Brandon University Athletics

Marvin Russell has a special place in Bobcat history after playing a vital role in Brandon University's run of three straight national titles in the late 1980s.
 
The Toronto, Ont. product displayed electrifying offensive talents at George Harvey High School where he was a three-time all-star.
 
He traded it all in for ultimate team success and carved out a knack for being a defensive wizard against the opposing team's top scorer.
 
The 1987 Great Plains Athletic Conference semi-final against the Manitoba Bisons is a glowing example where Russell was up to the task. He held all-star guard Terry Garow to just two points as Brandon prevailed 73-67.
 
"We went into the game with defence being the key and Marvin did a tremendous job," coach Jerry Hemmings told the Brandon Sun.
 
The elusive 6-foot-2 guard could still dazzle on the scoresheet.
 
Russell recorded 15 points and eight rebounds as Brandon defeated the Bisons 86-74 for a program record 18^th consecutive victory in 1988.
 
"Marvin has a history of great games against Manitoba," said Hemmings.
 
In the final act of his Bobcat career, Russell had a flare for the dramatics in the 1989 national championship game. He inbounded the ball off the back of a Victoria Vikes' defender and scored a basket on the baseline.
 
Russell receives his first individual enshrinement after being honoured as a team member into the BU Sports Wall of Fame; Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame and the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame.
 
Russell returned home to Toronto to serve as a youth outreach worker. He also spent over a decade as a basketball referee.