Antonio Campbell finds himself as Ohio's season leader in points, rebounds and blocks just over halfway through the season.
Antonio Campbell has never been "the guy" for the Bobcats.
Last season, he played next to Maurice Ndour, who made waves in the NBA summer league. Campbell wasn’t the glue that held the defense together. His name wasn’t circled twice on MAC coaches’ scouting reports.
Things have changed this season.
“Early in the year I thought teams tried to lean on (forward Kenny Kaminski) really heavily,” Ohio coach Saul Phillips said. “I think now you’re seeing teams loading up on (Campbell) more and more.”
And why wouldn’t they? Campbell is Ohio's leader in points per game (15.6), rebounds per game (9.3) and blocks (34) as of Thursday.
Opponents target Campbell right from the tip-off, because they want the 6-foot-10 Cincinnati-native out of the game. His light touch around the rim and ability to shoot around the 3-point arc make him scary to guard.
What haunts Campbell isn’t the worry of his shot going in or locking down his man, it’s foul trouble. Twice this season fouls have cost him significant playing time, limiting him to seven minutes once and 13 minutes another game.
“It’s been my biggest goal,” Campbell said of staying in games. “The team needs me down the stretch.”
Practice and time in the film room are where Campbell works on being able to stay on the floor. He said he is constantly reminded to keep his hands straight up, stay square to an opponent and eliminate the use of his forearms.
“Tony gets conspiracy theories in his head that the ref is out to get him,” Phillips said. “Once in a while we have to show him the reality of the situation and explain to him that a foul is a foul is a foul.”
Another transition affecting Campbell’s playmaking this year is a new face at point guard.
Last year’s guard tandem of Javarez Willis and Stevie Taylor adopted, what Campbell called, a “shoot first” mentality.
Campbell now catches himself telling current point guard Jaaron Simmons to look to shoot more to complement his gifted passing ability.
Playing together more will improve their chemistry.
“Just time,” Simmons said about playing efficiently with Campbell. “We’ve been developing our relationship since the day I got here. As the season continues, we’ll get better.”
Campbell is also adjusting to being an upperclassman for the first time. He marvels at what freshmen Gavin Block and Jordan Dartis have been able to contribute at such a young age.
Although Campbell said he can’t teach the freshmen a whole lot on offense, he does everything he can on the defensive side of the ball to help the young players around him.
And that’s where the Bobcats need help. They’re giving up more than 74 points a game this season.
“I’m a vocal leader,” Campbell said. “I think we’re a better defensive team when I’m talking and screaming out which way ball screens are coming.”
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While change snuck up quickly on Campbell, one thing has remained constant among the new group of players who were forced to understand each other on the fly just a few months ago.
“Everybody’s close. We have a brotherhood together,” Campbell said. “Best thing about it is that I’ll have one more year with these guys.”
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