Who are the Banana Boys?

UConn Basketball is no stranger to rituals, but as the game evolves, so do the traditions, and that’s where the “Banana Boys” come in.

knows Big Red, the UConn fanatic attending basketball games for years, passionately chanting the five greatest letters in college basketball. Fans instinctively stand until the Huskies score their first points, a time-honored tradition. UConn Basketball is no stranger to rituals, but as the game evolves, so do the traditions, and that’s where the “Banana Boys” come in.

Back in 2023, Freshman Noah Hill dressed up as a banana for his Halloween costume and the outfit then gave him an idea. He gathered a group of his six closest friends, creating a new tradition together. Their plan? To get their costumes, wear them to a UConn basketball game, and see what happened. The result? A spectacle that turned heads and left fans asking, “Who the heck are they?”

Many have speculated about the origins of the Banana Boys. Some believe it’s a marketing stunt by the Athletic Department, while others have wondered if it’s part of a fraternity initiation. But the reality is much simpler: wearing the banana costume is a choice and a fun one that has earned the group recognition over the past few years. Ever since that first game, the tradition has stuck, and the group has continued to grow. I even had the chance to suit up Banana-style for the St. John’s vs. UConn game on February 7th, and let me tell you, it was an unforgettable experience.

Allow me to take you through a day in the life of a Banana Boy.

Preparation begins days before the game with the all-important task of assembling the squad. Leading the charge is Noah Hill, the founder and orchestrator of all Banana-related affairs. Once the roster is set, a group chat is created to ensure everyone stays in the loop.

The real work begins the day before the game when Hill organizes a spreadsheet to assign camping-out shifts. Braving the elements outside Gampel Pavilion is a rite of passage, and each Banana Boy signs up for a designated time slot. Once the schedule is finalized, the stage is set.

Gameday arrives in the basketball capital of the world, and for Noah Hill, that means an early wake-up call. His leadership duties require him to secure one of the first spots in line outside Gampel at around 4:00 AM, and in some cases even sleep out overnight. As the day progresses, shifts rotate, and dedicated fans eagerly await tip-off. Occasionally, players will burst through the doors, tossing t-shirts to the most enthusiastic supporters and if you’re lucky, you might even catch one, like I did.

As day turns to night, the excitement builds. About an hour before the doors open, all Bananas report for duty, lining up together, ready for action. Once inside, it’s a mad dash to claim the best possible spot in the student section. This time, we secured the second row which is prime real estate for Banana Boys looking to make their presence known.

Then, the game begins. From the moment the ball is tipped, the Banana Boys are a staple on the big screen. As I mentioned earlier, donning the yellow suit often invites puzzled glances and curious questions from fellow fans. But by the end of the night, everyone knows exactly who we are. If the Huskies win, the night isn’t over just yet. Bananas pull out their Sharpies, hoping to score a few autographs from the beloved athletes before heading home.

My time as a Banana was nothing short of incredible, and I’d argue that it’s one of the best traditions UConn has seen in a long time. It’s not every day you see a group of students decked out in banana costumes, but you might want to get used to it because this tradition is here to stay with hopes to grow. So next time you see a pack of Bananas at a game, you won’t have to wonder, “Who are the Banana Boys?”