Russell: Best Performance of My Life

Lopes View provides GCU's student-athletes a platform to express their lives through stories within their sport, academic studies and community outreach.

GCU student-athlete DeWayne Russell is a member of the GCU men's basketball program. In the biggest game GCU has played in since being a member of Division I, Russell scored a career-high 42 points at home against Louisville. It was the second most points a player has ever scored against the Cardinals. The graduate senior reflects on his performance in front of a record-breaking GCU Arena crowd.

DEWAYNE RUSSELL / BASKETBALL

O n the biggest stage I've ever played, I wanted to deliver a good performance. It turned out to be the performance of my life and three days later my life has been a whirlwind. I have had over 100 text messages since Saturday night's game against Louisville and the overwhelming support from friends and family has been very humbling. From the craziest crowd, to the comments Rick Pitino said about my play, to the reaction on social media has been great--not just for me and our program but for the university. This is another step to put GCU on the map.

Before the game, Coach Dan Majerle sat us down in the locker room and told us just to play with no fear and to havee no regrets when the game was over. When I stepped onto the court, there was a feeling in the air that was unlike any other game. I was nervous, but also at the same time I was excited because I wanted the chance to prove that we can go toe-to-toe with one of the best programs in the country.

We have said it for years that we have one of the best student sections in the country and Louisville got a first-hand experience of what it's like to play in front of the GCU Havocs. Right before tip-off when the Havocs started going crazy, it gave me a jolt and made me even hungrier to get a win for our school. There are so many people on this campus that care for us and want to see us succeed. When they come out and support like they did on Saturday night, it makes us want to play even harder for Lope Nation.

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Russell drives the lane against Louisville's Quentin Snider (Photo/Darryl Webb)

I felt good all throughout the day and had a good workout with coach TJ Benson leading up into the game but once the game started, everything began to click. I was so locked in on trying to win the game that I didn't realize I was scoring that many points. It wasn't until towards the end of the game where I noticed I was near 40 points. My legs are tired, I'm playing every minute but when I hear coach Majerle pushing me, my teammates continuing to fight and the Havocs are on their feet the entire game, you quickly forget how tired you are and you continue to fight because that is the only way we play here at GCU.

All I wanted to do is fight for my team and do whatever I can to help the team win. It is truly humbling to hear coach Rick Pitino talk about my game the way he did. I see his comments and see reporters talk about how well I played but my whole mind set was to give everything I had for my team. It doesn't matter to me how much I score, coach Majerle has just instilled a mindset into our team that we need to be selfless and find ways to get a win in any way we can.

He nice https://t.co/mCO5Cicyqx
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) December 5, 2016

The response on social media has been crazy because I have people all across the country telling me what a special performance that was and they have never seen anything like that before. To do it in front of my family is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.

It became surreal when I was on Twitter and one of my favorite basketball players Damian Lillard even tweeted about me and that means so much to me. I couldn't believe it when I saw the tweet and I texted coach Benson asking if he saw it because it was the ultimate compliment because he is why I wear the number zero. I saw Lillard play at Weber State and I once played in the Big Sky Conference, just like him and that is someone I look up to. He proves that you can chase your dreams and prove doubters wrong by playing professional basketball no matter what school you come from. It is such a small gesture but it means to world to me.

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Louisville head coach Rick Pitino shakes hands with Russell at the end of the game. (Photo/Darryl Webb)

I can't thank the Havocs enough because the crowd is what makes our team great and without them we wouldn't be where we are today. Not only did we show that we can play on the big stage, but the Havocs proved that they are the best student section in the country. People outside of Phoenix don't believe us, but Coach Pitino, who is in the Hall of Fame, said it himself. The game wouldn't have been as close if it wasn't for them and I can't thank them enough.

I was blessed enough to get my senior year back and I plan on making the most of every opportunity. GCU is a special place and I was not ready to leave. Coach Majerle has not only made me a better player but a better person and I want to deliver a WAC Championship to GCU. That has been our goal from day one and Louisville was another step in the process. It was a night I will never forget but the great part is we get to showcase off our teams and our fans against San Diego State.

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Grand Canyon University Athletics

Players Mentioned

DeWayne Russell

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