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Detroit looks to lead Horizon with Butler gone

NCAA Basketball Tournament - Detroit v Kansas

OMAHA, NE - MARCH 16: (L-R) Head coach Ray McCallum of the Detroit Titans talks with Ray McCallum #3 against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second round of the 2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at CenturyLink Center on March 16, 2012 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

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The Horizon league has been on a kick to simplify the naming system employed by the league. With household name Butler gone to the A-10, now’s as good a time as any to make things user-friendly. One school has been way out ahead of the naming trend, however. The school we know as simply Detroit is technically and officially known as the University of Detroit Mercy. That’s because the University of Detroit proper merged with Mercy College of Detroit in 1990. The school is still sponsored by the Society of Jesus and the Religious Sisters of Mercy. The school is probably still best known as the program that gave us Dickie V., and recently named the basketball court after the former head coach turned ESPN shouting head.

Valpo is widely regarded as the heir apparent to the Butler Bulldogs this season, but Detroit is lauded as a possible league #2. The Titans embrace the opportunity to stake their claim to the newly wide-open league title.

“When I came into this league I said we wanted to be where Butler is,” said coach Ray McCallum. “They were the marquee program and the face of the league. What they accomplished is our dream as basketball coaches and players. We’re in a different role; we’re the hunted now.

“For us to be selected second it’s a sign of respect and growth. ... Having this championship ring is something we want our new players to have.”


The Titans are a legit threat to dominate the emerging league power structure, primarily because they have retained the services of Ray McCallum. Both Ray McCallums, actually. There is little doubt that Ray McCallum, Jr. is a Titan primarily because his father is the head coach. The junior point guard is considered to be an NBA talent who could have gone anywhere in the country. He led his team to the NCAA tourney last season - their first appearance since 1999 - and it’s a good bet he didn’t stay in school hoping to come in second this year.

The rest of the team is a question mark, with several players from overseas looking to play crucial roles this year. Three junior transfers -- two from Nigeria, one from Germany -- are expected to provide instant maturity to a team that needs solid players surrounding a white-hot playmaker.

Shades of Davidson during the Stephen Curry years, methinks. Whether the Titans turn that catalyzing force into the next Horizon League dynasty, or struggle to survive once their ace goes pro is a question for next season. For now, the Horizon’s the limit.