Michael Campanella Russell became “Campy” in his first year at Pontiac Central High School (Pontiac, Michigan) by a local sportswriter. Campy begins his 22nd season with the Cleveland Cavaliers as the Director of Alumni Relations. In this position, he engages former Cavs players and connects them with our organization and fans. Through his efforts, alumni are active in the community and at Cavaliers home games. Cavalier Legends interact with fans, make special presentations, are part of selected ceremonies and events, and participate in charitable fundraising.

Additionally, he provides analysis on the Bally Sports Ohio pregame and postgame show, “Cavaliers Live” after spending three seasons as the team’s broadcast analyst on WUAB TV 43 Cavaliers pregame and postgame show. 

Russell was inducted into the Cavaliers Wall of Honor Class of 2022, along with Gordon Gund, Lenny Wilkens, and World B. Free. He played 10 years in the NBA; 7 with the Cavs (1974-75 to 1979-80 and 1984-85).  He was an NBA All-Star in 1979. He also played 3 seasons with the New York Knicks from 1980-83 and led the league in three-point field goal percentage (.439) in 1981-82 season. Russell was named to the Cavaliers’ All-Time Team and remains in the Cavs’ all-time Top 10 in 6 categories. 

Campy Russell entered the 1974 NBA Draft after his junior year at the University of Michigan under the hardship clause.  He was the 8^th pick in the first round.  In 2002, after a stellar NBA career, he rejoined the Cavaliers as the team’s Outer Market Events Specialist, a position involving sales, community relations and youth basketball programs. In 2004 he championed the Cavaliers Annual Black Heritage Celebration, one of the most comprehensive cultural celebrations in the NBA. 

In 2014, he was inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014. He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award by Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation (BPACF) in 2019.  This year, 2024 Campy was inducted into the American Basketball Hall of Fame.

Russell is an alumnus of the University of Michigan, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in sports management and communications in 2000. He is a member of the University’s Hall of Honor. He and his wife (Robyn) have 5 adult children, daughters, Oyin, Mandisa, Saki and Allex, son, Michael II and are the proud grandparents of 15 grandchildren!