DETROIT (9/29/2016) -- The University of Detroit Mercy men's basketball team will officially open practice for the 2016-17 season tomorrow, but history has shown that it's the commitment during the offseason that leads to championships.

Under the direction of new Director of Strength and Conditioning Nick Wilson, the Titans have trained hard all summer long and the results have been extremely positive. All of the Titans have progressed in the areas of strength and speed and on Thursday morning, the team got together for a power squat to show off their strength.
 
"This team has been working extremely hard with everyone from my staff," said Wilson. "We are looking to build a championship and winning culture, not just on the court, but everywhere, and this team has demonstrated that they are willing to work hard to achieve that."

"Coach Wilson and his staff have hit the ground running," said head men's basketball coach Bacari Alexander '99. "Our returning players have invested almost 21 weeks with him while our newcomers have invested 14 weeks. This type of commitment will only speed up the development of our players as we pursue our goals as a team."
 
Just a look at the Titans' squat numbers from the summer to September shows that level of commitment and growth. Most of the Titans have been able to take part in all summer and fall conditioning and the evidence is in the numbers.
 
Squat                        June 29         Aug. 8       Sept. 29
Chris Jenkins             205-lb            315-lb        365-lb
Corey Allen                225-lb            280-lb        315-lb
Patrick Robinson Jr.   315-lb            365-lb        365-lb
DeShawndre Black    255-lb            305-lb        405-lb
Matthew Grant           270-lb            325-lb        365-lb
Kameron Chatman    265-lb            300-lb        315-lb
Jarod Williams           280-lb            415-lb        485-lb
Malik Eichler              240-lb            245-lb        275-lb
Cole Long                  275-lb            280-lb        290-lb
Aaron Foster-Smith   295-lb            385-lb        405-lb
Jaleel Hogan             245-lb            385-lb        455-lb
Josh McFolley           250-lb            300-lb        n/a
Gerald Blackshear    260-lb            n/a              455-lb
Ed Carter III              245-lb            n/a              315-lb
 
Some other impressive strength and conditioning numbers include
Isaiah Jones – 255-lb Bench Press
Chris Jenkins – 220-lb Bench Press
Jaleel Hogan – 290-lb Bench Press
Aaron Foster-Smith – 36.5' Vertical Jump
Gerald Blackshear – 110' Broad Jump
Matthew Grant – 4.07 Pro Shuttle
Jacob Joubert – 4.43 Pro Shuttle
DeShawndre Black – 9.77 Lane Agility
 
Season tickets are now on sale starting at $130 for General Admission level seating and $185 for Floor Reserved and Upper Reserved level seating. To order, contact the Titan Ticket Office at 313-993-1700 ext. 7301. 

SNEAK PEEK: Summer Weights & Agility Workouts! ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/bEl06BuAtJ

— Detroit Mercy MBB (@DetroitMBB) September 27, 2016

 

Follow #DetroitsCollegeTeam:  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  YouTube