College basketball is almost a religion in North Carolina, so it is not unusual to run into passionate fans of UNC, Wake Forest, Duke, or NC State. It is rare, however, to come across someone who regularly travels from Taiwan to watch his favorite team, or who is on a first name basis with the school's coaches and former players.

Randy Chen is such a fan.

Randy and I met in 1991 in our freshman dorm at Duke. He is from Taipei and I am from Charlotte, but despite our different backgrounds, we quickly bonded as fellow trumpet players in the Marching & Pep Band. We have been friends ever since.

And while many consider me a huge Duke fan, Randy's devotion to the Blue Devils is unparalleled. He has been a basketball season ticket holder for many years, traveling all the way from Taipei every year for the Carolina game and the ACC Tournament. Whenever Duke makes it to the Final Four, Randy will be there.

For more than ten years, Randy has attended K Academy, a fantasy basketball camp and family reunion of Duke supporters, coaches, and former players. While the campers themselves are past their athletic prime, make no mistake: everyone takes it very seriously and the competition is intense.

Randy and I talked about Duke Basketball, but our conversation is about community, commitment, and the lifelong memories we make with lifelong friends.