Homecoming Hero: **Battle** Returns to ODU
**Jordan Battle**’s journey has taken him across the country, but now the Norfolk native is back where it all started: Old Dominion University. After stops in Utah and South Carolina, he’s ready to make an impact in his final year of eligibility.
From Football to Basketball
Growing up in Norfolk, **Jordan Battle** initially pursued football. However, the appeal of an indoor sport soon won him over. “I was originally a football player, believe or not,”
he said, recalling a particularly cold day that pushed him toward basketball.
His connection with ODU runs deep. “ODU was everything for me as a kid,”
**Battle** noted, remembering attending camps and dreaming of playing for the Monarchs. Now, that dream is a reality.
A Scoring Threat Returns
After a stellar high school career at Norfolk Collegiate, where he scored over 2,800 points, **Battle** ventured out west to Utah Valley, then Salt Lake Community College. Last season was spent at Coastal Carolina. But the pull of home was strong.
“I’ve been in Utah, I’ve been in South Carolina, so it was kind of far,”
**Battle** pointed out, highlighting the challenges his family faced traveling to his games. Now, they can easily cheer him on. According to the NCAA, the average cost for a family to attend an out-of-state game is over $1,000, creating a significant financial burden for many families (NCAA.org).
Coach’s Perspective
“One of the new guys coming in is someone that you guys saw and you watched him grow up,”
said head coach **Mike Jones**. “He is a Norfolk, Virginia, native. He is a 757 guy.”
**Jones** is impressed not only with **Battle**’s game, but also with his attitude. “He’s got an infectious energy about him,”
**Jones** remarked. “It never seems like he’s having a bad day, he’s loud, but good loud. The things that he’s saying you want him saying.”
Leadership and Energy
**Battle** describes himself as a tenacious, scoring, play-making guard. His energy sets him apart. “As a kid, I wasn’t better than everybody so I always had to do something that was different,”
**Battle** noted. “That’s what made me different, having energy, and that’s kind of just stuck with me until now.”
He aims to be a leader by example, setting a high standard for his teammates. “Me being a great teammate, a great leader, being vocal, that will be everything for this team,”
**Battle** said. “I’m the type of person that wants to lead by example so if I’m on my P’s and Q’s, I see the rest doing the same.”
“He affects winning,”
**Jones** added. “He’s somebody who we’re going to rely on for a whole lot this year.”
Looking Ahead
Last season at Coastal Carolina, **Battle** averaged 12.8 points per game, showcasing his scoring ability. He also demonstrated his familiarity with ODU, scoring 20 points against them on February 28.
**Battle** and ODU tip off their season November 3 at Miami (Ohio).
