Mike Cade has made a smooth transition from Army to GTCC and college basketball

Mike Cade’s love of basketball lured him away from the U.S. Army to the classrooms and basketball court at Guilford Technical Community College. It’s turned out to be a beneficial move for both Cade and the Titans.

The 24-year-old Cade had competed in basketball leagues during his four years in the Army, but it left him longing for more.

“I wanted to play basketball outside of the military. I had played unit teams in the Army, but I wanted to try a shot at college ball,” said Cade.

Cade played high school hoops in Peoria, Ill., where he grew up. But he left all that behind when he joined the Army after graduating from high school.

He spent four years stationed at Fort Bragg, following in the footsteps of his grandparents and parents, all of whom served in the military.

“I grew up an Army brat,” said Cade.

When Cade made the decision to transition to civilian life, it was his mom who steered him toward GTCC. She had heard of the college while she was attending Fayetteville Technical Community College when she was stationed at Fort Bragg.

“My mom told me, ‘This is a nice school. If you want to start there, then you should try to walk onto the basketball team and try to get your degree as well’,” explained Cade.

He took her suggestion to heart. He enrolled at GTCC in January 2024, too late to try out for basketball that season, but it was an opportunity to get a start on his associate’s degree. Cade spent the time before fall tryouts honing his grades and court skills. When the time came to try out for the GTCC team, he was ready.

“Walk-on tryouts were September 20, 2024. Sixteen or so other guys tried out for walk-ons, too, and I was the only one who made the team,” said Cade. “Finding out I was the only one who made it was really an eye-opening experience.

“It was really surreal at first to be a walk on and play, and then you have to try not to get used to it … so you take it day-by-day and not take anything for granted.”

In high school, the 6–foot-3 Cade played several positions. At GTCC, though, he has been the team’s starting point guard and the team leader for almost two seasons. Currently, he is averaging 10 points per game with five assists.

“Mike advanced because he played really hard. His skill set stood out and we could tell that he had a solid understanding of the game,” said GTCC Basketball Coach and Athletic Director Kirk Chandler. “Mike is well-disciplined, he always listens, and he pays attention to detail.

“All of those traits, along with his commitment, were fine-tuned during his military experience. He can also adapt as needed, as he is able to play any position that we need,” Chandler added.

While Cade is a solid scorer, he believes playing point guard is all about leadership.

“To be a point guard, my goal is to get my teammates in the best position to succeed,” explained Cade. “Telling them where to be on the court or reminding them of something they forget … a little coaching on the court.”

Cade hopes to move on to a four-year college upon graduation from GTCC in May to pursue information technology. He also hopes to keep his hoop dreams alive.

“I would love to go to a four-year and pursue another degree,” he said. “And hopefully play basketball.”