GOSHEN, IN. – Errick McCollum says with a laugh that “It’s cool to see my good ol’ Goshen College people” at the beginning of his interview on July 11, 2014. The Goshen College Write on Sports camp got to Skype the former Maple Leaf and interview him.
Errick McCollum was always trying to be a role model for his younger brother. There is a three-and-a-half year age difference between McCollum and his only sibling CJ who also plays basketball. According to McCollum, his little brother was “always tagging along” and wanting to play ball with them, but as kids he wasn’t good enough. But now McCollum is encouraging his little brother to play. “My brother is my best friend,” says McCollum. He was trying to set a good example for his brother since he knew that his brother has always looked up to him.
McCollum has learned to be humble and grateful. He is trying to keep perspective of everything going on now and try to find the positives. When talking about whether he will play for the Denver Nuggets or go back to Europe, McCollum says “Either way, it’s a win-win situation. I’m thankful for all God’s blessed me with.” Some advice that he gave the Write On Sports camp is to “Keep working, be humble.”
He is also learning to be flexible and go with the flow. When talking about teamwork he says that “You aren’t the puzzle; you’re just a piece.” That just means to persevere and try hard. “Do more than the next person and push yourself.” His future plans are to play in the NBA for the Denver Nuggets. “Who wouldn’t want to play for the best league in the world?” But if he doesn’t get in, he says “it’s not the end of the world because I’ll get to be with my family more.”