INSIDE
The University Daily KANSAN
January 19, 1984 Page 10
Jim McCrossen/KANSAN
Former Jayhawk basketball player Pierre Russell, above, showed he could still play the game during the Kansas Old Tims game last weekend. Below right, Russell watches his team win during a recent sophomore basketball game at Washington High School in Kansas City, Kan. Below center, Russell in Big Eight action during the 1970-'71 season against Oklahoma. Below, Russell instructs his sophomore team, now 4-2 on the season, during a timeout.
Story by GREG DAMMAN
Pierre Russell:
After completing college degree, former KU star begins a new life
Former KU basketball player Pierre Russell left Mount Oread in 1971 after four years of noteworthy accomplishments.
Russell was a three-year starter for the Jayhawks and was named second team all-Big Eight after both his junior and senior years. A captain on KU's 1971 Midwest Regional championship he finished his career in 6 place on the all-time KU rebounding chart.
His aggressive, all out style of play was familiar to all Jayhawk fans. The 1970-71 Jayhawk basketball media guide called Russell, "Extremely popular with Jayhawk fans, and highly respected by his teammates."
But one accomplishment Russell didn't leave with was a college degree.
He wasn't drafted by the National Basketball Association, but Russell was a 13rd round draft choice of the American Basketball Association Kentucky Colonels after his senior year expecting to make it in the big time when he pro basketball as a career.
"I believe that you should hustle on court at all times and that defense wins ball games," Russell said.
He coaches the sophomore team and has been successful so far, with a 42 record. An aggressive, hustling player in college.
'It wasn't until two years ago that I planned to come back, but I'm thankful that I did, even if it was after 11 years.'
Pierre Russell. Former Jayhawk basketball player
"The hardest part is trying to moid a team together and finding the right combination of players." Russell said. "Working with younger kids, it's hard because they don't know the fundamentals. But I enjoy working with them."
Russell also said that he had to adjust to the competitive difference between playing and coaching. And he's still not sure about that.
At first, Russell succeeded, making the team with the Colonels and playing for two years...
"I think I felt much better about it. I was more mature and I had a goal that I was working for." he said.
But he was an in-between player. At 6-foot-4 he was not tall enough to play forward, and he didn't have the outside shot to play guard. So after two seasons in the ABA, Russell found himself without a job.
Russell worked hard, this time not in Allen Field House but in the classroom, and last spring achieved his goal - graduating with a Master's degree.
For the next few years, Russell tried unsuccessfully to hook on with another pro team. He eventually gave up.
It paid off. Russell currently teaches physical education and is an assistant basketball coach at Washington High School in Kochi.
Russell had been a high school All-America at Waylandte High School in Kansas City, Kan., and returned to his hometown to look
"I mostly had odd jobs in the Kansas City area but nothing permanent," he said.
Russell enrolled at KU again in the fall of 1982 and began picking up courses that he needed for graduation. But this time his attitude was different.
While in the Army, Russell spent most of his time on military basketball teams playing games worldwide. He left the Army in
In 1976, he joined the Army. His son was born with cerebral palsy and Russell was interested in the medical benefits that the
"It wasnt until two years ago that I planned to come back, but I'm thankful that I did," he said, "even if it was after 11 years."
Realizing that he would go nowhere without a college degree. Russell began to think about returning to school.
Jim McCrossen/KANSAN
"I really can't say now," Russell said. "After this year I think I know if I'd like to stay high school or a college group."
As far as staying in school and getting a degree are concerned. Russell has some advice for today's college athletes.
*First of all, they should go to class and make their grades. They should set a goal in life, and if anything else, get their grades.*
Throughout Russell's college basketball career he worried little about academics. As a star player on a nationally ranked basketball team, his chances of success in professional basketball seemed good.
Russell's best season was his junior year, when he averaged 13.4 points and 9.7 rebounds a game. Following his junior year, he was given the annual Phog Allen Award which honors the team's outstanding player.
He proved it last Saturday in the annual Kansas Old Timer's篮球 game. Russell scored nine points to help the White Sox win.
His record wasn't as good his senior year, though He averaged 10.3 points and 7.8 rebounds a game. The Jayhawks made it to the
Russell was a versatile player who could play guard, forward or center. Although he didn't last long as a pro, Russell can still play well at the relatively old age of 34.
"I'm not in the best of shape," Russell said before the game,
"but most of the guys here are pretty old."
Russell is from the old school of basketball, learning the game from former Wyandotte coaching legend Walt Shublum, who preached hustle and defense. But Shublum wasn't the only person to influence Russell.
"Ted Owens was instrumental in my career as a basketball player." Russell said.
Having found out first hand the importance of an education, Russell said he tried to use his influence to teach his players the importance of academics.
By giving up his college degree for a career in pro basketball, Pierre Russell did what he wanted to do. But by returning to school and obtaining his degree, he's shown that there are also things that must be done.
File Photo
Jim McCrossen/KANSAN
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