DETROIT (10/25/2024) -- Most people have to overcome obstacles in life. From a young age, you are thrown challenges, and you either succeed or fail, but at the end of each moment, you grow and learn. That is the exact story of senior Alex Tchikou.

The mystery man of the Titans has seen his share of challenges, just in the Motor City alone. Last season, the native of Paris, France, had some immigration issues that forced him to miss the first half of the season, and that took a toll on his academics, causing him to miss the second half of the year.

"I am so excited to get the season going," said Tchikou. "It has been a long journey between immigration issues, transferring schools, loading up and passing 18 credits in the summer. I am excited. I am ready to play, I am ready to produce, and I am ready to be here for my coaches and my teammates. I am just so happy, you can see the smile on my face every day."

Tchikou grew up in Paris and was always into sports, only his first sport was soccer. It wasn't until he was 12 years old that he started playing basketball, and in four years, he went from learning to play to moving to the United States for prep school and a better opportunity for a college scholarship.

"I was about 12 years old when I started playing basketball," said Tchikou. I grew up playing soccer, but once I started playing, I loved it. Everything just went so fast once I started playing. I practiced every day, and then I played at a high level, moving to the US and getting recruited. It all happened so fast. I have played soccer longer than basketball, but once I started playing, I never wanted to stop."

Tchikou attended two prep schools - Brewster Academy in New Hampshire and Dream City Christian in Arizona - and received offers from nearly a dozen major college programs. He settled on Alabama and was ready for big things to continue, but he tore his Achilles tendon before the season started. 

He played just three games as a sophomore before transferring to Rhode Island. There, he saw action in 29 games as a junior and averaged 4.2 points and 3.7 rebounds before hitting the portal again, but he ran into some obstacles off the court with his visa and couldn't play at all last year with UDM. 

"My journey has been so long and hard. I came out of high school as a top player, went to Alabama, got hurt, transferred to Rhode Island, and then what I went through here. It has been four years in college, and I have only been able to play about 30 games. Right now, I am so excited, and I am enjoying every day. I finally have a chance to compete and play basketball," said Tchikou. 

He fell behind academically with those issues, and there was a coaching change at Detroit Mercy. Tchikou didn't know what would happen with him as a new coach was set to take over, so rather than sit and wait, he decided to take some control. 

"The day coach Monty was hired, he came and spoke to the team and told us, he was going to have individual meetings with all the players throughout the week," said Tchikou. "Right after the meeting, I asked if I could meet with him immediately. So we met, and I told him my story and asked him what his vision was. I hoped the new coach would have the same vision for the team and myself. He was honest and told me what he expected and what I had to do."

Already behind, Tchikou had to hit the books, and instead of spending time with the team in the summer, he was busy passing all the credits he needed to have a chance to return. It was a big challenge for a summer load, but he knew he had to do it to keep his love of basketball alive and to be a Titan. 

"I started playing basketball super late, but I just loved it," said Tchikou. I love the city of Detroit, and I wanted to be here. I needed and wanted to play basketball at a high level, and then I just wanted to take care of my mom, my brothers, and my people. All that is so important to me, and I had no choice but to work hard and get back here with the Titans. I am thankful to be back."

Tchikou knows that was one challenge met, but now it is time to work as a team and accomplish what he wants, to be the best teammate and help the Titans rise above the past. 

The guys are practicing so hard," said Tchikou. "I see guys giving it their all and paying attention to every detail. We have guys who care for each other, pick each other up, and practice hard. When you play on a team with a culture of taking care of each other, good things will happen, and I see that with us. There are days when you know you may not want to practice, and your body is sore, but you want to push yourself for these guys. When you practice for each other, that is what we have, and I see it paying off for us."

As for what Titan fans can expect to see out of the 6-11, 230-lb forward. 

"I would say that I am surprising. I feel that I have a lot of skill with my size, and I can dribble, shoot, and pass the ball. I am energetic. I love to laugh, I love to sing, I love to jump and dance, and I love to be me. The fans will see a guy who is happy to be here and play. I will bring energy and be there for my teammates," said Tchikou. 

The long journey has seen Tchikou persevere. Could things have been different? Maybe, but in the end, the fight he has shown will only benefit him and, hopefully, the red, white, and blue. 

"To be honest, if I had to change some of the decisions I have made in the past, I would. But if I had to change my story, I wouldn't. The lessons I have learned throughout this journey are incredible, on and off the court. I am a religious guy. I believe in God and I just feel that everything he has put me through has been for a reason. I am happy to have this journey, and I have learned so much about the game of basketball, about being a better man and being humble. I learned to cherish my blessings and not take anything for granted," said Tchikou