University of Dayton basketball star Trey Landers has become a symbol of Dayton’s resilience.
When he was a child, his father was killed in a shooting on Salem Avenue. Last summer, he was in the Oregon District and ran for his life when a mass shooter opened fire. But this past Saturday, he played in front of thousands of cheering fans during UD’s last home game, completing a remarkable regular season.
A sold-out UD Arena cheered Trey Landers and fellow senior Ryan Miksell before the game. Mikesell struggled through his own adversity during his time at UD, working his way back from multiple surgeries.
During his senior speech, Mikesell told the crowd about Head Coach Anthony Grant’s role in his rehab.
“When I found out I had to have two hip surgeries, I’d just met Coach Grant. I didn’t know how he was going to react,” Mikesell said. “As soon as I told him, he accepted the fact. He kept his patience, and he worked with me. I’m very grateful for him and the whole staff.”
And, while he’s not a senior, star player Obi Toppin has likely played his last game at UD Arena, too. He’s expected to enter the NBA draft and hear his name called early.
If it was his last Dayton home game, Toppin didn’t disappoint. He wowed the crowd with signature dunks, spinning around in the air for one and going between-the-legs for another on back-to-back scores.
Toppin had seven dunks during the game, on his way to 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.
The Flyers won the game. It was their 20th straight win, and they’re undefeated in their conference. Now, they head to Brooklyn for the A-10 Tournament. Then, it’s on to the NCAA Tournament.
An hour after the game, Trey Landers was standing outside in the cold, signing autographs for a gaggle of young fans in baby blue Dayton Flyers jerseys.
“I’m going to miss it,” Landers said, reflecting on the last home game of his college career. “I’m a city kid. I want to do the best I can to represent my city. I feel like I’ve done a good job, but I know there’s much more to be done. I’m just thankful to be where I am and be where I’m from.”
