Robert Russell '24 Recruiting Profile

“I don’t make excuses, I make plays” is something that I’ve lived by for some years now. This quote is huge in how I play on the court and how I handle myself when I’m out there. It means that instead of making excuses about a mistake, missed shot, getting ripped, or fouling an opponent, I don’t dwell on it, I forget about it and move on to the next play. The game goes on and there are still multiple plays to be made. This leaves me no time to worry about what happened in the past. For me, this quote also has a lot to do with life in general. Instead of making excuses about a bad grade on a test or not getting all of my chores done, I do something about it. Doing something about it means that I figure out what I need to change so I am able to put in extra time to study when I know I have a test coming up. It means I manage my free time better and don’t procrastinate when it’s time to do chores. I just get them all done so I don’t have to worry about catching up on them later.

I use this quote to keep myself motivated, it reminds me that I have to move on from the past and always live in the present. This prevents me from feeling like I could’ve done more in any situation. If I play my best and I know I played to my fullest ability and certain things just didn’t go my way, I can live with that. I have this quote over my bed so that it is the first thing I see when I wake up. It is my immediate reminder that excuses won’t get me anywhere. I must be an active participant in the changes I want to make. 

My love for the game of basketball is something that I’m really passionate about. To me I’m not just playing basketball, I am doing what I love and I’d rather do that than anything else. Basketball helps me in many ways. It’s more than just getting on a court and playing a game or working out with my trainer. Basketball is my stress reliever; I look at it as my therapist. Whenever I’m feeling down about something, I always  find my way back to basketball. Getting shots up outside on my hoop is the main stress reliever for me. I just zone out, and It’s almost like I’m in my own world. Just me on an island, nothing and no one else. Just me, the ball, and the rim. Then after that all of the sudden I’m feeling myself again. I love basketball for the things it has done for me. Basketball has allowed me to travel all over the country and meet so many new people. I’ve met some of the greats to ever play, made new friends, and built unbreakable bonds with coaches and trainers. Basketball has allowed me to be a part of competitive club teams where I played in out of state tournaments and invitation only camps. Both experiences allowed me to showcase my skills and leave a remarkable impression on coaches and even my peers. I will always remember these places, specific plays, and even where the camp/tournament was held. This is all because of basketball itself. I wouldn’t be able to say I went to the John Lucas camp in Houston, and that I played in the Bigfoot Nationals Tournament in Vegas if it weren’t for basketball. 

I’ve had some ups and downs with the game but I stuck with it and never left it. Basketball is me, that is who I am. The game has helped shape who I am as a person.