By Leland Stein III
DETROIT – If it has anything to do with youth and/or basketball, you can bet DC (Derrick Coleman) isn’t far behind.
I made my way on down to the Wayne State Fieldhouse, the home of the Wayne State University Warriors (NCAA Division II) men’s and women’s basketball teams and the Motor City Cruise of the NBA G League.
The 25 million arena is owned by Wayne State University, but has a unique collaboration with the Detroit Pistons and its G League team that is now playing smackdab in the middle of the city.
This was my first time in the new arena, and, I was pleasantly surprised at the detail effort designers put into the construction of the Fieldhouse on Warren & Trumbull. It’s safe to say the fieldhouse is a certified Detroit basketball jewel.
The occasion was the Michigan Tip Off powered by Coleman’s DC Elite. The high school basketball showcase featured four exciting contest:
It started with Detroit University Prep outlasting Ferndale 55-50. Next, Lansing Waverly made the 100mile drive fruitful with its lashing of DEPSA 76-49. St. Mary’s Prep then held on to defeat Detroit Renaissance 57-50. Finally, North Farmington beat Detroit King 49-36 in a defensive minded contest.
When I asked Derrick about hosting the event and the choice of venue, he said: “It’s all about exposure. The venue is in the heart of the city and the relationships we have created with the Pistons, Detroit Public Schools, Wayne State and the MHSAA is why we are here tonight. This is the perfect venue. The kids get to play where college and pros play . . . again, everything about me is all about exposing our kids to scouts, college coaches and good competition.”
Well, Derrick did just that with his Michigan Tip Off.
I was sitting next to a coach from Cleveland State on one side and Wayne State’s coaches were on my other side. Also visible was University of Michigan coach, Juwan Howard among a number of other Detroit basketball OG’s.
Leland can be reached at lelstein3@aol.com
In the Game 
Nice story, LS3!!