Detroit Mercy Titans MBB 2025-26 Preview

It’s safe to say that when we look at the history of all sports as we know them, it’s pretty clear that night-and-day turnarounds from one season to the next for a program or franchise are incredibly rare. Bringing a program from its lowest lows to its highest highs isn’t something that happens overnight.

This is a fact that now second-year Titans head coach Mark Montgomery had to experience during his first season at the helm last year, leading Detroit Mercy to an 8-24 (4-16, HL) record after taking over for former head coach Mike Davis, who was let go after an infamous 1-31 campaign the season prior. Although the Titans improved their overall win total from one to eight, and their number of Horizon League wins from one to four, viewers and fans all had the feeling that this team would be capable of much better in the future. It is worth noting that only two Titans from that 1-31 team were on the team last year, so it was almost an entirely new group, which also included seven true freshmen.

Now, if we turn the page to this season, we’ll see the Titans return six of their biggest potential contributors from last year. This group includes leading scorer Orlando Lovejoy and 2024-25 Horizon League all-freshman team member Nate Johnson. We’ll also see the return of senior Jared Lary, who suffered a season-ending knee injury just nine games into the season. He was hurt in the first half of an eventual 98-89 win in overtime against Eastern Michigan. This 2025-26 version of the Titans will also feature eight newcomers. While this team in particular is still young (three seniors and two juniors), there’s a much more even balance between experience and youthful talent than last year’s squad, as well as guys that have shared the floor with one another (six returners, as noted above). This fact alone will be key for coach Montgomery’s squad, and he had this to say when asked about the importance of returning six:

“[It’s important] to have some continuity, so you’re not teaching a whole new group of 12 or 13 guys. Those six guys were also our leading scorers [from last season]. It gives us some leadership, some continuity, and guys that are eager to have better results.”

Last year required some rebuilding, players gaining experience with one another, and a lot of learning with a new team and a new coach. Not to say that winning more games wasn’t the overall goal for the season, but now, the Detroit Mercy Titans men’s basketball team is ready to make a real statement in what has the potential to be a special year.

Returning Players

Orlando Lovejoy G, Senior, Detroit, MI
When previewing the Titans roster, one would be remiss to not talk about Lovejoy at the forefront of it. Lovejoy showed out for the home crowd in his first year after transferring in from Eastern Michigan, as the 6-3 hometown native led the red, white and blue with 16.4 PPG last season, while playing in 30 of 32 games and averaging a whopping 35.1 MPG as well. Lovejoy has expressed gratitude for being able to play for the school in the city that he’s rooted in. He briefly considered another move into the transfer portal for his senior season but declared his return to the 313 before much time had passed.

“I did have a lot of options, but I felt like Detroit [Mercy] was my number one and favorite option, so let’s just win some games.”

Lovejoy will yet again be a pivotal part of this Titans team, and he’ll be looked upon to be a leader and make important contributions on both ends of the floor, as coach Montgomery has already expressed:

“He can play at an unbelievable speed, pushing the ball offensively, but also, [he can] get after it defensively”

And while the Titans have some more reinforcements when it comes to the guard position and ball-handling (getting Jared Lary back, adding Lance Stone), it’s anticipated that this will allow Lovejoy to be even more productive and the Titans to have a more balanced attack entirely.

“Now he doesn’t have to play 40 minutes a game, doesn’t have to pace himself. I think the strength of this team is our numbers. I think it’s likely that [this year] he can be even more efficient because no one can keep him out of the paint [as is], but he’ll be able to play even faster, and he has more weapons that he can kick the ball out to.”

Jared Lary, G, Senior, Grand Rapids, MI
Before going down in the first half in game number nine last season against the Eagles from Eastern Michigan, then-junior Lary was putting together an impressive and productive season in his first campaign with the Titans. Detroit Mercy was his third stop in his college career, as he spent time with both Division II Lincoln Memorial as well as Aquinas college, a private liberal arts college in his hometown of Grand Rapids. Coming from Aquinas to the Titans, the 6-6 Lary had no problem making the jump from NAIA to the Division I level. He averaged 9.1 PPG up until he got hurt, as well as 4 RPG. In the eight full games he played, he notched double-digit scoring performances in five of those games and played over 20 minutes in all eight. Lary also showed his ability to shoot it from behind the arc, shooting 40% from three, albeit in limited attempts (8-20). And although he saw action in just nine games before his injury, the Titans accumulated four of their eight total wins in that stretch. Lary also flashed on the defensive end as well, averaging 1.2 SPG in those nine games. When asked about his mindset headed into this year, he said:

“I’m extremely excited [and] I’m ready to play a full season, be with the guys again and it’s my fifth year so I’m just ready to bring back some leadership and just some experience to the younger guys. Just excited to get back on that court.”

An incredibly athletic, lengthy, two-way guard who sees the floor well always proves to be tough to matchup against, so Detroit Mercy is thankful to have him back for his senior season. Once he’s able to get his feet underneath him, expect Lary to be a significant contributor for this Titans squad.

Legend Geeter, F, Senior, River Rouge, MI
Next up is the third and final senior on this year’s Detroit Mercy squad. Geeter, the 6-8 local product, like Lovejoy, also transferred over from Eastern Michigan prior to last season. In his first season with the Titans last year, Geeter appeared in 29 games, while averaging 7.9 PPG and 4.1 RPG. Opposing defenses also didn’t have the luxury of being able to foul him either, as Geeter shot a smooth 80.3% from the charity stripe, which was good for third on the team. The highlight of the season for Legend a year ago was the game-winning three he knocked down with just seconds left on the clock to secure a 79-78 over Purdue Fort Wayne at home, which was also a contest in which he notched two season-highs, scoring 22 points and collecting nine rebounds. Geeter has voiced much excitement about being back in the 313 for his senior season:

“It means a lot to be back here in the city, man. Just being able to play with some of the same guys from last year, I feel like we have good chemistry. Plus, we [have] got new additions that will help us out a lot. I hope to bring a lot of energy this year, a lot of toughness, leadership, and just anything that the team needs to push toward that next step and make the tournament.”

He’ll certainly bring that veteran presence to this year’s squad while also having a significant role in the front-court rotation.

Nate Johnson, G/F, Sophomore, Grand Rapids, MI
The second player on the team that hails from Grand Rapids, Nate Johnson is a pure athlete with a build that every basketball player would want to have. Now standing at 6-7, Johnson, who took home Horizon League All-Freshmen team honors last season, is primed for a big sophomore campaign. Growing two inches and putting on over 20 pounds of muscle in the offseason, he’ll look to be even more of a physical threat this season. Johnson was one of three Titans to play in all 32 games a season ago (31 starts), averaging 8.8 PPG and 4.5 RPG while playing over 29 minutes per contest as well. It’s hard to find enough good things to say about the now-sophomore, and coach Montgomery had nothing but positive things to say about the rising sophomore:

“Nate has great size, great strength, is the best conditioned guy, and can play multiple positions. He played 30 plus minutes (a game) last year as a freshman and I think that’s valuable. He also put in a lot of work in the offseason. He’s a captain.”

With an improved jumper also, he’s certainly a player to watch in the Horizon League this year.

Ryan Kalambay, F, Sophomore, Brampton, Ontario
Kalambay came into the season last year as a true freshman serving in a very moderate reserve role. He saw action in all 32 games, but over the first 17 games, he saw more than 15 minutes in a game only five times and didn’t exceed the 20-minute mark in any of those contests. However, the 6-9 Canadian really came into his own in the second half of the season. In the final 14 games, he saw less than 20 minutes only once, and it was in a matchup in which he was limited to 19 minutes because of fouling out. He averaged a modest 3.8 RPG over the course of the season, but he grabbed five or more rebounds in 11 of the last 14 games. Kalambay was the second tallest player on the roster last season, and he’ll also be in that spot on this roster. However, the big man will be called upon to pick up where he finished last year and hopefully step into an even bigger role with a year of experience now under his belt. Look for him to be a physical force inside for this Titans squad on both ends of the floor this season.

TJ Nadeau, G, Sophomore, South Lyon, MI
Capping off the group of returners is the 6-5 sharpshooting Nadeau, who averaged 8.9 PPG in his true freshman season while appearing in all 32 contests. He started exactly half of those games but started 15 of the last 17 games the Titans played. Nadeau proved that he could fill it up from beyond the arc by knocking down three or more triples in five different games throughout the campaign for a team that was near the bottom of the league in three-point shooting. What he has yet to showcase as much however, is his ability to create for himself and others off-the-dribble. He showed it in different moments throughout the season, but this year, look for the South Lyon, Michigan native to consistently prove that he’s much more than a standard catch-and-shoot guard, while still being one of the more potent threats from the outside in the Horizon League.

Incoming Players

London Maiden. F, Junior, Cleveland, OH
Kicking off the plethora of newcomers for this Titans squad is junior transfer Maiden. When you think of a downright tough, Detroit-grit type of big man that no player would want to meet in the paint, not many fit the profile better than the Cleveland, Ohio native. Detroit Mercy will be the third college that he will see action for, as he played for Division II Mars Hill University as a freshman and will be coming from Blinn College of the NJCAA, where he played his sophomore season. The 6-8 Maiden originally signed with Kent State University out of high school but didn’t see any action for the Golden Flashes of the MAC. Last season at Blinn College, he averaged 11.4 PPG and 6.2 RPG while shooting an efficient 59.2% from the field. He also earned a spot on the NJCAA All-Region XIV Team. When asked about his addition, coach Montgomery had this to say:

“London is a big, wide body and can score on various moves in the low post. [With him] it will all be about getting him in better shape to play longer stretches. He’s not going to be pushed around, and it’s good to have one of those because we didn’t get many easy baskets last year. It’ll be fun to have a big body down there.”

Look for Maiden to have a notable role in the frontcourt rotation, as the 250-pound forward will look to be an imposing and physical force inside on both ends.

Ayden Carter, G/F, Junior, Fremont, OH
Next up is the second incoming junior transfer for the season. Carter comes in from Walsh University, a division II program in Ohio where he played his first two seasons. He played in 50 games for the Cavaliers, averaging 11.2 PPG and 4.3 RPG. However, he broke out in his sophomore season, averaging 19.0 PPG and 5.7 RPG. The season included eight 20-point games and featured a career-high 34 points and 12 rebounds in a game against Northwood (DII). Standing at 6-5, Carter is athletic and while he certainly has the ability to shoot from outside, he’s also good at getting looks from inside the arc and is a good rebounder. Carter is one that could certainly take on a decently sized role within the rotation this season.

Tyler Spratt, G, Redshirt Freshman, Farmington, MI
Finishing off the transfers is Spratt, who joins Detroit Mercy after spending his redshirt year with conference foe, Cleveland State. He has yet to appear in any collegiate action but earned all-state honors in the state of Michigan in both his junior and senior seasons in high school, averaging 16.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 4.0 SPG and 3.0 APG, helping him earn a McDonalds All-American nomination. The 6-5 Spratt went to high school less than half an hour from Detroit Mercy, so this move to transfer sees him coming back closer to home. He’s expressed gratitude about his decision to transfer and is another Titan who is optimistic about this upcoming year:

“This is (transferring to UDM) a blessing for sure. I feel like we’re going to have a great year. I feel like the way things are going, this is the year that we’re going to be putting basketball [here] back on the right track, so just be on the lookout.”

Being a skilled offensive player who is also a very good defender, look for Spratt to come in and make an impact right away for the Titans on both ends of the floor, as he has the chance to make contributions that exceed expectations.

Keshawn Fisher, G/F, Freshman, Detroit, MI
Starting off the group of five true freshmen is the 6-7 Fisher, who is a three-star recruit according to 247 Sports, spent this past year in Overtime Elite (OTE) and averaged 11.0 PPG and 5.3 RPG in just 22.5 minutes a contest. He also averaged three stocks (steals plus blocks) per game and was a finalist for OTE defensive player of the year as well. Prior to Overtime Elite, Fisher helped lead River Rouge high school to a regional championship during his senior season, earning all-state first-state honors from the Detroit News and AP. He averaged 25.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG and 3.2 APG while shooting at a 50% clip from the field during his final year in high school. He notched 1.5 BPG as well and shot 35.7% from three. He’s also, as already mentioned, an incredibly skilled defender and can likely match up against pretty much any guard or wing in the conference. He also plays with great heart and passion. Coach Montgomery expressed his positive outlook for Fisher this season:

“Keyshawn, [as] everyone knows, his ceiling is so high. He’s very talented. From a skillset and a feel for the game [standpoint], [just] putting the ball in the basket he’s a very talented player.”

All things said, look for Keyshawn Fisher to come into the Horizon League and be a big-time two-way threat that’s used pretty heavily over the course of the season, as he’s arguably up there with the most athletic players in the conference.

Lance Stone, G, Freshman,Detroit, MI
Next up is the second three-star freshman and a top five prospect in his class in the state of Michigan, according to 247 Sports and ESPN. That would be hometown native Stone. Standing at 5-8, he is a pure-bred point guard that can both score the ball and get others involved offensively. He scored over 1,500 career points as a high schooler and broke the Michigan high school record in assists, with more than 850 assists in his career at Renaissance high school. Stone also was a four-time all-state selection, as he was selected to the all-state third-team as a freshman and then first-team by the Detroit News and Associated Press as a sophomore and senior. What about his junior year you may ask? He was actually tabbed Detroit Mr. Basketball as a junior, the first time a junior ever received the honor. He was then a Mr. Basketball finalist as a senior after tallying 23.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 11.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. The Titans added a talented player with a decorated high school career, but don’t think Stone is finished there. Watch for the true freshman to be incorporated into the backcourt rotation right away, likely being one of the first Titans off the bench this season, long as everyone stays healthy.

Jekel Cotton, G/F, Freshman, Lima, OH
We move onto the second of two Ohio natives on the squad this year, the 6-6 Cotton, who was also a three-star recruit and a top 10 prospect in the state of Ohio in his class according to 247 Sports. He played his high school ball at Lima Senior high school, earning first-team all-state his senior season, averaging 20.0 PPG and 10.0 RPG during his final year, also scoring a career-high 40 points in a game that season. He chose Detroit Mercy over the likes of Bowling Green, Akron, Kent State, and Ohio University. Look for Cotton to be right in the mix in the rotation as well, as he’s a versatile player that could be used in many different lineups, while playing a couple different positions.

Xavier Istomin-Monroe, C, Freshman, Sydney, Australia
One thing that we’ve yet to see is a whole lot of big-time size on the roster. There are a handful of guys that stand between 6-5 and 6-9, but there hasn’t been anything beyond that to this point. That changes with freshman Istomin-Monroe. Standing at 7-1, the Australian native prepped at Royal Crown Academic School in Toronto as a senior, helping the team win a NPA title, after averaging 12.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. He was also tabbed the finals MVP after posting a season-high 22 points and eight rebounds in the championship game. He’s also the second Australian on the team in the last three years, as Jayden Stone, who is now playing at the University of Missouri, was the last one, leading the team in scoring back in 2023-24. Isotomin-Monroe will give the Titans a boost in size on both ends of the floor and is a player with a high ceiling because of that size.

Zak Abdalla, G, Freshman, Las Vegas, NV
Last but not least is the 6-2 Las Vegas native, true freshman Zak Abdalla. Abdalla joins the Titans after playing a year at Trinity Prep, averaging 27.3 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 4.0 APG, and 1.2 SPG at Trinity Prep and was a Grind Session Honorable Mention. He was also selected as an All-State First-Teamer after averaging 18.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.0 steals as a senior in high school. Being a pesky defender, someone that can rebound well for a player his size, and someone who is unselfish but can also score, look for Abdalla to try to work his way into the rotation in the backcourt.

Overall Outlook

It’s more than worth mentioning that everyone on this Detroit Mercy roster for this year was just mentioned. That’s because this team has great depth and can form numerous different lineups. Everyone on the roster has the ability to make significant contributions. This is also a well-balanced squad this year as well, which differs from the last handful of years that the Titans have had to endure. When it comes to the identity that they want to possess as a team this year, the Titans leader on the sideline has said that a couple things will be constantly stressed, no matter if it’s in a game, during practice, or wherever they are:

“Staying focused is the end goal [for] one and just improving every day. We also want to play at a fast pace. Our pace, our energy, our unselfishness, and us not turning the ball over is what’s stressed the most.” The Titans rebounded as well as almost any other team in the league last season, and if they can continue that trend, with even improved size this year, and combine that with some better shooting from the outside and more efficient offense in general, look for this Detroit Mercy men’s basketball squad to make some noise this season. The sky is indeed the limit.

Preview Week 2025-26

MBB: Preseason Poll | Preseason All-League | Preseason Awards
WBB: Preseason Poll | Preseason All-League | Preseason Awards
Cleveland State (MBB | WBB) | Detroit Mercy (MBB | WBB) | Green Bay (MBB | WBB) | IU Indy (MBB | WBB)
Milwaukee (MBB | WBB) | Northern Kentucky (MBB | WBB) | Oakland (MBB | WBB) | Purdue Fort Wayne (MBB | WBB)
Robert Morris (MBB | WBB) | Wright State (MBB | WBB) | Youngstown State (MBB | WBB)