A group of dedicated basketball enthusiasts transformed the atmosphere at Long Island University by creating a rowdy and dedicated student section known as the Reef. What started as a casual search for a local team to support in New York City turned into a full-scale cultural shift at the Steinberg Wellness Center in Brooklyn. David Pochapin and Cameron Koffman first visited the venue in early 2023 during a period when the program was struggling with low attendance and a losing record. Despite the unusual scent of the swimming pool located directly beneath the court, the pair saw potential in the intimate setting and decided to make it their home base.

The transformation began during a difficult season where the Sharks finished with only three wins in twenty-nine games. Pochapin and Koffman realized that the tight quarters of the gym offered an intensity they could not find at bigger schools like Fordham or Manhattan. They started inviting friends and family to every home game, slowly filling the empty seats near the floor and bringing a new energy to the small multipurpose space. This grassroots movement quickly evolved from a few friends shouting to a coordinated group that the university community began to embrace as part of the game-day identity.

As the fan base grew, specific traditions started to take hold among the supporters in the Shark Tank. The hallmark move of the section involves a synchronized gesture where fans clap their hands above their heads whenever a player steps to the free-throw line. This chant, accompanied by custom t-shirts and slogans, became a viral sensation on social media, drawing eyes to a program that usually operates in the shadow of major sports institutions. The fans worked closely with school spirit leaders to ensure the noise was constant, creating a home-court advantage that visiting teams found increasingly difficult to handle.

The energy in the stands seemed to mirror a massive turnaround for the team under head coach Rod Strickland. After a dismal first year, the former NBA standout guided the Sharks through steady improvements, moving from seven wins to a winning record and eventually a twenty-four-win season. The players and coaching staff have credited the atmosphere at the Reef for helping them establish one of the most formidable home records in the country. What was once a quiet and nearly empty gym has become a destination for college basketball fans looking for an authentic and gritty New York sports experience.

The success of the fan section reached a peak during the conference tournament when the team secured a critical win against Chicago State. Video footage of the crowd and the university band director leading the signature hand gestures spread across the internet, solidifying the Reef as a legitimate force in college sports. With the team now finding consistent success on the court, the founders of the section hope to maintain this momentum and keep the gym packed for years to come. The rise of the Sharks proves that a few dedicated individuals can change the entire culture of a sports program from the ground up.