VYPE: Can you tell us a bit about your background, both in terms of academics and sports?
Phillip Ross: Since I was a kid, my mom has always made sure I played sports and had good grades. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been an honor roll student because at the end of the day, you are a student-athlete.
VYPE: What inspired you to start playing your sport?
PR: I’ve played basketball since kindergarten; just going to family parties and playing with my older cousins, it has always just been in my life.
VYPE: Which athlete, professional or otherwise, do you look up to and why?
PR: An athlete I look up to has to be Russell Westbrook. He’s always been my favorite to watch since the OKC days. I’ve always liked the way he plays with so much intensity and speed and just the way he carries himself.
VYPE: How do you balance the demands of academics and athletics in your daily schedule?
PR: It’s tough for sure, but I always make sure I’m trying and doing my best in my academics. The athletics part is really me just giving it my all out there. My mom has always told “if you want to go play that game, you gotta make sure your grades are right.”
VYPE: Can you share a memorable moment or achievement from your high school sports career that stands out to you?
PR: I love just playing the really high-intensity, close games and those games that you’re not supposed to win with my great teammates. I feel like those are the most memorable.
VYPE: What challenges have you faced in your sports journey, and how did you overcome them?
PR: Just lack of confidence in myself to shoot that shot or not going for that rebound because I didn’t think I could get it. Getting better at that every day is how I go about it. I am growing every chance I get to be the best player I can be.
VYPE: How has being part of a team influenced your personal growth and character development?
PR: It has improved me as a person in all ways, from communication and learning team work to building great relationships with my teammates. I have really gotten a lot out of playing sports.
VYPE: Are there any specific rituals or routines you follow before a game or competition to prepare yourself mentally and physically?
PR: Every time before I get off the bus for the game, I just take time to pray and thank God. I also like to listen to music with my team before we go play.
VYPE: What role do your coaches play in your development as an athlete, and is there a particular coach who has been especially influential?
PR: All my coaches in my life have taught me a lot about what it is to be an athlete, not just a basketball player. One coach that has really tried to get that through to me is my basketball coach, Ben Allford. He’s always giving some basketball knowledge and advice to everyone on the team. He’s told me time and time again about how big of a player I can be if I just give all the effort I can give.
