There are two reasons describing
David Jean-Baptiste "In A Word" lands on engaged. The general term used was involved, but the connotations of engaged made more sense.
On the one hand, involved gives you the feeling someone includes something in their lives. Engaged takes it two or three steps further providing a picture of someone not so much inclusive as making something the very fabric of their life.
On the other hand, we liked the shock value of the word engaged. He's not getting married, but he is intimately involved with his campus which is difficult when balancing all that goes into being a student-athlete.
What groups outside of basketball is he engaged in? There's InterVaristy, an urban initiative Christ fellowship. He's also involved with the SGA (Student Government Assoc.) and SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) as well as the NAACP.
But what is he most passionate about? Weekly visits to Orchard Knob Middle School to speak and have lunch with kids every Friday he can.
"It's an at-risk school," David shared. "Hopefully I can give them an example of what can be. I feel like, as an African-American student-athlete, it's important to provide that example and be there to help them along (in life) in any way I can."
It does not go unnoticed by his teammates.
"You see him everywhere around campus," junior college transfer
Rod Johnson added. "In the UC, academic halls...he's involved in a lot. He's a SAAC leader. When you ask about him from other student organizations, they all know him (and his impact).
"He puts in a lot of outside hours people don't see. As much as he's out there and involved on campus, he puts in twice as much work when it comes to us."
Jean-Baptiste is an Athletic Director's Honor Roll student along with being the most experienced member of the team in a Mocs uniform. His development since coming to Gig City in 2016 led to becoming a key member of the Haitian National Tram at the 2018 FIBA AmeriCup Caribbean Cup pre-qualifier.
"It's tremendous what Dave is doing,"
Jerry Johnson, Jr., said. "He's making his grades, putting in his work with basketball and still finds time to have a social life being involved with several organizations. It's mind-blowing. I've never seen anything like it.
"I've never seen anyone as committed to what he believes in. He's dedicated his time to make sure he's succeeding in everything he does."
Engaged: involved in activity (occupied, busy); greatly interested (committed); being in gear (meshed). Merriam-Webster
BASKETBALL TIPOFF EVENT
The Mocs men's and women's teams are hosting a get together in McKenzie Arena on Tuesday, October 30 at 6:30 p.m. It's an interactive program allowing young and old a chance to meet all of their Mocs and maybe even try their hand at displaying their own hoops abilities. There are game and skill stations managed by the student-athletes covering knockout, free throws and dribbling. Artists can render their interpretations of the players along with photo and autograph areas as well.
More info here.
TICKETS
Season tickets are on sale now. They can be
purchased on GoMocs.com or by calling (423) 266-MOCS. Fans can also stop by the Gate 1 ticket office at McKenzie Arena.
Full season tickets range from $90-190 for lower-level reserved through upper-level general admission.
| Seat Type |
Season Ticket |
| *Padded Reserved |
$190 |
| 100 Level Reserved |
$165 |
| 200 Level Reserved |
$165 |
| 200 Level Corner |
$135 |
| 200 Level End Zone |
$105 |
| 300 Level GA |
$90 |
*Mocs Club Donation Required
UTC faculty/staff season tickets are offered at a reduced rate. Faculty/staff members should stop or call the McKenzie Arena ticket office for more information or to purchase.
GoMocs.com is the official website of the Chattanooga Mocs. Buy officially licensed gear in our online store. The Mocs can also be followed on their official Facebook page or on Twitter. Find out how to join the UTC Mocs Club and support more than 300 student-athletes by clicking here.
