Even though the basketball court in the University of Dayton's arena is enclosed, visitors always have to be alert for an air raid. Pilot and team mascot Rudy Flyer could swoop in at any moment, aiming to intimidate the other team and rouse the Flyer Fanatics to their feet.

This barnstorming braggart, decked out in goggles and a leather cap, is confident he's "the best of the best." He also knows he can bring the babes running without the help of any wingman. The flippant flyboy speaks about his rivalry with a blueberry and why he can really get the mission accomplished.

Playboy.com: How would you describe yourself?
Rudy: I'm a man's man. I walk around with my head held high. I'm always flexing and strutting because the crowd likes a macho man.

PB: What are Rudy's signature moves?
Rudy: I'm a big fan of giving thumbs up. I do it all the time when I'm taking pictures.

PB: What else do you do to get the Dayton crowd fired up?
Rudy: I occasionally do some stunts with the cheerleaders, and before the game starts I lead the team out of the locker room. The cheerleaders follow me onto the court. They follow me most places, in fact.

PB: Ladies do dig the whole pilot shtick. Are they always hanging out with you?
Rudy: Yeah, I'm big with the ladies and the kids. I just mess with other guys.

PB: Are there any rivals that you mess with a lot?
Rudy: Xavier's our biggest rival. You could say it's an unfair fight, because that school has two mascots, the Musketeer and Blue Blob. But the Blob isn't worth a whole lot -- he's like a blueberry with feet.

PB: Ever get into a fight with an Xavier mascot?
Rudy: One time we were playing at Xavier and I got into it with the Musketeer. He thought he had the home court advantage and swung at me, but then he fell on his face. I started swinging a bit myself, but then the athletic director came out and broke up the fight.

PB: How would you react to a fight like the recent basketball brawl in Detroit?
Rudy: I would be more of a peacekeeper. I wouldn't throw any punches, but I would defend my home turf.

PB: Can you fly better than President Bush?
Rudy: Oh yeah, a lot better. Which isn't saying much, I guess.

PB: Does Rudy have a plane of his own?
Rudy: I stick out my arms and act like I'm flying. That's my version of a plane.

PB: Have you ever entered any mascot competitions?
Rudy: No, but I did go to a camp a few years ago and did really well against some more well-known mascots. I'm the best of the best.