“We’re best friends forever… I wouldn’t trade him for anyone in the world.” This is how Errick McCollum, star basketball player, speaks of his brother, C.J. Errick is three and a half years older than C.J. Their current ages are 26 (Errick), and 23 (C.J.).
When McCollum Skyped in to talk to Write on Sports (WoS) camp on July 11th, 2014, he told us all about his relationship with his brother, which seems to be very strong. When Errick McCollum was about eight, and his brother was five, C.J. McCollum was “a tag along,” at least according to his brother.
McCollum told WoS that whenever he had friends over, his younger brother would always want to come and play with the older kids. But, naturally, as all older siblings do, Errick McCollum wouldn’t let C.J. play with them. They would play different sports, like basketball or baseball. One day, Mrs. McCollum, the boys’ mom, came out and told her sons that, “If C.J. can’t play, then neither can Errick.” After that, Errick McCollum would let his brother play with him. He and his friends would occasionally let him shoot baskets, or hit a ball once or twice. Then, something happened. C.J. McCollum started getting really good at sports as he grew older and taller. So, Errick McCollum started wanting C.J. to come and play basketball with his friends. That day was essentially when their friendship started.
When the McCollums hit high school, Errick was a senior and C.J. was a freshman, Errick McCollum started trying to be a good role model for his brother. He would refuse smoking, drinking, and house parties. He wanted to set a good example for his brother.
Now, the two McCollum brothers are best friends, and they sometimes practice basketball together. They both play professionally, but they haven’t played each others teams yet! Errick and C.J. McCollum are best friends forever, and as the eldest brother says, “I wouldn’t trade him for anyone in the world.”