Tatiana Diaz grew up in Los Angeles but now she lives in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where she can hardly find any basketball fans, let alone Sasha enthusiasts. Fortunately, the 26-year-old shares her love of the game with her husband, a die-hard Lakers fan who recently surprised her with this custom Mrs. Vujacic jersey.

How long have you been a fan?

Like Rossana Woo, I am a newbie to the fandom. I’m a native to Los Angeles and lived there up until recently. I, too, would always say the Lakers were my favorite team just because I lived there; you know, L.A. Pride and all. But my husband has always been a hardcore fan. I do mean that.

Anyway, it was right before the playoffs last season when I would start paying attention to the games. Then, it was the excitement I felt waiting for the next one then watching it. My husband, the hardcore fan, moved me from “casual watcher” to “fan” when I started yelling at the TV during games. Coming from a fan like my hubbers, it means a lot. Now, we huddle in front of our computer screen to watch games on NBA League Pass. There’s always a, “Hey, Sash” that gets said when Sasha comes on camera. It was during a visit back home that I bought my first Vujacic shirt.

What was it about Sasha that first caught your attention?

I think the first time I noticed Sasha was the game against the Cavs when he walked into their huddle. I thought, “Wow, that guy’s got balls.” Then, during the game, I noticed the HAIR … and shortly after that, I announced to my husband that I had a crush.

What are some of your favorite things about Sasha?

Well, let’s just get it out there … the hair, of course. And when he plays you can tell he has heart. It shows – his dedication, his pride. It’s genuine like he is. I loved watching the videos of his signing because you could tell how personable he is.

Do you have a favorite Sasha moment or game?

I have to go with the Odom pass. It was just one of those memorable “WTF” moments. Or the time Sasha walked into the Cavs huddle.

What is it like being a fan in Oklahoma?

Due to the wonders of the Internet, it is not hard being both a Lakers and Sasha fan. The only problem is you have no one to talk about Lakers with out here. I mean, I’ve got my husband and that’s cool but c’mon … college football isn’t the end all, be all. And there are barely any Thunder fans here in B-ville, so it’s a dead zone when it comes to professional basketball.

But I know there have to be Laker fans out here. I found one during jury duty last year when I mentioned I would still be home in time to watch the playoff game and the guy turns to me and says, “Oh yeah! I forgot that was tonight! Are you a fan, too?” He can’t be the only other one. They’re out there. I will find them.

Oh, it also sucks that there is no merch out here. I would love to buy more Lakers stuff without having to pay shipping or wondering if the size is right. Oh well, I guess I just have to wait ’til my next visit home.

You’ve joined Sasha’s green boycott. How is that going?

I did join the green boycott but I have to admit, I wore green once this season. It was hot outside, I wasn’t prepared for warmth, it was the only tank top I could find. Also, I made sure it wasn’t a game day because that would be bad. But I never have after that. I don’t even know where that shirt is anymore. My kids have a green shirt that they wear often but it can’t be too bad … it’s a Beatles shirt. Sasha likes the Beatles … and they’re kids.

Tell us about your gameday look.

I work in make-up as a Lancome Beauty Advisor, so I do Laker “looks” on gamedays. People at work know when there is a game because of the purple and gold eyeshadows. I never wear the opposing team’s colors (I figured I would do that as an unspoken addition to the green ban) … except black (it’s a Lancome guideline). On gamedays that I don’t work, it’s a T-shirt – has to be Lakers if not my Sasha shirt.

If you could say one thing to Sasha, what would it be?

Dude, you’re cool. I hope you’re a Laker for quite a while. (I say “dude” a lot. It wouldn’t be me if I didn’t say it.)