Detroit To Name New Men's Basketball Locker Room In Honor Of Willie Green

Sept. 27, 2006

Detroit, Mich. - The newly-renovated University of Detroit Mercy men's basketball locker room will be named in honor of Willie Green - a former Titan Horizon League Player of the Year and now a member of the Philadelphia 76ers - following Green's significant donation to help fund the ambitious project in Calihan Hall.

Complete renovations have been ongoing throughout the summer and the locker room will soon be ready for use by the Titans as they begin preparations for the 2006-07 basketball season. Due to Green's NBA schedule, a special recognition ceremony honoring the 76ers guard will tentatively be held during UDM's Homecoming basketball game on Feb. 10.

"It is absolutely wonderful when former student-athletes give back to their alma mater. Willie's gift speaks volumes, especially to our Titan alumni and friends who support and care so deeply about the program," UDM athletic director Brad Kinsman said. "Willie's outstanding generosity has enabled us to provide a first-class locker room facility for his former teammates and those to follow. UDM is delighted to name this exciting new improvement to Calihan Hall in Willie's honor."

The new Willie Green Men's Basketball Locker Room will feature:
* Dramatic, quality finishes and images throughout
* All new wood lockers
* Elevated ceilings to permit natural light
* Horizon League Hall of Honor entry way
* State-of-the-art audio-visual system including LCD and Plasma screens and Crestron controls
* Special student study area with Internet access
* Addition of a new storage room with direct access to main hallway
* Year-round climate control system
* Improved shower and lavatory facilities
* Large photos of many former Titan greats including three of coach Perry Watson's former players who have gone on to perform in the NBA - Green, Jermaine Jackson and Desmond Ferguson.

Green graduated from UDM in 2003 as the fourth-leading scorer in Titan history with 1,779 career points. He enjoyed his most productive season as a senior, averaging a league-leading 22.6 points a game while earning Player of the Year accolades. He was selected in the second round of the NBA Draft by Seattle and then immediately dealt to Philadelphia. He has played three seasons for the 76ers.

"I wanted to do something for my former Titan teammates to show my appreciation for their friendship and all the good times we shared," Green said. "The University and the Titan basketball program played a key role in my development during my time there and I'm very happy to be able to give back in this way."

"UDM is a great academic school with a terrific basketball program."

The Willie Green men's basketball locker room is one of three major projects that have been designed to enhance Calihan Hall this year. The others are the John and Barbara Wolak Olympic Sports Office Suite and the Vito and Amy Cusenza Academic Hall of Honor.

Story provided by UDM Office of Sports Information