Detroit is iconic for many things, and basketball is one of them. With the return of the WNBA and the long-standing presence of the Detroit Pistons, it is easy to overlook the city’s growing G League team, the Motor City Cruise. Established in 2021, the team plays its home games at the Wayne State Fieldhouse, a venue shared with Wayne State University’s men’s and women’s basketball programs.
For former Wayne State defensive standout Ray Williams, the fieldhouse isn’t just a professional setting, it is the home he spent playing and honing his college career.
“It feels amazing, honestly,” Williams said. “Being in the same building as the Cruise for the last three or four years since 2021 it’s just been a blessing. I got to watch these guys for the last four years of my college career, and being able to put a jersey on and play in the same building I went to college in is just a blessing.”
Sharing a facility with a professional team brings exposure, opportunity and, for a few select players, a chance to be noticed. Williams, who graduated from Wayne State last year, is now officially a pro basketball player after being scouted and offered a temporary contract with the Motor City Cruise from Nov. 23–29.
His return to the fieldhouse has given him time to reflect on the path that led him back.
“How I played at Wayne State, I just learned to play through adversity,” Williams said. “I dealt with a lot of ups and downs. At the time, you don’t want to deal with the downs, but I feel like it shaped me today. Being a pro, the game is faster. People expect you to catch on quicker. Going through those ups and downs helped shape me to be a better pro for this program.”
Williams’ journey is a testament to persistence. He went from open tryouts, to training camp, to being waived, to serving as a practice player and now, he is making his way onto the full roster as a guard/forward.
“Having a taste of going through that process, I was able to see the facility, work out with the guys and go to camp,” he said. “I got to be with my guy Brian ‘BT’ Taylor, who I went to high school with. Seeing the journey, I just wanted to be a part of it. Even if I wasn’t going to be a Cruise player this season, I still wanted to play pro. It’s just been instilled in me to continue to work hard.”
For many athletes, sharing a court with professionals is a dream but it’s also a chance for coaches to evaluate local talent up close. Cruise head coach Jamelle McMillan said Williams made an impression early.
“I had seen him practice, which is probably the most important thing. He elevates the gym,” McMillan said. “He was a local kid that had the care factor for the program, especially being in his home gym. He brought the spirit we were looking for from the first drill. We noticed he could shoot the basketball, which we’re always looking for. But it was his spirit, his activity it was physical, aggressive and paired with hitting shots.”
McMillan said Williams’ strengths extend well beyond shooting.
“The main thing about him is that he is receptive to coaching,” McMillan said. “These guys have a lot to learn, and he’s picked up everything. He’s attentive, he pushes his teammates and he competes at a high level. Having that type of energy on the roster can only do good things for our team.”
Williams, now an alumnus of Wayne State, hopes current Warriors take something from his journey.
“I hope they just believe in themselves,” he said. “Coming into Wayne State as a freshman, I knew it was D2, but that’s where I was offered to play. A lot of D2 players think it’s harder to have a pro career. But when they see me, I want them to know anybody can do it. I’m the same as them.”
The Cruise entered Tuesday’s game coming off a loss, and both McMillan and Williams emphasized the need to reset and refocus.
“We have to get back to solid,” McMillan said. “We tried to do too much individually on the road. We had distractions with the Pistons being in town during the same time and guys trying to prove themselves in ways they didn’t need to. Being back home, we need to get our coverages right and get back to basics.”
Williams’ goals align with the team’s priorities. He is the newest on the team but not new to team work and playing in high intensity games. Being at WSU he had a chance to play many games.
“At Wayne State, I played a lot of games. I’m the all-time leader in games and minutes played,” Williams said. “I had ups and downs. My freshman year we won a ring, but after that, we didn’t win as much as I wanted. So a huge goal this year is just to win as many games as possible and help the team however I can while I’m here.”
Motor City Cruise player Ray Williams vs Wisconsin Herd on Tuesday. Photo provided by Demetrice Brantley.
Williams said returning to Wayne State where he lived, studied and grew as a player has been emotional and motivating. He credited his family, especially his parents, along with the Wayne State community for their support.
Williams signed autographs at Tuesday’s home game and will sign again during his final game under this temporary contract today at 6 p.m. at the Wayne State Fieldhouse.
Lauren Myers is The South End’s Arts & Entertainment Editor. She can be reached at ho5633@wayne.edu.
Cover photo provided by WSU Athletics.