DETROIT (10/4/2024) -- One thing is certain about junior and newcomer
Orlando Lovejoy, he is the definition of a Titan.
Born in the city, he grew up with some of the best players in Detroit Mercy history by his side. He learned to play basketball the Detroit way, tough and competitive. He heard what this University is all about, and he is looking to help get the Titans back on top.
"This program has so much history," said Lovejoy. "Jermaine Jackson is my uncle and helped coach me and E.J. Haralson is my godfather. Rashad Phillips watched me grow up playing this game and knowing all of them and the pride they carry about this University. Brandan Kearney, Brandon Cotton, and Eli Holman are all father figures to me and are all guys I look up to, and seeing how serious they are as alums makes me appreciate and work harder knowing what this place means to them."
Lovejoy has plenty of college experience already under his belt as he played in 53 games the last two years with Eastern Michigan. As a sophomore, he tallied 9.8 points and 32 steals, but as he was shining for the Eagles, he saw where UDM was and knew where it should be.
"Coming to a team that won just one game is tough," said Lovejoy. "I wasn't even here last year, and my chest was hurting seeing this program struggle. We have a very proud program, and with the work we are putting in, I know we are going to compete hard every night."
On the court, he is a guard who can shoot and get to the rim as well as be a lockdown defender. He will also showcase a competitive attitude and emotion, something that stats can never measure.
"I am very tough and competitive. On the court, I am very emotional. I am in survival mode on the court. I don't play games, I am not smiling, I am there to compete and win and that is what Detroit Mercy is going to see out of me," said Lovejoy.
Lovejoy is part of the Titans' 15-man roster, one of 11 newcomers, six of whom are true freshmen. They are all looking to learn a new coaching staff, a new style of play, and each other on and off the court. UDM had most of its team practicing together in the summer, and it was learned early on what this staff is all about.
"This coaching staff is very detailed and disciplined. It has been enjoyable to be held to such high standards," added Lovejoy.
As for his teammates, they are getting closer every day, but a promising sign for him is that he already knows the skills and type of players he has around him. They are not as distant as the transfer portal might make programs these days, and that could be a huge benefit for UDM.
"We might be new as a team, but for me, I believe I have a previous connection to almost everyone on the team," Lovejoy said. "From high school, AAU, college, just places like that, so it is cool to be with so many players I know. We know a lot about each other already, and that bond is just getting stronger."
