BUFFALO, N.Y. — If you enjoy NLL action, you may know Steve Priolo as the captain of the Bandits, but it's been a long time in the making.

"My story is funny, man. I didn't intend on playing lacrosse,” said Priolo. "I like to be, self-proclaimed, the most improved player of all-time because I came into the league as a basketball player. I was just an athletic guy. And I sort of learn the skills at the pro level and develop to the point of where I am now.”

So how does success on the hardwood translate to the turf?

"Defending picks and showing help [on] defense. I think that's the strongest part of my game," Priolo said. "My ability to help defenses and read plays that are developing, that's a strong suit of basketball is."

From one net to another, it's just one of the reasons those who have seen a Bandits game might know him as “Coast to Coast” Priolo.

"So there’s running coast to coast, but there was also the fact that I used to drive the van from the East Coast to the West Coast every summer and go live on the West Coast," he said. “So I think it's kind of fitting for both aspects of my life.”

The hustle and defense have seen him succeed whichever time zone he's in. The longevity and leadership in his game earned him the title of team captain — though he shares the credit.

"Anybody in that locker room could be wearing the 'C' right now, man. We're just such a unit and such a tight group," Priolo said. "We're not worried about any of those individual accolades. We're not worried about who's wearing the letters."

The mission of the NLL and anyone that puts on the jersey, letters or not, is to grow the game, and as someone who's been around it long enough, the path to a three-peat and the plays made along the way have guys like Priolo excited.

"You see big hits and you see big plays, you see this playoff lacrosse that they're letting us play here. You see the crowds go wild and you see the draw. That's how they end up on Pat McAfee," he recalled.

So what would winning two of the next three potential games mean for the roster and Captain “Coast to Coast”?

"If we win, it's that talk of legacies and dynasties,” he said. “But if you don't win, nothing."

The Bandits take on the Saskatchewan Rush in game one on Friday night at KeyBank Center. Game two is slated as an away game in Saskatoon on Sunday night.