DALLAS - Making it to the big dance is a big deal for any player. But to do so in your hometown, with your family and friends watching, is something you'll never forget.
Just ask Aundre Jackson, a senior forward for the Loyola University Chicago Ramblers.
"Just looked around, I saw the scenery, how big the stadium was, I had a little bit of goosebumps," said Jackson. "Every kid who loves basketball dreams about being in the NCAA tournament, and it's just great being able to do it back home."
He had dreams of playing in the American Airlines Center since he was a child. And in his last year at Loyola, the Ramblers got their first bid to the big dance in 33 years. They played Miami as the underdogs. And beat them in a stunning win.
"It was an exciting game," said Jackson. "That last shot by Donte [Ingram] was crazy."
Jackson, a Kennedale High School alum, has been playing basketball since he was five years old, and became passionate about the sport in middle school.
"I played with my brother a lot, friends, we would go to the park, work on our game, practice, be very competitive," he said.
When he learned his team was heading to the big dance in Dallas, his first phone call was to his mom.
"Told her I was going to be able to play, she was going to be able to watch me," said Jackson.
And on Thursday, in an arena filled with thousands of cheering people, Jackson focused on just a few.
"Just being out there, after the game when I waved at my family, they were just giving me thumbs up, just screaming," he said.
And number 24 isn't done yet.
"I wanna play bball as long as I can. After my senior year, I hope to continue playing whether here, overseas, no matter where it's at, I just want to play basketball," he said.
Jackson is getting ready for his next game at the AAC Saturday against Tennessee.
"Just stay focused on what your goal is and continue doing that," he said.
When asked what his goal is, Jackson replied, "Winning it all."
