George Mason basketball standout Lamar Butler (2001-06) represented the Patriots in the Atlantic 10 Conference Basketball Legends class of 2014. He and his wife Jasmine were invited to attend the A-10 Men's Basketball Championship in Brooklyn, March 12-16. Lamar answered some questions about his experience.

Tell us about your overall experience as an A-10 Legend?

I had a blast in NY! It was my first time in Brooklyn and at The Barclays Center. What an amazing facility! The hospitality I received by the Atlantic 10 was better than I imagined. My wife Jasmine and I were given seats just five rows from the action on the court. It felt like I was on the court playing myself (I wish). The brunch recognizing the class of 2014 A-10 legends was great. I had a chance to meet guys I remember watching growing up. Priceless experience!

Any good anecdotes you can share from talking with the other Legends?

I remember talking to Sonni Holland, George Washington's legend.  I watched him at GW growing up in this area, and a couple other legends at the brunch. They all told me I was too young to be a legend. I looked like I should still be on the bench at Mason. I was the only one with without a black & white headshot.

How do you think the move to the basketball-centric conference will affect Mason?

Mason will have a chance to really capitalize on this move. Major recruits will look at the success of the A-10 conference and think about coming to Mason even more. We'll have a chance to really become what Gonzaga became in the early to mid-2000's, where they were knocking off majors every year in the tournament. I definitely see more parity throughout college basketball. VCU got VCU'd this year by SFA! Also, Coach Hewitt has a pro style system that should be attractive to recruits as well. So as alum I'm excited about the move.

What was it like to attend a basketball championship from the stands instead of on the court?

It was definitely a different experience. The pep rally the fans had before the event at the Brooklyn Academy of Music was cool! I had a chance to speak to President Cabrera and address the fans there. As a former player, you always appreciated those that supported you. I just wanted to make sure they knew that. They're apart of everything we do. 

What was your first impression of the Barclay's Center?

I was impressed. I'm glad we moved to the A-10! If I was playing in the game I would have ranked it at the top of places that I played in. It gave me goose bumps walking in.

What NY attractions did you visit? Did you go to a show?

My wife and I went to Manhattan and walked around Times Square. We also went to see Matilda on Broadway, which was a fantastic show! Definitely a must see if you have children.

This was Mason's first year in the A-10. After one year in the league what are your thoughts about joining the A-10?

I'm glad we made the switch. It's something we needed to do as a program. It'll help with recruiting as well. Better players will want to come due to the exposure.

Do you fill out NCAA brackets during March Madness and do you generally pick the underdogs? Who will win it all this year?

My bracket was burned after the first weekend of the NCAA tournament. I picked Michigan State to win the National Championship. I have Louisville, Florida, Michigan State and Arizona as my final four teams.