COACH'S GAME BALL: Kerry Campbell

Head Men's Basketball Coach Bobby Collins chose the hometown kid Kerry Campbell as the recipient of this issue's Game Ball.

Campbell, a 5-foot-8-inch, 150-pound sophomore point guard, is from Winston-Salem and went to high school at Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy.

He's played in all 19 of the Rams' games this season (as of Jan. 31), and he started in three of them. The team is currently 11-8 overall and 6-3 in conference. Campbell is averaging 1.6 points, 1.4 assists and 0.7 steals, while playing just 12 minutes per game.

"He struggled a little bit earlier in the season, but since then, he's been very important and vital to the success of our team," Collins said.

"His energy and defense are his strongest attributes. He's the backup point guard, so he's been coming in and playing with a lot of energy, and he's been doing some great things for us."

The Rams have a strong starting five, but Coach Collins said that a deep bench is just as important.

"I can always count on Kerry. I know that every time I bring him in the game, he's going to give me intensity and effort. Whether we need to pick it up defensively or just execute better on offense, I know that with Kerry there, we can always go to the bench and get it."

Coach Collins said that Campbell has accepted his role and is doing very well within it, and he expects more from him as the season progresses.

"He has matured and grown into his position," Collins said.

"He is still improving, though. I'm looking for him to become even more demanding from the point guard position, but I've been very pleased with his play to this point."

Q: How long have you been playing basketball?

Campbell: I've been playing organized basketball since I was about four years old. I started playing at the YMCA when I was really young. My dad always loved basketball when he was growing up, so he put the ball in my hands at an early age. I've been dribbling a basketball since I was two (years old). That's probably why I can dribble so well now.

Q: What's your favorite part about playing?

Campbell: Everything. I just love the feeling of being in the game and in the zone. The atmosphere, especially here at Winston-Salem State, is like a high.

Q: What's it like playing college basketball so close to home?

Campbell: I like having my dad at the game. My parents come to every game. I also get a lot of support from my friends here in Winston that I grew up with. My peers that go here and are from here expect a lot out of me as well. I have a lot of critics too. It's a good thing and a bad thing. I have a lot to live up to.

Q: How has the season gone to this point?

Campbell: We started off kind of so-so, but the second half of the season will be much better. We've been improving, and we're getting better with each game. We're ready to win the conference championship and make a run at the national championship.

Q: Who's your favorite NBA player?

Campbell: I look up to Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers point guard). He's from Winston, and he plays my position. He's probably the best point guard in the game, and the fact that he's from Winston just makes me like him even more. Some of the stuff that he does is amazing. I watch him and try to model my game after him.

Q: What are your plans after WSSU?

Campbell: I'm an exercise science major, so I want to do something with therapy. I'm going to try to stay close to sports because I really love them. I might try to be a basketball trainer, a personal trainer or a therapist. No matter what I decide to do, I definitely want to be able to use my sports knowledge and background.