By Michael Canfarotta
Tyshawn Russell, of Brooklyn College, has put together an impressive basketball career over the last four years with the Bulldogs, massing just over 1,000 points, as well as 203 rebounds, 172 assists and 134 steals.
The Jamaica resident eclipsed the 1,000-point plateau Jan. 4 against York College in a 77-75 win.
There is more to Russell, however, than just scoring a ton of points and winning CUNY Athletic Conference titles.
It all goes back to his days at Holy Cross high school, where he starred on the basketball and football teams, but his life wasn’t all about sports.
“What was great about [Holy] Cross was the sports were a non-factor to the faculty and the principal. They were a second,” said Russell.
His experience in Flushing prepared him for life, and not just athletics.
When it came time to choose a school to continue his education and athletic career, Brooklyn College was an easy choice. Holy Cross basketball Coach Paul Gilvary had a good relationship with Coach Steve Podias at Brooklyn College, and the rest was history.
Russell helped the Bulldogs to CUNYAC titles in his freshman and sophomore year. His game has developed since those early days. He is now not only the defensive stopper, but has incorporated an offensive swag and knack for finding the basket.
Furthering his all-around game, Russell is one of three captains this year on the team and he doesn’t take his title lightly. He helps the young players to stay strong mentally and not get discouraged. He encourages them to use their anger to get better instead of moping around and getting worse.
“When I see them, it motivates me because I think of the first two years when I was here and the problems I was going through,” said Russell.
Those problems have largely evaporated. When the magic moment finally came and the 1,000-career point fell into the hoop, Russell had an unexpected reaction: He was just ready to get the game going again, despite the fact that he was waiting to reach the tremendous milestone from the end of the previous season.
The 2011-12 Bulldogs feature a balanced offensive attack, which also includes junior Kavon Baker and senior Amil John. The team is 8-2 overall on the season and 2-0 in the CUNYAC. Russell not only plans on capturing his third conference title, but making a deep run in the Division III NCAA National Tournament.
There is no lack of confidence that goal can be accomplished.
“If anyone is going to stop us, it’s going to be our self, we feel that we are the most talented team,” said Russell.
Looking back on his successful career, Russell had a chance to reflect on what basketball has done for him and the importance of playing the sport.
“Every year there has been that one time when you question yourself, if this is what you want to do,” said Russell. “Every year I fight through it no matter what problems I have.”
