Having the lead highlight on SportsCenter, hearing the roar of 1,200 classmates that have spent weeks in a cold tent and attending one of the world's most heralded--and expensive--universities in the world on someone else's tab are just some of the thoughts that come to mind when one imagines himself as a player for Duke's men's basketball team.
But to the three walk-ons on the squad--Mark Causey, Andy Means and Andy Borman--those dreams will probably never come to fruition; the love of the game is their only motivation to spend countless hours doing their not-so-small part in helping the team defend its national championship.
"They're great guys to be on the team," sophomore guard Chris Duhon said. "They give you everything they've got. They've done a tremendous job."
Causey is probably the least likely player to be in this position, as the freshman turned down several Division I universities hungry to give him a scholarship in order to wear Duke blue.
Causey was Georgia's 2001 AA state player of the year after averaging 26.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.6 steals and 2.7 assists as a senior at East Hall High School.
He strongly considered Princeton and Yale, as he was excited about the thought of playing against his brother, who is a member of the Harvard basketball team. Southern Methodist, Florida State and Davidson also expressed genuine interest in the sharp-shooting guard before Causey seemed to be a lock for an Ivy League school.
But in the end, Causey could only follow his heart.
'I've been a Duke fan since I was young,' he said. 'I've always wanted to play for Coach K.'
Since arriving on campus, Causey has impressed his teammates with his play in practice, and has garnered the respect of the fans with his determination during his limited spurts of playing time.
'Mark Causey is actually not a 'walk-on',' said junior center Carlos Boozer. 'Causey's all energy. He can score, he's got handles.'
Sophomore Andy Means also had a great high school career. He was named all-conference for his 18-4 Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference champions, Lawrence North High School.
The Indianapolis native has shot 50 percent from the field in his eight game appearances.
'Means is a hell of a player,' Boozer said. 'He's smart and he's always in the right position.'
The third member of the walk-on triumvirate is junior Andy Borman. In the fall, he spends his time on the soccer field, where he is a starting defender on Duke's soccer team. Borman also has the distinction of being Mike Krzyzewski's nephew.
The scholarship players on the team unanimously feel that the walk-ons are an integral part of the team.
'They make a major impact because they prepare us for other teams [when] we do our scouting,' Boozer said.
Freshman Daniel Ewing, who rooms with Causey, feels that it is the walk-ons' enthusiasm that helps the team so much.
'They really try to pump us up for the games,' Ewing said. 'They're just really excited to be on the team.'
Causey maintains that he has sensed no difference between the scholarship players and the walk-ons. He feels that everyone is given equal standing, and the walk-ons attend every team function.
'Everybody is treated equally,' said Causey. 'You wouldn't know that we were walk-ons. We all do the same things.'
Duhon echoed the feelings of his teammates in his own, unconventional way.
'They're in our family,' Duhon said. 'It's just like getting an orphan. They're not really from you or whatever, but you love them just as much as the next kid.'
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