Campy Russell Chat Transcript
February 4th, 2005
Former Cavalier Great Campy Russell is in his third year as the Outer Market Event Specialist for the team. Russell oversees "Community Nights" for fans outside the greater Cleveland area. The program is designed to give each community its own night at a Cavaliers game at Gund Arena. Russell also participates in fund-raising opportunities in local markets, including basketball clinics and speaking engagements. As a player, Russell was named to the Cavaliers'All-Time Team and averaged double-figures in scoring from 1975-1982.
Gavin (Ypsilanti, MI)): Hello Campy, I recently heard the story about how you went back and earned your college degree 30 years after you left early to join the NBA. What made you do that? And what was your major?
Campy Russell: It was important to my family that I went back. I have 5 kids that I talk a lot about getting the best education and I was being somewhat hypocritical about that since I did not have my degree. The fact that I didn't have one motivated me to go back and get my degree at University of Michigan. My major was Sports Management and Communications.
Lisa (Mayfield): Campy, I always get nervous when I have to do public speaking. I've watched you give some good speeches. Do you have any tips?
Campy Russell: The best advice I can give you is that you must be very knowledgeable in what you are going to speak about. It will give you more confidence about that subject.
Jim (Pontiac): Hey Campy, I remember back when you were a councilman here. Any chance you might get back into politics?
Campy Russell: Being in politics in Pontiac was a great experience for me, but I realized very quickly that the political arena did not fit my personality. So with that in mind, I would not get back into politics.
James Judge (Norwalk): Dear Campy, who was the most dominant player that you played against while you were with the Cavs?
Campy Russell: The most dominant player I played against whether it was on my team or against someone was Elmore Smith. I know that may go against some people's thoughts as a dominant player. He was one of the most dominant big men at the time he played.
Sean (Houston, TX): Is there a current NBA player who reminds you of yourself in your playing days?
Campy Russell: The player that has a similar game to mine that is currently playing is LeBron James in terms of having a lot of skill, a lot ot vision, being able to shoot the ball, pass the ball, and have an overall game. The difference is he is bigger, faster, and stronger than I was.
Kevin (Willard): Hi Campy. Can you tell what your best memory is from your playing days in Cleveland?
Campy Russell: The biggest memory is the Miracle of Richfield days. That was truly a great time in Cavaliers History. We had an outstanding team and won the division championship. We went on to play the Celtics in the Conference Finals and the biggest memory is that the fans were such a big part of our success and how they supported us back at the Coliseum back in those days.
Mike (Geneva): Hey Campy! You were awesome! Lots of good memories! Anderson Varejao was really playing well before he got injured, do you see him challenging Gooden for starting power forward by next year?
Campy Russell: Anderson and Gooden are both outstanding players. It's always good to have somone that pushing each other. The fact that Anderson is playing well gives us the chance to have a competitive team. I believe he can challenge him for that position because he brings an unknown quantity of effort to go after every ball. That unknown quantity will push Gooden into being a better player which in turn will help us become a better team.
rommette, baltimore m.d.: Was there more or less pressure on NBA players when you played the game?
Campy Russell: I think there is more pressure on today's players primarily because of the exposure they get on ESPN, TNT, ABC, etc. Consequently, you must be in a position to play better every night or you will get criticized.
Theo (Fullertown): When you played, did you try and maintain a healthy diet, or did you just eat whatever you wanted to?
Campy Russell: Back when I played I was a vegetarian at the time so I was very conscious about how much I ate, when I ate, and how often I ate.
Ron (Cleveland): Hi Campy. Other than Redd(Michael) and Allen(Ray), what other shooters would you like to see the Cavs make a play for?
Campy Russell: The player that I would pick if I had my choice is Joe Johnson from the Phoenix Suns. He is an outstanding player who has a total basketball game. He is a player pretty similar to LeBron in talent, but not as big, fast, and strong as LeBron. And he is an outstanding shooter.
Tom (Garfield Hts.): Why did you decide to return to Cleveland after you retired from the NBA?
Campy Russell: The Cleveland Cavaliers gave me an opportunity to work in the organization which I always wanted to do. The opportunity presented itself and I jumped at it. The best thing that ever happened to me. Thanks for attending today's chat. Hope to do it again sometime soon!
