The countdown is on for the return of professional basketball and Miami's team kicked off "Heat Week" by making amateur hoop dreams a reality at the AmericanAirlines Arena.
"I feel like a kid in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I got a golden ticket!" said Chris Price, who along with his two brothers were among a few dozen to hit the hardwood during pick-up games at the annual "Heat After Dark" Monday night.
"We're kind of a Big Three. Well, a miniature version of it," said younger brothers Corey and Mikey.
Not quite like the Heat's Big Three, but they put up a fight on the court, just three points shy of the other team's win.
For the first time at "Heat After Dark," the Heat turned off the lights, spotlighting only the nets which gave the court the feel of a real outdoor pick-up game.
Though you had to be at least 18 to play, a little guy got to shoot some hoops before the pick up game kicked off. Randon Cosme says he's warming up for a future career.
"I want to be a basketball player," he told NBC Miami.
"This means a lot for him. He plays basketball for the church and this is a great experience for him," said his proud dad, Raymond Cosme.
Off the court, some showed off tricks and fancy footwork. And whether they scored a three pointer or not on the court, everyone's just excited to watch the pros do it come Sunday for the season opener against the Dallas Mavericks.
