The sign on St. Cecilia's Church in Detroit reads "Sports Capital of Detroit."

If one judges the structure by the surrounding abandoned buildings, one would ignore a true Detroit institution.

For nearly 40 years, the area's best basketball players have hit the hardwood in the crammed facility. In the top league, professional and college players compete on the same teams. There are no pick-up games.

The list of players who have graced the hallowed floor reads like a list of the state's best: George Gervin, Magic Johnson, Antoine Joubert, Chris Webber, Jalen Rose.

And it's still the place to be for top Detroit players.

"(Kids) hear about it once they're younger, and they always want to play there," said sophomore DeShawn Sims, a Detroit native who realized that same dream of playing at

St. Cecilia's.

And as Michigan coach John Beilein works to build the school's basketball program back to national relevance, Sims believes the resurgence will rely on recruits who come out of St. Cecilia's high school programs and the rest of Detroit.

The Ceciliaville summer league program is just one component of what Sims said he would do to take full advantage of the rich Detroit recruiting base.

The other part is becoming a recognizable presence at basketball games, something Sims and freshman and Detroit native Manny Harris have personally done.

"Just go down there and see them," Sims said. "Show them that you're interested in them as players, not by sending them letters or phone calls. Show up to the game. They like to see a familiar face."

Last week, Sims went to Detroit to watch his high school Detroit Pershing play University of Detroit Jesuit High in a state tournament game. Sims watched 2009 Michigan commit Jordan Morgan go against his alma mater. With Sims's busy schedule, he's only been able to attend a few games this season.

But when he goes, people in Detroit admire him.

"We're still young, so the kids that we played with are in high school," Sims said. "And they kind of would listen to us and look to us for advice. And we try and get them to come to Michigan."

As much as Sims speaks fondly about Michigan in his hometown, Wolverine success with the new system will get top talent to seriously consider Michigan. Beilein's unique offense is not a style many Detroit high schoolers are familiar with.

"Once people see that it can work, seeing that we're making it work, (will change the misperception)," Sims said.

Next year's recruiting class currently features two out-of-state recruits that fit into Beilein's offense - a shooter from Indiana and a big man from upstate New York.

Beilein pins the lack of instate commitments on a down year in the state of Michigan.

"Just this year, with the talent that was there in specific spots wasn't our need," Beilein said.

With a strong class coming out of Michigan in 2009, chances are Beilein will spend more time around Ceciliaville.