David Jean Baptiste Earning the Label of ‘Mr. Moc’ With Long UTC Career

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF-TV) – The University of Tennessee Chattanooga was founded in 1886. Couple of years later and David Jean Baptiste arrived on campus. While that’s a bit of a stretch, it just seems like the Mocs guard has been around UTC forever. He actually showed up in 2016, and he has been terrorizing the SoCon ever since. This year Baptiste is averaging 14.5 points a game.

When DJB shows up to play…opponents are like… how is he still at UTC?

Said Baptiste: “Yeah. Oh yeah. They’re always looking at me. Oh, you’re still here? Can’t wait till you leave. So it’s all fun. It’s all fun.”

Reporter: “Do they call you like Moses or anything or any kind of nickname?”

Said Baptiste: “Nickname. Not yet. Not yet. Maybe Sampson with the beard.” (chuckles)

Reporter: “Do you think these coaches realize you’re just a sophomore on the court?”

Said Baptiste: “Just a sophomore on the court?”

Reporter: “Well I was trying to make a joke.”

Said Baptiste: “Oh. (laughing) I ain’t kidding. I ain’t kidding.”

Baptiste’s experience is no joke, especially what it means to the team.

Said guard A.J. Caldwell: “He definitely has a calming presence. I think we all try to learn from him in that. He’s great to have around.”

Said head coach Lamont Paris: “Dave from a terminology standpoint knows more of my terminology than me at this stage in the game. There’s no question to it.”

Coach Paris says Baptiste may be the last of a dying breed in basketball.

Said Paris: “It’ll blow my mind if anyone ever has the type of career that David Jean Baptiste has had. There won’t be any guys that go. Can really contribute as a freshman, and a sophomore, and a junior, and a senior. I just don’t ever see it.”

Baptiste admits it will be hard seeing himself finally leave Chattanooga.

Said Baptiste: “Came here. I just turned 18 in May of 2016. So I just turned 18. Came to Chatt the first time. This city raised me. I think once it’s all said and done and hanging my jersey up. It’s going to be. It’s going to be a moment I think I’m going to cherish the rest of my life.”