Cassius Winston, Aaron Henry and Xavier Tillman felt Michigan State's 3rd straight Big Ten title was "sweeter" because it was unexpected, March 8, 2020. Detroit Free Press
The sign above the doors to Ceciliaville Athletic Center has welcomed generations of basketball players in the city the past 50 years.
“St. Cecilia's Gym,” it reads. “The Sports Capital of Detroit.”
Pierre Brooks II (nicknamed P.J.) experienced it as a child. He learned about the legends from his father. He starred on the same west-side court that helped build the careers of Steve Smith, Shawn Respert and others who made their way from Detroit to Michigan State — even drawing Magic Johnson from Lansing to play inside its hallowed hall.