Midwestern Collegiate Conference report

SportsLine.com Report
April 10, 2000

Still one of the more successful programs around, Detroit slipped a little, although it's hard to tell from looking at just the overall record.

Not surprisingly, Titans coach Perry Watson had trouble replacing guard Jermaine Jackson (Detroit Pistons) and forward Bacari Alexander (Harlem Globetrotters). Then injuries to other key players, especially forward Daniel Whye and center Walter Craft, cut deeper into the available talent supply and dictated against a successful MCC title defense. Even star point guard Rashad Phillips sprained an ankle.

That Detroit still managed 20 wins and came within one victory of snaring the MCC's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament is testament to Watson's superior coaching and the tremendous play of Phillips, whose scoring average (23.1) led the conference and ranked fourth in the country.

A glance at 2001

Phillips entered Detroit as a Prop 48, but is on course to graduate in four years and is planning on returning next season. With or without him the Titans were going to field a strong team yet again. Watson generally has his pick of any player in Michigan who doesn't go to Michigan or Michigan State. One who initially got away to the University of Dayton, 6-10 center Michael Harmon, has returned and big things are expected.

The Coach

Watson consistently puts a competitive product on the floor and has earned national respect for making postseason tournament appearances the rule rather than the exception. He has a 133-72 record in seven seasons at Detroit.

Who'll Be Back

This should be Willie Greene's chance to emerge. A starter as a freshman last season, the talented guard pulled the Titans out of some tight spots. Lively forward Terrell Riggs also returns and will help the Titans rebuild on the fly.

Who's Gone

Desmond Ferguson, a streaky 3-point shooter, will be the biggest loss. Also gone are center Walter Craft and productive forward Daniel Whye.