There's not much connectivity between Auburn University, Alabama and New Jersey. At least there wasn't until halftime of Auburn's basketball game Wednesday night.

That's when Wall Township's Nicholas Pilla walked to center court. He's a student at Auburn. As a member of the Air Force National Guard, he was recognized for his service as Auburn's Gameday Hero.

Pilla's focus in the military has been fighter jet maintenance. He graduates a year from now. He'll continue serving in the National Guard, making New Jersey proud.