DETROIT (10/1/2017) -- At 2 p.m. on Sunday, the whistle was officially back around the neck of head coach
Bacari Alexander '99 and his coaching staff as the University of Detroit Mercy men's basketball team held its first team practice of the 2017-18 season.
"What a difference a year makes," said coach Alexander. "When you look at our team, we have a group of young guys like
Corey Allen,
Cole Long,
Malik Eichler and even our preferred walk-ons in Ed Carter and
Jacob Joubert and see the jump that they made and the communication they bring to the practice floor. Add that to the upperclassmen like
Josh McFolley, Gerald Blackshear Jr.,
Jaleel Hogan and all those guys, and it just adds to the environment that we are trying to create."
All 17 members of the Titan squad were on Dick Vitale Court in Calihan Hall as the team gets ready for the upcoming season.
"You have our young guys, not knowing what they don't know, but having the benefit of being with us in the summer and during training camp and that adds to the excitement of practice. With all that said there is one thing I know for sure, there is more talent on the floor in Titan Territory this year," added coach Alexander.
The three-hour practice saw the Titans go through a variety of drills, both offensively and defensively, but the goal of today was to make sure that the team knows that communication and defense have to be a strength.
"Communication is a premium which allows us to execute, both offensively and defensively, because every possession is so important," said coach Alexander. "Defense is a priority and something we will continue to invest in. We started that investment in summer training camp back in June and we will continue to not only improve defensively, but understand what our identity is."
The Titan preseason will feature a closed scrimmage as well as an exhibition game against Wayne State on Nov. 4.
The season will begin at Virginia Tech on Nov. 10 as Detroit Mercy plays in the 2K Sports Classic Benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project. The home opener is set for Nov. 13 against Michigan Dearborn.
Season ticket information is now available by contacting Director of Ticket Operations & Sales
Justin Hairston at 313-993-1700 ext. 7301 or at
hairstjj1@udmercy.edu.
