Sammy Hernandez was a freshman on the 2006 Final Four team, having played in all 35 games during the season with one start. He played in all five games in the NCAA Tournament, scoring five straight points against North Carolina to spark Mason's first-half comeback. He also drained a 3-pointer against Connecticut, keeping Mason close in the first half. A native of Puerto Rico, Hernandez grew up in Miami. He played out his last two years of eligibility at Florida Atlantic University. GoMason.com caught up with Hernandez to relive some memories from 10 years ago.

Q. Do you keep in touch with your Mason teammates? If so, how often do you talk or see each other?

A. Maybe once a year. I got in touch with Tony Skinn who is coaching at Louisiana Tech. I saw him recently when he came down to Miami. Also, Tim Burns and Makan Konote. We usually email or talk keeping our relationship.

Q. Do you keep in touch with the coaches?

A. I live in Miami about 10 minutes from the University of Miami. I get to some games.

Q. What have you been doing since you graduated?

A. I played professionally in Puerto Rico and Venezuela. After that I opened up my own business, an afterschool/basketball camp for kids. I also work for Miami Dade County in Parks and Recreation and work with kids in sports.

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

A. Yes at times. But since I wasn't a starter and I played behind Will Thomas and Jai Lewis I wasn't as recognizable. I understood that I was a freshman and I knew that my role was to come in and sub for them and I played hard and I score some points.

Q. What do you remember about Selection Sunday?

A. I remember playing pool in the basement hanging out. We didn't know if we would get picked. When they called George Mason we all jumped up and started celebrating. It was a good feeling.

Q. What memory do you have of eating at Outback in March 2006?

A. (Laughs) That's funny. I do remember Makan asking for dessert every time. We have an inside joke but I can't tell you, he would kill me.

Q. What are your top 3 moments from the 2006 season?

A.

1. Playing baseball on the basketball court. I was like 'what is coach Larranaga doing', but it was fun.

2. Beating UConn

3. Getting out of the plane and walking the red carpet knowing you were at the Final Four.

Q. Which pregame speech from coach Larranaga struck you the most?

A. The end of the season before Florida. He said play like it's the last game, enjoy the moment, do everything you have to do because we may not be here again. It was good because we played hard, we lost, but it stuck with me because I got to embrace everything from that Final Four. The whole country was rooting for us. 

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

A. I do and I always go for the underdogs.

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

A. Absolutely. We were first and now within 10 years there are others, VCU, Butler doing it.

Q. What was going through your mind when Denham Brown was dribbling down the court for the final shot?

A. I hope he won't make it. We would have lost if he made it. I was saying No, No, No don't make it. Then we just celebrated!

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

A. Kryptonite

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

A. Incredible run!