Homecoming festivities at Calihan Hall kicked off Saturday morning at 10 a.m. when more than 60 future Titans from 8-12 years old took the court for a youth basketball clinic, hosted by the Titan Athletics and FOX Sports Detroit, where they learned fundamentals from UDM assistant men's basketball coach Jay Smith and Titan hoopsters of the past and present.
“We are proud to support the efforts of the Titans players, coaches and staff who conducted this instructional and motivational clinic for the benefit of the many youth organizations involved,” said Greg Hammaren, Senior Vice President/General Manager, FOX Sports Detroit. “We value our partnership with the University of Detroit Mercy and are honored to be associated with this important community activity.”
Smith was joined by current Titans men's basketball players Jordan Fee, LaMarcus Lowe and Jason Calliste, women's team members Heather Hatter, Talicia Washington and Dominique Dixon, and former Detroit players Jeff Whitlow, Brian Alexander, John Buszka and Dan Kennedy.
“I'm very happy to have had such a great turnout for the youth clinic and have our alumni show up to help out,” said UDM Director of Athletics Keri Gaither. “It's a fantastic way to have them give back and get involved with the community.
“It's really neat to see some of our basketball alumni bringing their families back and having their children participate in the clinic,” added Gaither. “I love being able to catch up with our former student-athletes and hear about their lives.”
After leading the boisterous campers through warm-ups, groups of ballers-in-training went through five different stations where they were drilled on ball-handling, footwork, passing skills and shooting technique.
In addition to learning some new skills to take with them to the court, campers also heard from Smith and Titans head coach Ray McCallum about the importance of academics.
“Sometimes, it's not what we teach (the kids) but what we get from the kids who come here,” said Smith. “You kind of get to their level, and you experience the excitement that they give you. It's fun and that's part of teaching, especially to the youngsters.”
Following the clinic all participants were treated to lunch and given a free ticket to the Titans Homecoming matchup against Wright State.
