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Former Detroit Pistons center Earl Cureton to have jersey retired by Detroit Mercy

By Aaron Ferguson

DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 29: Detroit Pistons Legend, Earl Cureton helps announce a new partnership that will directly impact Detroit Public School students at Osborn High School on February 29, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 29: Detroit Pistons Legend, Earl Cureton helps announce a new partnership that will directly impact Detroit Public School students at Osborn High School on February 29, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Earl Cureton was born and raised in Detroit, eventually playing for the Pistons but finished his college career with the Detroit Mercy Titans.

If there’s anyone that represents “Detroit heart” better than Earl Cureton, one would be hard-pressed to find him. It’s draped over Cureton’s Twitter profile, as it should be.

Cureton, affectionately known as “Earl the Twirl”, is a Pistons community ambassador, a role he’s held since 2013. His role has assisted those in the community for which he was born and played in college and professionally.

Cureton finished his college career at the University of Detroit Mercy, playing for Dick Vitale in his last two seasons, averaging 15.7 points, 9 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game in 85 games. That includes 11.7 points and 9 rebounds per game went 22-6 and made the first round of the NCAA Tournament, just the second NCAA appearance at that point.

On Thursday, the Titans will retire his No. 24 jersey. The ceremony will take place at halftime of Detroit Mercy’s 7 p.m. game against IUPUI.

"“I was pretty excited when they told me that they were considering doing it,” Cureton said in an interview with Detroit Mercy. “As a kid growing up here in Detroit, that was something that you would dream about.”"

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The 6-foot-9 center initially attended Robert Morris before transferring to be a Titan. In the interview he admits he wanted to play for Detroit Mercy right away but Vitale didn’t recruit him since he was 6-4 in high school. But he hit a late growth spurt and was able to transfer when Vitale became interested.

Cureton spent 12 seasons in the NBA, including three with the Pistons. He averaged 5.9 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in 234 games with the Pistons, which was the most games he played with any NBA team. He’s also a two-time NBA champion with the 1982-83 Philadelphia 76ers and the 1993-94 Houston Rockets.

"“This is a long time coming to honor Earl with this great moment of appreciation for everything he has done, as a Titan, as a professional and, more importantly, as a great member of the community,” said Director of Athletics Robert C. Vowels Jr. in a release. “His career speaks for itself, helping get the Titans back to the NCAA Tournament and then as a member of two NBA championship teams, but his work in the community and his commitment to earn his college degree speaks to his high morals.”"

As an ambassador for the game of basketball in the city of Detroit, and the great work he does with the Pistons in the community, it’s sure to be a special night. One where he hopes people visit Calihan Hall on Thursday.

Next. Pistons top 30 moments in franchise history. dark

The Pistons are off on Thursday while in the middle of a four-game homestand that tips off on Wednesday.

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