Detroit Pistons Return To The City (VIDEO)
By Edward Cardenas
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - It was a day for the Detroit Pistons - and their players - to return to their roots Wednesday for the 'Meet the Team' event at Campus Martius in Detroit.
The outdoor park in the heart of the Detroit was converted by the Pistons into a mini-basketball arena with a portable court, seating and fan interaction activities with the 2014-15 Detroit Pistons team.
Fans had the opportunity to take part in the Sprite Ultimate Challenge for a chance to go to the 2015 NBA All Star Game; take part in a Pistons Fit Clinic featuring students from Cornerstone Schools and the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy and watch the Pistons conduct drills.
"That's how I started playing, I was outside," said Jonas Jerebko, Pistons forward, as he signed autographs. "Seeing all the fans here, and the support we got, is amazing."
Hundreds of fans gathered around the court, which is also the location of the Campus Martius ice rink, for the event.
New coach Stan Van Gundy also enjoyed the outdoor practice.
"I wanted them to go shirts and skins out here today," joked Van Gundy. "It's fabulous to be out here. Not just outside but outside with all these fans right in the middle of Detroit could not be better."
The Pistons won their first pre-season game Tuesday, and will open the season Oct. 29 against the Nuggets in Denver.
