DETROIT (10/14/2024) -- University of Detroit Mercy men's basketball freshman Nate Johnson didn't need the Titan coaching staff to tell him about the history of the program or reasons why UDM would be a good fit.

He had a close family friend for that and not just anyone, a former Titan, a record holder and a player on some of the greatest teams in school history in Wilbert McCormick.

"Wilbert is a close mentor and someone I have known for a long time," said Johnson. "He has been in my ear and helped me grow. When I was looking here, he gave me an honest opinion. He told me the environment is great, and the alums love the program. He didn't pressure me into coming here, but he told me how special this place is and that it's a good spot for you to go."

Having someone like McCormick on his side made the decision easier for Johnson and maybe it was meant to be, he will even wear his #10 this season.

"I actually didn't know he wore No. 10 until I showed him my jersey with the number. I picked No. 10 because my grandmother passed away on Aug. 10, 2018. It was a coincidence, but maybe it was meant to be."

Johnson was a two-time All-Conference performer in high school, but as his senior season ended, he was still unsure where he would play. That is when the Titans came in. 

"After playing in the championship after my senior season, I didn't know where I was going," said Johnson. "I didn't have a lot of options, and once Detroit Mercy offered me, I got to look at the school and got to know coach Monty and the coaching staff; it just gave me a sense of where I belong. I felt it was the place for me."

What coach Montgomery offered him is exactly what McCormick told him the University was about. No cutting corners, you need to work for everything. 

"When he was recruiting me, he was straightforward. He told me about my potential and what he wanted to build here. He did not promise me anything other than that he would work hard as a coach and that I needed to. All the coaches reminded me of my high school coach, and I knew I could grow here," added Johnson. 

Johnson is one of the many newcomers on the team, a program with a proud history he knows well. The goal of any team is to compete and win, and as a freshman, he is just getting introduced to the game and how different it is from high school. 

"Practice has been hard and demanding," said Johnson. "It tests your mental and physical approach. The pace is crisp. There is a smaller margin for error. In high school, because some teams and players are so talented, they might make mistakes, but it doesn't hurt you. The film shows it all here, so you have to be great in everything and do extra to excel at this level."

Johnson is still developing his game, but he is the type of player who will fit in well with the program's history, and Titans fans will appreciate it. 

"They will see a player with passion and energy," said Johnson. "I take pride in defense. That is where I built my rank during high school. I wasn't the top-scoring option, but I played defense tough. I am one of the loudest players on the floor. I am ready to work and compete every night."

Off the court, Johnson is adjusting to life in college, and while he hopes basketball will be a part of his future, he is also looking to take advantage of his education here. 

"My mom and dad told me my major might change a few times because that happens in college. Right now, I am a business major, and I want to study real estate. When the ball stops rolling, I want to do that; even if I am playing basketball, I want to be in that field," said Johnson.