Saint Louis Basketball: Analyzing newcomers on the 2020-21 roster

Phillip Russell

Phil Russell is the best story of the recruiting class and saved the best for last. The St. Louis native and recent graduate of Vashon high-school and legendary local coach Tony Irons, Phillip had at one point committed to SEMO before a coaching change last fall. Phil had other D1 offers from schools like Valparaiso, Kansas City, and Milwaukee.

But the 5’10” guard decided to walk on at Saint Louis.

Russell is not a typical walk-on. He would have been a scholarship player had there been another one available or graduating a year later. But the math didn’t work out for him. He decided he wanted in on the #TeamBlue environment and made a personal sacrifice to do so. He is making a “bet on yourself” move.

SLU is clearly the highest tier school of any Russell had been attached to, despite SLU’s mutual interest. It will take a lot to prove himself and earn playing time in a loaded roster of guards.

To the benefit of Russell, the type of game he plays is unique to the roster. With only fellow guard (and cousin) Yuri Collins being a similar player, in that they are true point guards. While the team has plenty of guards, none have the vision, passing, or handling that Yuri or him does.

Last season Yuri Collins was a necessary piece in driving the offense, earning himself an all-rookie nod by the end of the year. When he was off the floor, his presence was notable as the other guards on the team, while talented, simply do not run an offense from the 1 as he does. It’s just not their game. Russell may provide a spell to Yuri as a true backup floor general.

Solid newcomer class overall for Saint Louis

In Travis Ford’s tenure at SLU, he has been marred year after year with circumstances and situations that have led to his teams never quiet having the years they are supposed to. Mid-season exits, pandemics, injury crises. Now in his 5th year, he has put it all together. He has the depth to compete and build upon his long-term plan.

The program’s goals are to elevate themselves to the prestige that other “high-end mid-majors” enjoy. Butler, Marquette, Gonzaga, etc. All programs the Bills see themselves as having the resources to be in the conversation with annually.

This isn’t the class to put them over the top, but in addition to the last three classes and what may be on the horizon for 2021-2022, this is the perfect bridge class to insure the future while adding for the present.