Nine-year-old Patrick’s wish to be a basketball star was a slam dunk. Upon his arrival in a limousine, the pint-sized powerhouse was greeted with a crowd of cheering fans outside of Alico Arena. After down time in the locker room and a pep talk and scouting report with the rest of the Florida Gulf Coast University men’s basketball team, it was time to hit the court. Patrick was presented with an official jersey and some autographed memorabilia. Then it was off to the President’s Suite for a bird’s eye view of the game and another surprise - a trophy declaring him the Honorary Coach. To celebrate the team’s big win, Patrick, his coaches and teammates headed to T.G.I.Friday’s for a victory dinner. To view photos of his over-the-top experience, click here.

10:37 p.m.

The perfect ending to Patrick’s perfect day - celebratory dinner with his coaches and teammates at T.G.I.Friday’s.

9:25 p.m. 

Proud to be an FGCU Eagle, Patrick cheered his team on to a 64-61 victory. His wish experience will continue with the post-game celebration!

8:40 p.m.

At halftime, Patrick was invited to the President’s Suite, where he was presented with a special honor - FGCU’s Honorary Coach Award.

8:04 p.m.

With all eyes in the arena on him, PJ was escorted on center court to receive an official jersey and autographed memorabilia. 

7:30 p.m.

After reuniting with his teammates, PJ headed for the pre-game pep talk and scouting report. Then it was off to the court…

7:02 p.m.

Greeted by a crowd of cheering fans, Patrick, known as PJ, headed straight for the locker room to meet up with the players for some media questions.

6:08 p.m.

Patrick’s wish has officially begun as he makes his way to Alico Arena in a chauffered limousine. 

5:07 p.m.
 
Two hours until tip-off and Patrick is anxiously awaiting the arrival of his limousine that will whisk him off to hoops heaven.

The game has yet to begin but the MVP has already been crowned as 9-year-old Patrick’s wish to be a basketball star will come true in mere hours. The tip-off is set for 7:05 p.m. TONIGHT at Alico Arena, home of the Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles where the pint-sized Fort Myers boy will take center court. Experience his wish as it unfolds with LIVE, real time updates here on our web site (http://www.sfla.wish.org/), Facebook (www.facebook.com/makeawishsfla) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/makeawishsfla).