This season, the Rodney Stuckey's Crew Charged by Mountain Dew fan section has been loud and proud, so for the second year in a row, in order to show his appreciation, the Pacers guard hosted the Mountain Dew Rodney Stuckey Fan Experience Wednesday night for the "Dew Crew," fans that have sat all year in the section of Bankers Life Fieldhouse named after him.
"I'm always looking up there seeing them from a distance, so obviously it's always good to come out here for a meet and greet to appreciate them and tell them thank you," Stuckey said.
First, the rambunctious fans were taken to the Pacers' main court, where they were able to compete in various basketball skill competitions. After, they were treated to dinner in the Lightbound Court Club while Stuckey hosted a question-and-answer session, signed autographs, took pictures and handed out all kinds of prizes.
During the Q&A, Stuckey shared his thoughts on Glenn Robinson III's Dunk Contest win, what he does during the All-Star Break (hang out with his family and catch up on his favorites TV shows), the toughest player to ever guard him (Tony Allen) and what he sees himself doing once he's retired (coaching high school basketball).
Fans were delighted to learn more about Stuckey, as well as spend some quality time with him and their fellow "Dew Crew" members.
"It's an incredible opportunity," fan Ethan Wong said of the event. "It shows his respect to the fans and his respect to the community."
"It's a really big deal," added fellow "Dew Crew" enthusiast Ed Cottner. "It's not often that you get to hang out with players, ask them questions and see them in their natural element. So it's nice to see him off the court and be willing to give his time to hang with us."
Stuckey had a blast too, and for him, being in charge of the "Dew Crew" is an honor.
"Obviously, it's a no-brainer." Stuckey said when asked why he signed up for a second season. "We got a good fan base here. I'm appreciative to be a part of it."
And the fans love being involved as much as Stuckey does.
"The hypeness," Wong said when asked to described why he enjoys being in the "Dew Crew." "It takes everything to the next level. Everyone's usually pretty energetic. Turn it up to notch 11 the entire game. By the end of the game you're exhausted, but it's well worth it."
The group still has a lot of season left to cheer their team onto victory, but you can bet they'll be up to the task.