DETROIT (5/2/2017) -- Two local products, including a historic family connection, will be on display in Calihan Hall next season as University of Detroit Mercy head men's basketball coach
Bacari Alexander '99 announced the signings of
Jack Ballantyne (Shelby Township, Mich./Dakota) and
Jermaine Jackson Jr. (Shelby Township, Mich./Dakota) to a National Letter of Intent.
"From the very beginning of my tenure here at Detroit Mercy, we set out to attract the type of talent that can help elevate our program back to a championship level," said coach Alexander. "Our need to add to what we started last spring called for guys who could satisfy some positional needs, and we feel we were able to address that with this first installment of our 2017 pledges this week."
Both student-athletes were teammates for one of the top high school teams in the state in Macomb Dakota, helping the Cougars go 20-4 overall, post 17 straight victories, win a MAC Red Division championship, a district title and finish fifth in the final AP poll in 2017. They were also teammates on the AAU circuit with The Family and played in the Elite Youth Basketball League, one of the best AAU leagues in the country.
"I am so thrilled to have local talent choose to stay home and help usher in championships," added coach Alexander.
Ballantyne – a 6-9, 240-lb forward – started his prep career at De LaSalle, but transferred to Dakota for his senior season. He was one of the top forward recruits in the state of Michigan ranking as high as No. 15 by Bank Hoops and receiving a number of Division I scholarship offers from schools in the ACC, Atlantic 10 and MAC.
"Having a versatile forward with the skill set of Jack is exciting," said coach Alexander. "I've tracked his career over several years and really value his high IQ. At his size, he brings a much-needed weapon from behind the arc and as an elite passer. Jack will develop into a matchup challenge due to his skill set and competitive edge."
As a senior, he recorded 15.0 points and 13.0 rebounds per game and earned First Team All-MAC Red, First Team All-County, All-Area by the Detroit News as well as Honorable Mention All-State by the Detroit News and Detroit Free Press and Honorable Mention BCAM Best Of Class A.
As a junior at De La Salle, he tallied 16.0 points, 13.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. He had one of his best games with 20 points and 14 rebounds against a tough University of Detroit Jesuit High School squad.
Jackson – a 5-10, 170-lb guard and the son of Titan assistant coach and former Horizon League Player of the Year
Jermaine Jackson '99 - was a four-year starter and one of the top recruits in the state the last few years with scholarship offers that extended to BCS schools. He guided Dakota to three-straight MAC Red titles, two district championships and a state semifinals appearance in 2016.
"Every head coach understands the importance of the point guard position and Jermaine is without a doubt the best point guard in the 2017 class in Michigan, and arguably the country!" said coach Alexander. "From the beginning, we wanted to find a Detroit-centric player that our program and fans can grow with. He's not only a legacy player, but a winner and we want to infuse our roster with that winning pedigree."
In his final prep season, he was a candidate for Mr. Basketball and averaged 26.0 points, 6.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 steals. He was selected to the MLive Dream Team, Class A First Team All-State by the Detroit Free Press and Detroit News, BCAM's Best for Class A, Macomb County Player of the Year and MVP of the Macomb Area Conference Red Division.
As a junior, he averaged 21.4 points, 6.1 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 3.0 steals to help Dakota go 26-1 on its way to a state semifinals appearance. He was also tabbed third team All-State.
"The influx of players like
Kameron Chatman,
Isaiah Jones, Roschon Prince, Jack Ballantyne and Jermaine Jackson Jr., only solidify a roster that should prove to be deeper and very versatile next season," coach Alexander said. "This new energy and enthusiasm will help bolster our pursuit of a Horizon League Championship and a NCAA tournament bid."
The signings mark an exciting time for the Titans. Two weeks ago, it was announced that Detroit Mercy will host the 2021 NCAA men's basketball first and second round tournament games in addition to the 2018 games at the brand new Little Caesars Arena.
Detroit Mercy will also play Michigan at Little Caesars Arena on Dec. 16 as part of a college basketball doubleheader. Another part of the non-conference schedule will include the 23rd Annual 2K Classic benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project with those opponents still to be announced.
