Normally, fans support the athletes -- yesterday that role was reversed.

Members of the Penn State men's and women's basketball teams gathered inside the Bryce Jordan Center last night to mingle with fans of all ages during Penn State Basketball Eve 2005.

"It's just a fun thing," men's coach Ed DeChellis said. "It gives our fans an opportunity to know who we are."

Whether it was playing college hoops on X-Box, getting autographs and pictures, or participating in a number of contests and events, several hundred fans got a chance to meet their favorite Penn State athletes.

And while players may have been the center of attention, students -- and even senior citizens -- enjoyed the night's festivities.

State College resident Charles Zendt, 68, who was busy snapping photos of the Lady Lions, said he enjoyed the show.

"Any time you get to talk to somebody or at least say 'Hi' to them, you feel more personally involved with them," he said. "It keeps you interested in the sport."

The spotlight may have been a bit bright at times between posing for pictures and signing autographs, but the players didn't appear to mind.

"We work hard for these people. It's good to see them all come out here and support us," sophomore guard Mike Walker said. "It's good to see our hard work pay off."

At one point, a senior citizen approached Walker just to tell him, "You're my wife's favorite player."

While the Nittany Lions have been working hard to build a fan base, the women's team already has a solid foundation.

Rene's Dunkers, a kids' club associated with the Lady Lions, has over 400 members.

"We took the attitude 'make 'em love us' years ago," women's coach Rene Portland said. "Our kids do a great job of working a room."

The women's team worked the room during the first 30 minutes of Basketball Eve, which mainly consisted of a meet-and-greet.

The remaining hour served as a time for games and team introductions.

The much-anticipated $10,000 half-court shot came up well short, but one student received free books for a semester after teaming up with two players and outshooting an opposing trio.

During introductions, both teams asked fans for their continued support when their seasons kick off this weekend. The Lady Lions will play No. 1 Duke at 8 p.m. Friday while the men play Cornell at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

"As the only Finnish guy on this team, I think it is my right, my duty and my privilege to 'Finnish' some teams here this year," 6-foot-9 freshman forward Joonas Suotamo said, receiving a supportive cheer from the crowd.