Lakehead University Athletics is pleased to announce the commitment of Venzal Russell (Detroit, MI) to attend Lakehead University and suit up for the varsity men’s basketball program. Russell is a 6’2” wing who recently graduated from Vermillion Community College in Ely, Minnesota.
Coach Scott Morrison feels Russell will add versatility to the returning lineup this season; “We expect Venzal to make an immediate contribution to the team on both ends of the floor. He is going to add to our transition game and give us a flexible match-up on the defensive end.”
Russell is coming off a stand-out junior college career which saw him named a NJCAA Division 3 All-American. He broke onto the national scene for the first time in 2009 recording Vermillion’s first quadruple double with a 23 point, 12 rebound, 11 assist and 11 steal performance versus Mesabi Range. At Detroit’s Dearborn Heights Robichaud High School, Russell was a two sport star that set school records for rushing yards and touchdowns while playing quarterback.
Legendary Vermillion head coach Paul MacDonald believes his latest product will prove to be a solid pick-up by the Thunderwolves: “Venzal Russell will be a fine addition to the Lakehead program. He is an outstanding player who loves t ocompete. This JUCO All-American will fit in nicely with his athletic style of play.”
Russell is the second recruiting announcement for Lakehead this off-season. 6’1” guard Ben Johnson of Pictou, Nova Scotia will also transfer to Lakehead from NCAA D2 Saint Rose College in New York. An announcement on Johnson’s commitment was made in June.
