by TYLER HATHAWAY
Former McQuaid standout and Rochester native Isaiah Stewart opened the 2025-26 NBA season on a strong note on Wednesday night. The sixth-year center scored 20 points, had 10 rebounds and blocked four shots as the Detroit Pistons fell to the Chicago Bulls 125-121 . Stewart played 25 minutes off of the bench, was a team-high +8, and was second on the Pistons in scoring.
Stewart was 8-of-14 from the floor, and knocked down a pair of three-pointers. The long ball was something he had mentioned in the offseason that he wants to re-incorporate into his repertoire.
“I feel like bringing in that three ball could help us. It’s something that coach has spoke to me about,” Stewart said earlier in the week. “I feel like it’s a weapon. Obviously two seasons ago I shot almost 40 from three ball so I feel like it’s a weapon. Especially when we play against certain teams. I look forward to bringing that back.”
Despite the effort from Stewart, the Pistons fell short due in part to a bad first quarter in which they trailed 35-19 at the end of it. Detroit outscored Chicago 32-21 in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough.
“We waited too long to turn it on,” Stewart told reporters postgame. “If we play with that kind of intensity and that kind of defense from the start of the game, it’s a whole different ball game.”
Stewart is one of three players from Section V to currently be on an NBA roster. Thomas Bryant (Bishop Kearney) signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers in July, and Jalen Pickett (Aquinas) is currently with the Denver Nuggets. Nate Williams (UPrep) is set to join the Los Angeles Lakers G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
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