is a testament to the power of grassroots fandom and how a passionate group of supporters can help transform the fortunes of a mid-major basketball program. Their infectious energy and commitment to the team have captivated the college basketball world and shown that March Madness magic can be found in the most unexpected places.