In his sophomore year of high school, Russell Byrd had offers from Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan State and plenty of others to play basketball. He chose MSU and entered as the 20th ranked player at his position.
Byrd was back in East Lansing to train for the NBA Draft, according to the sports agency representing him.
Unfortunately for Byrd, injuries prevented him from performing to his capabilities. He underwent three surgeries on his left foot, which sidelined him for several games and changed the way he played.
After a disappointing three years as a Spartan, Byrd decided to transfer to The Master’s College in California to play basketball. As a senior, he was able to receive plenty of playing time and emerged as a leader for his team.
“I needed minutes. I needed time on the court. I needed experience to make up for the years that I lost. I knew that this was an environment that allowed me to do this. It was a brand new coach with eight new players,” Byrd said.
In his single season there, he led the team in scoring with 19.6 points per game, averaging 8.3 rebounds per game and had nine double-doubles.
Off the court, Byrd is married to Klarissa Bell, who also played basketball for MSU, and together they have a daughter named Addison. Having a child and being married while still a student has forced Byrd to mature and gain experiences many don’t have until a later age.
“It forces you to be more responsible, more mindful, more level-headed. It’s a crash-course in growing up. I’m grateful that we’re where we are. Family is the No. 1 thing in my life now.”
Moving forward, Byrd has been training hard and working out this past year in order to prepare for the NBA Draft this June.
“It’s always been my dream, and that’s what I’ll pursue as long as I can. My game has evolved. I’m not just a shooter now,” Byrd said.
When asked what NBA player he resembles, he responded by saying he is trying to be the best Russell Byrd he can be. Comparing himself to others is not in his best interest, and he plans on worrying about the things he can control — not things out of his hands.
“I’m doing whatever I can to prepare to handle whatever can come my way. When you feel prepared for something, you feel confident in what you’re doing,” Byrd said.
A good amount of his struggle at MSU was due to him lacking the mental toughness to handle the tough crowds and media scrutiny he underwent. However, after a year at The Master’s College and a lot of time to mature, Byrd has gained plenty of confidence and is determined to show it at the next level.
“There (are) some opportunities to make some noise (in the NBA). That’s what I’ve been preparing for all year.”
