Growing up, many members of the Alcona boys basketball team cheered on the Detroit Pistons.

This afternoon, the Tigers will get the unique experience of playing on the same floor as their boyhood idols.

Alcona will play Oscoda (1-3) at 1 p.m. today at the Palace of Auburn Hills before the Pistons’ scheduled game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

“I think it’ll be fantastic for our players. Most of our players are Pistons fans, so it’ll be a once-in-a-lifetime experience going into the locker room and playing on that court,” Alcona coach Toby Suttle said.

The Tigers (3-0) enter today’s game with a wave of momentum earned from four straight wins. They won’t lose focus on today’s game either, since the game is still a key North Star League matchup, regardless of the venue.

“Nothing changes. It’s the same pregame procedures,” Suttle said. “You have to put together a travel itinerary and it requires a little more planning.”

The plan to play the Owls in Auburn Hills took root several months ago after Alcona Athletic Director Dan O’Connor mentioned it as a possibility to Suttle. Together with help from Oscoda coach Seth Alda, the plan became a reality and players from both teams will share in a unique experience.

Apart from the game, players will tour the locker rooms and a trip to Great Lakes Crossing is also planned for shopping before the teams return to the Palace for the Pistons game.