It’s that time of the year again, big basketball games, crazy student sections, and Fill the Bowl. Over the past couple of years, the University of Detroit Jesuit has built one of the most respectable high school basketball programs in all of Metro Detroit. This program is elite and looked upon very highly. And there is no doubt that UDJ will live up to this title again. The proof is in the pudding. Players like 23’ graduate Sonny Wilson, who currently plays for the University of Toledo. Or like 16’ graduate Cassius Winston, who played for Michigan State University and was also inducted into the Catholic High School League Hall of Fame in 2020. These are just two of the outstanding athletes that have come out of the UDJ basketball program. But how do these players get good? Through training.

Commonly, high school athletes will train during the off-season, whether this is through a trainer, playing another sport, or playing in an off-season league. Many of the players for UDJ are involved in all these forms of training. I had the opportunity to ask the current team some questions regarding the off-season. Linus Gowman 24’, likes to “put up shots in his spare time.” Linus is also a multi-sport athlete, being heavily involved with the UDJ Football team. “Being involved in other sports has drastically improved my athleticism and the way I approach my time during the off-season” says Linus. Linus has learned from other coaches and his own experiences the best way to recover and prepare during the off-season. Players like Sebastian Randolph 25’, Xavier Johnson 25’, Ryan Hatcher 24’, Leeroy 25’, and Jaden Garwood 26’ are all part of The Family, an Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL). EYBL sources some of the best talent from around the country. I had the chance to ask Sebastian Randolph 25’ how playing for The Family has made him a better player and this is what he had to say, “The Family has made me grow physically and mentally, it has made me become a better basketball player throughout the years because we play some of the best talent from all over. It has shown me how to become a better teammate and a better hooper.” UDJ also hosts several open gym events for the Varsity basketball players before the season. Gerrard McCoy 24’ says that putting up shots in the gym is the best way to train during the off-season. He has spent time growing closer to his teammates, hitting the gym, and growing mentally. “The mental game is a large part of basketball,” says Gerrard.

The student section, UDJ alumni, and fans from all around cannot wait for the 2023-2024 season to kick off. However, as the team prepares, no other school can compete with UDJ’s student section. The Den has set itself apart from most schools, being one of the most riled-up and excited student sections we have seen in years. They participate in many themes such as blackout, beach theme, and USA. There are big plans when it comes to the basketball season. I asked Linus Gowman 24’ what it is like to run onto the court and to hear a wild student section, “It gets me excited to play and it boosts our team morale” also said, “It’s not a proper game without the student section.” There are some very big games on the Cub’s schedule and there is no doubt that the student section will match the team’s energy.

Fill the Bowl has been a staple in UDJ’s sports history. A time when we try to get as many students as possible so that we can “fill the bowl”. The energy is unmatched, and this year will be something truly special. After spending time with the players and talking to Student Senate leaders, I am positive that this year’s basketball season will be one of a kind. With the help of student section leaders such as Will Waldman 24’ and Sam Robinson 24’, The Den is prepared to start things right. Students, players, and coaches are ready to see what Coach Donnelly and his team have been getting up to. Regardless of how the players might prepare in the off-season, UDJ is coming for the State Championship.