One of the year's most amazing hoops stories started miles away from Tobacco Road at a previously obscure commuter school near D.C. The George Mason University men's basketball team took a Hoosiers-like ride through March Madness, ending an improbable Final Four run with victories over top ranked opponents, eternal status in college basketball lore and the anger of bracket-betting fans everywhere. It was a defining moment, not only for the team and the school but also for the mascot. And Gunston, the fuzzy green "thing" that gets Patriot players fired up, met destiny head on.

Thrust into the big leagues, motivating crowds many times bigger than those at the comparatively paltry 10,000-capacity Patriot Center, Gunston showed second-tier mascots could also compete with the big boys. Playboy.com got down with Gunston about the benefits of breaking out, his Muppet heritage and how the Patriot mascot pimps out his car.

Playboy.com: What exactly are you, Gunston? Are you a person, an animal or maybe just a patriot?

Gunston: It's kind of hard to explain. I am a Muppet, but I'm also a patriot. Let's just say I'm green like Kermit.

Playboy.com: Is Gunston strapped?

Gunston: I have one of those T-shirt guns, if that's what you mean. It's a big deal during games, and the crowd goes crazy for those shirts. Everyone wants one.

Playboy.com: Have you ever turned that gun on another mascot?

Gunston: I don't know about that. We haven't done that yet, but it would be pretty interesting.

Playboy.com: Have you ever been in a mascot fight?

Gunston: An actual fist-fight? No. I've been in a dance-off with the Hofstra lion before.

Playboy.com: Who won?

Gunston: I did. My practice with Dance Dance Revolution paid off.

Playboy.com: George Mason is known as a big commuter school. I'm guessing that means you have a sweet ride, right?

Gunston: Yeah, it's pretty pimped out. Nice sound system, comfortable seating -- it has all the essentials.

Playboy.com: What kind of car do you drive?

Gunston: A '92 Dodge Stealth. But it has style.

Playboy.com: What was the best part of the Final Four run last year?

Gunston: Seeing everybody come together for the team across all the games, no matter what the odds. It was awesome.

Playboy.com: Do you think all that national TV exposure helped raise your profile with the ladies?

Gunston: I've always been a lady's man, so it wasn't a huge help. I'm already a pretty big deal around George Mason.

Playboy.com: What's Gunston's style when he's trying to get busy?

Gunston: I just kind of go with what happens. I just flow and it happens.

Playboy.com: What are some of the worst moments you've had as a mascot?

Gunston: When you go up to a little kid to give him a high five, and they see you and start to cry. That's no fun for anybody.

Playboy.com: Finally, what's your Final Four prediction for next season? Will you guys make another run?

Gunston: We'll definitely be back.