The first thing that really stood out when I examined the career of overseas rookie Phillip Russell (178-PG-1999, college: VCU) was that he had balled at not 1 not 2 and not even 3 NCAA schools, but at 4. That is something that is extremely rare. But then after closer inspection, something else became rather interesting to me right away and that was that he had balled at Vashon High School in St louis. Since I have covered thousands and thousands of players in my life, remembering high schools isn´t actually simple, but with Vashon it was. Simply because I covered former Skyliner Jimmy Mckinney very closely for years when he balled in Germany and I just remember him being a stand out player there. The school´s most famous sports alumni has to be the boxing brother champs Michael and Leon Spinks and ex NBA player Elston Turner. Mckinney was never as famous as them, but he had a great career there and overseas as he began his overseas career almost 19.5 years ago. Russell not only won a high school title at Vashon like Mckinney did, but also played for him and will never forget him. “I have a close relationship with Jimmy McKinney. He was my high school coach he’s a wonderful role model for me. I was not aware that he began his career in Germany that’s sweet”, stressed Phillip Russell. Ex Jimmy Mckiney student Phillip Russell is playing his rookie season overseas in Germany with the Bozic Estriche Knights Kirchheim and loves sharing the ball and seeing everybody eat.

The guard who lists Muhammad Ali as his GOAT and current Phoenix Sun Jalen Green as his toughest cover in the NCAA was born on Feb 2, 1999 in St Louis, Missouri. As a senior at Vashon he averaged 15.7ppg, 4.5apg, 2.8rpg and won a HS MSHSAA Missouri Class 3 title in 2019. He began his NCAA career at Saint Louis University (NCAA) averaging 2.1ppg, 1.1apg during Covid. He only played 8 games. Even if he hardly played, the experience was a part of his journey that prepared him for his next steps. “The experience was wonderful I learned a lot just sitting down & watching. And it also brought a hunger to me that will never go away”, warned Phillip Russell. His journey then continued at Southeast Missouri State University (NCAA) where he played 2 seasons averaging 13.4ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 73.3% and 18.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 5.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 79.9%. He made a big jump in his game. He was so fortunate being able to play for Brad Corn. “He was the main key just trusting me allowing me to make mistakes my first year not giving up on me. And just trusting me in running the show. He saw the work that was put it in during offseason and we just had that sit down before the year & came to an agreement”, remembered Phillip Russell. He turned into a lethal NCAA scorer scoring in double figures in 53 of 63 games and had 37 point explosions against UALR, 35 points against SIUE and 30 points against Tennessee State. He also went to the bIg Dance for the first time beating Tennessee Tech to win the OVC title. He continued to be hungry for new challenges and then played a season at the University of Texas at Arlington (NCAA) averaging 14.9ppg, 1.9rpg, 4.4apg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 84.6%. This was another huge step in his basketball development. “It built my character & helped me look in the mirror”, remembered Phillip Russell. There he scored in double figures in 16 of 22 games and had 30 points against SF Austin and 28 points against the Air Force. He wasn´t done yet as he moved on one more time and played a season at Virginia Commonwealth University (NCAA) for Ryan Odom averaging 10.3ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 81.3%. He won the Atlantic 10 title beating GMC and then played at March Madness losing to BYU. “It was a great season. I had so much fun and it showed me what winning can do for you. Coach Odom told me he can trust me & bet on myself”, said Phillip Russell who remembers beating Joe Bamisile in daily 1-1 battles. He scored 26 points against St Bonaventure and 25 points against Loyola, Il.

The 178cm point guard who lists Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Kyrie Irving on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is playing his rookie season with the Bozic Estriche Knights Kirchheim. Even if he is a rookie, he has brought so much experience having played at 4 different schools in the NCAA. “I do not feel like a rookie. I’ve been playing this game my entire life I know that I’m ready to make an impact right away & lead to the best of my ability”, stated Phillip Russell last summer. He found eye to eye last summer with players coach Igor Perovic when he first had contact. “The talks went wonderful with coach Igor Perovic. He told me what it was straight forward and what he needed from me in the offseason I appreciate most of him taking a chance on me as I start my rookie career”, said Phillip Russell. Currently Kirchheim is battling for a playoff spot as it is resting in 7th place with a record of 9-7. Despite being a rookie, he has displayed his leadership skills early on. He also has needed no adjustment period as he is averaging 17,1ppg, 2,6rpg, 3,6apf and 1,1spg while shooting a very respectable 40% from the parking lot. He is a player that loves to create and compares his game to defensive minded NBA player Jose Alvarado and can just do so much at both ends. “Versatility is huge in my game. I’m big on winning & I feel sharing the ball seeing everybody eat brings a team closer”, expressed Phillip Russell. This season he has scored in double figures in 14 of 16 games and struck 20 points or more 5 times including 29 points in a win against Artland and 23 points a piece against Cologne and Turbingen. Another big part of his game is his three point shooting. He averaged 36% in his last 3 NCAA seasons and wants to continue to develop overseas. “I will continue to put my trust in God & also getting up a lot of reps on my downtime”, said Phillip Russell. He also sees a lot of potential in his defense and knows exactly what needs to be worked on most in the lab. “I feel I’m a good defender I take pride in my defense. I can always improve & I will. I have to become dead eye from 3 & take care of the ball better”, warned Phillip Russell. It will be interesting to see how Kirchheim´s quest for the playoffs and how Russell´s game will continue to develop. One thing is for sure Jimmy Mckinney will continue to be proud of him.