Mentorship equals success, especially in the world of basketball. The guidance and support provided by a skilled mentor can turn a group of individuals into a great, high performing team. This is shown by the varsity basketball team at South Bronx Preparatory, under the leadership of Coach Paul Campbell. Since 2008, Campbell has been a driving force at the school, shaping young athletes both on and off the court
The impact of Campbell’s mentorship on the team is clear and players who have been a part of the team long term can attest to this. Jayden Brito, a junior, confirms the transformative power of Campbell’s guidance. “He’s always gonna be real with you and push you to be your best,” Brito explains. “He’s like a second father to me and most of the other people on the team”. This close heartfelt relationship between coach and players forms the foundation of the team’s success.
The results of Campbell’s mentorship are evident in the growth of his players. Those who have been on the team for three years report significant increases in confidence and skill. Brito reflects on his journey: “At first, I didn’t have much confidence in my abilities, but with Campbell’s help, I am more confident than ever and I am continuing to grow as long as he is by my side”.
Campbell’s influence does not just stop at basketball techniques. Campbell’s approach to mentorship goes far beyond the basketball court. “It starts in the classroom,” he explains. “Being involved with them academically, having study halls, checking in with teachers about their progress – it’s all part of building strong relationships”. This comprehensive approach that Campbell uses ensures that his players develop not just as athletes, but as well rounded people in general. Campbell has proven time and time again that he truly cares for the well being of his players and team because at the end of the day, they are all family. As Brito notes, “A lot that I learned from basketball is from him, every trick, every technique, everything that I use when I’m on that court has come from Campbell”. This in depth mentorship has created a team culture where players support each other both on and off the court.
As I sat down with Fahim Adika, another junior basketball player who has been a member of the team since his freshman year, his passion for the game was immediately evident. “His mentorship has been everything for me, he’s more than just a coach to me, he’s family.” Adika shared, thinking back on his journey with the team. He highlighted how the guidance from Campbell during his early years of playing basketball shaped his approach to the sport, explaining that the support and leadership he received as a freshman up until now has directly contributed to his current success on and off the court. His growth throughout the years just goes to show how the cycle of mentorship continues to drive his performance and commitment to the sport.
The 2024-2025 basketball season has proved the strength of this mentorship. The team remained undefeated until a narrow 53-54 loss against Kipp College Prep. However, true to the resilience imbedded in them by their coach, they bounced back with a 58-54 victory over Fannie Lou on January 17, 2025. This comeback illustrates a very big and important lesson in Campbell’s mentorship: one failure does not define you.
The success of South Bronx Preparatory’s basketball team is a clear indicator of the power of effective mentorship. In Campbell’s own words, “Helping kids is the best part. Being able to be a mentor or leader is amazing. Being able to help them in many different aspects and be someone they can look up to, to help them navigate the journey of life – that’s what I love most about my job”. It’s this dedication that transforms good players into great athletes and, more importantly, shapes young individuals into successful adults. As they look to the future, the continued guidance of Coach Campbell promises even greater achievements. His commitment to his players’ success, both in basketball and in life, sets a standard for mentorship that transcends the sport. Go Cougars!
