By Darryl Jacobs, Contributing Writer
Before Marcus Stout made his mark at Fordham University, he was already a proven winner at Detroit Renaissance High School, one of Michigan’s premier basketball programs. A dynamic and poised point guard, Stout played a pivotal role in leading the Phoenix to an unforgettable 2003–04 season.
That year, Renaissance stormed through its schedule, posting a perfect 27-0 record and capturing the Michigan Class B State Championship — the first in school history. Their dominance earned national recognition, finishing the year ranked No. 3 in the country by USA Today. Stout’s steady leadership and clutch performances were instrumental throughout the season, none bigger than his ten-point contribution in the state championship game against DeWitt, helping secure the historic title.
Stout’s senior campaign showcased his abilities, averaging 14.0 points and 6.0 assists per game. His talents were recognized locally and nationally, with Insiders.com ranking him the No. 4 point guard and No. 16 overall player in Michigan’s 2004 class. He was named First Team All-State for Class B by MichiganPreps.com and Third Team All-State by the Detroit News. Beyond the court, Stout’s academic and leadership achievements earned him a spot in Who’s Who Among American High School Students, a testament to the magnitude of his achievements.
Stout’s basketball IQ, quick first step, court vision, and unselfish style of play made him the heart of a Renaissance team that defined excellence in Michigan high school basketball. His leadership, toughness, and talent were instrumental in shaping the team’s success and his journey from high school to the collegiate level and beyond.
Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with this Detroit legend to discuss his incredible career journey—from his unforgettable high school days to his college and professional (overseas and summer league stint with the Pistons) experiences—and catch up on what he’s doing today.
Talk about some of your biggest influences growing up:
My biggest influences growing up was my parents. They gave me a great foundation and exposed me to many different things in life.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Southfield, Michigan.
When did the love for basketball begin?
My love for basketball began when I went to my first camp. I was 6 years old. It was the Chuck Daly basketball camp
Let’s rewind to your high school days—in 2003-04, your senior year, you led Detroit Renaissance High School to an undefeated 27-0 record and a Michigan State Class B Championship. You finished ranked #3 in the nation in the USA today. Talk about that experience and how it shaped you as a player.
It was a fantastic experience to be part of a group that competed to win championships with everything we did. It helped me learn how to prepare at an elite level, handle expectations, and find my way in a competitive space to earn what I’m working to accomplish while being part of something special.
What was the most memorable moment or game that season, and why?
The most memorable moment from that season was when we played Detroit Denby for the PSL Championship and sold out Cobo Arena. I’ve been going to games there my whole life and had never seen it sold out until then.
Detroit is one of the best basketball cities in the country. Who were some of the best players you competed against in high school?
I always say my teammates were my toughest daily competition. To name a few, Joe Crawford, Malik Hairston, Tajuan Porter, Joe Carr, Marcus Bennet, and Lloyd Cowles. There were many great players during that time—too many to single out a few.
As a point guard back then, how did growing up in Detroit develop your leadership skills heading into the collegiate ranks?
It’s tough to win in the Detroit PSL. Competing against talented and tough players on championship stages prepared me to be comfortable in any environment, perform at a high level, and be an example for my teammates.
You decided to attend Fordham University (Atlantic 10 Conference) in the “Boogie Down” Bronx, NY. Why did you decide to go to Fordham, and what other schools recruited you?
Fordham was the best of both worlds: academics and the opportunity to earn a role on the team as a freshman and build something special similar to what I was a part of in high school. It was also a chance for me to step into a bigger role and challenge myself to see what I could do with nightly expectations to produce at a high level. I also lived in New York.
You had a significant impact at Fordham right out of the gate—All-Rookie team, double-digit scoring as a freshman. What helped you adjust so quickly to the college level?
My youth coaches and basketball environments I was exposed too. I had great teachers of the game, such as David Harris & Durand Walker. My high school produced D1 talent every year. Competing against them daily and the older guys passing on knowledge helped me be prepared when I got to campus.
At Fordham, you were a model of consistency for your whole career. You never missed a game and were a steady contributor in every statistical category: points, assists, steals, and 3s. Was that versatility something you prided yourself on?
Yes. My dad always made sure I knew how to play the game the right way and be a well-rounded, winning basketball player. Affecting winning was the most important thing, and being willing to do whatever it took to help the team win was very important.
By the time you left Fordham, you were one of the scorers and the top three-point shooters in Fordham history. What does it mean to leave behind that kind of legacy?
It’s a real blessing, mostly because those experiences help me to be a better coach for my players today and help them through certain situations on the court.
After college, you had brief stint with Pistons in the NBA summer league and then went on to play professionally overseas. Where did you play, and what was that transition from NCAA Division I basketball to the international game?
I played in Austria and England. The transition was a good one. With no class and only basketball, my development was great, and I became a better player very quickly.
When you look back at your entire career—from high school to Fordham to pro ball, what are you most proud of?
I’m most proud that I fulfilled what my parents said was most important. I wanted to leave each situation better than I found it.
What have you been doing since hanging up the sneakers? Are you still connected to the game today?
My playing career was cut short due to injury. I transitioned into building a business training basketball players, which led me to today, where I’m the Associate Head Coach for the Motor City Cruise/(G-League Team/Detroit Pistons). Training players led me to be involved in the community by using sports as a vehicle to expose and educate the youth on relevant topics in and out of sports. I love basketball and helping people accomplish their dreams. I’m blessed to live that reality daily.
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