Chris Fleming was a freshman forward on the Mason Patriots 2005-06 men's basketball team. The Manassas, Va. native played in 28 games that season. GoMason.com caught up with Fleming to talk about that season and what he has been doing 10 years later.

Do you keep in touch with your Mason teammates?

A: Absolutely! At least once a week I text someone from the 2006 team. Tim Burns was a groomsman in my wedding. John Vaughn (JV) and I still play in men's leagues and do fantasy football together. I also randomly will text with other guys whenever there is something special that happens.

Do you keep in touch with the coaches?

A: Yes. I went to Miami in early February for work and got the chance to see Coach L, Caputo, and Coach Johnson. I try to send a text every so often to check-in and wish them luck.

What have you been doing since you graduated?

A: I worked for a local Miller Lite Distributor for about a year, but then got into software sales. I currently am selling to the Federal government as an Account Executive at MicroStrategy. On a personal level I got married in 2014, and bought our first house in Arlington, Va. in 2015.

Do you still get recognized as a member of the 2006 Mason team?

A: Usually because of my height and size I get asked what sport I played. These days though, more people ask where I played football. However, when people find out that I was part of the 2006 Final Four team they get very excited and ask a ton of questions.

What do you remember about Selection Sunday?

A: I remember as a freshman not really knowing how to act. I sort of assumed that this was the norm, but that changed when I saw the reaction of all the seniors.

What memory do you have of eating meals at Outback during the run in 2006?

A: I remember Lamar always ordered the Chocolate Thunder from Down Under, and Jordan Carter ate his steak barely cooked.

What are your top 3 moments from the 2006 season?

1. Beating Uconn. The reaction at campus and around the world was incredible. 

2. The Wichita State win at the Bracket Buster game in Kansas. Still the loudest arena I've ever been in. 

3. My first flight. I'd never been on an airplane until the Coaches Vs. Cancer Classic at Wake Forest.

Tell me a good story about that run in March that maybe fans don't know?

A: Jim Nance and Billy Packer came to our table at a dinner in Indianapolis. Coach Cherry warned that we shouldn't expect an apology after they gave the selection committee a ton of grief for Mason making the tournament. What happened next was better than an apology. Jim Nance called one of our best players Will Thomas, Will Brown. It showed they still didn't know who we were, even after making it to the Final Four. Will of course went on to sign every autograph as Will Brown.

Which pregame speech from coach Larranaga struck you the most? Why?

A: Each of the tourney speeches were classic, but his speech before we left for the first round game after practice was my favorite. We had just got done having an awful practice, and really didn't look like a tournament team. Everyone seemed nostalgic and very uptight, and Coach L completely flipped the switch. Rather than yelling at everyone he brought a ton of energy and made it clear that we were going to go out and have more fun than any other team in the tournament. I think that really helped guys relax and focus in on our goal.

How do you fill out your bracket in March? What's it like to now watch March Madness from your home?

A: A ton of upsets and no work! I try to take off from work both the first Thursday and Friday every year. I usually go to a local bar in Arlington or set up a few TVs at my house.

How do you compare Mason to other underdogs that have gone to the Final Four after 2006?

A: We set the standard that let those guys know what's possible. I'd be willing to bet our success gave them some extra confidence that if we can do it, so can they.

Do you think the media and fans look at underdogs differently now that Mason paved the way as a double-digit seed?

A: Absolutely! I know when I fill out my bracket, there are always more upsets than any of my other friends.

What do you do when you hear Bon Jovi's 'Livin on a Prayer'? 

A: It actually brings back the memory of our pep rally when the DJ played the wrong Kryptonite song.

What was going through your mind when Denham Brown was dribbling down the court for the final shot? And what was the feeling or thoughts you had when it clank off the rim?

A: Complete shock. It's all a total blur to be honest.

In 2006 was there a particular music you listened to or dance during that time?

A: Anything Jordan Carter would recommend, usually Lil Wayne.

How would you describe the 2006 run to the Final Four in one sentence?

A: Anything can happen… Or Coach L's Quote of the day that he starts every season with 'Begin with the end in mind'. A group of old Coach L players got together last year and it was surprising to hear how many of those quotes still stick with us.