New Detroit Titans basketball coach Bacari Alexander speaks at his introductory news conference Friday, April 22, 2016, in Detroit.
Deshawndre Black plays for Schoolcraft College
Detroit Mercy has added to its backcourt with Schoolcraft College All-America point guard DeShawndre Black, who goes by Dre.
He signed his letter of intent at Schoolcraft Wednesday evening.
“I wanted to go to U-D since my junior year in high school,” said Black. “So when I got the offer, making the decision wasn’t hard.”
The 6-foot-2, 175-pound sophomore from Westland Glenn averaged 7.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and four assists per game for Schoolcraft this season. Over his final 10 games, he averaged 13.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game.
“Dre Black stabilizes the point guard position,” said new UDM coach Bacari Alexander. “He gives us a guard who can shoot the three, makes free throws at a high level, which resonates when you are looking to win games. In addition, he’s home grown. Representing our institution will have a greater level importance to him competing against our rivals.”
He was named first-team All-America by the National Junior College Athletic Association.
He will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Black will add stability to the Titans’ backcourt, which returns Josh McFolley and adds newcomer Corey Allen, a freshman from Ypsilanti.
“I’m a leader,” said Black. “I do all the intangible stuff. I get my teammates involved. I play defense. I play hard every possession. I take no plays off. I love playing defense. It makes me feel accomplished when you can sit down on someone and not allow them to impact the game like they want to.”
The Titans also could be close to landing 6-foot-11 California JUCO player Isaiah Jones. The Mt. San Jacinto star averaged 5.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game last season and shot 69.2% from the free throw line.