Pontiac community ‘so grateful’ to be welcomed to Oakland men’s basketball game

Brock Heilig

On Saturday, February 25, the Oakland University men’s basketball team hosted the Northern Kentucky Norse for senior day at the O’rena. 

The Norse weren’t the only visitors in the O’rena on Saturday, though, as the Golden Grizzlies also hosted the Pontiac Community. Members of the community flocked to Oakland University to see a competitive basketball game but, more importantly, to feel a sense of belonging.

All Pontiac residents were given free entry into the O’rena for the final home game of the regular season for Oakland men’s basketball. 

“I’m really glad the OU community welcomed us here,” said 54-year-old Marvyn Latheef, a member of the community. “A lot of times I think Pontiac gets looked over because we aren’t rich, so I appreciate getting recognized.”

Many of OU’s surrounding communities are rather wealthy. Rochester Hills, Troy, West Bloomfield, Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills all rank on Ventured’s list of the 15 Richest Cities in Michigan.

However, as Latheef mentioned, Pontiac — another surrounding community of OU — doesn’t share the same luxuries. 

The five aforementioned wealthy cities combine for a median household income of $121,520, while according to MLive’s article on Michigan’s poorest cities, Pontiac is listed with a median household income of $33,006.

“I’m just so grateful that we were invited here,” 39-year-old Pontiac resident Dustin Tarmo said. “A lot of us work a lot and can’t make it to all the games, so for them to put this whole thing together is really nice, and it was great to see Lorne [Bowman] again.”

Lorne Bowman, a 6-foot-1 sophomore guard for the Golden Grizzlies, is a Pontiac native. He left home to play his freshman year of basketball at Wisconsin, but he transferred back home to play his sophomore year at Oakland.

“I grew up here,” Bowman said after the game. “These are my people, so to see them all come out and support us is really cool to see. I wish I would’ve had an opportunity like this when I was younger. It would’ve been like Disney World to me.”

All in all, it was a great experience for everyone involved. Oakland didn’t get the win, but the unity in the O’rena that day felt bigger than basketball.