By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications
SALEM, Ore. -- As a men's basketball player at Willamette University, Brendon McCullough was a consistent scoring threat, a solid 3-point shooter, and a leader by example. He competed for the Bearcats from 2014-15 through 2017-18 and ended his career with 902 points, 259 rebounds, 175 assists, and 106 steals. He connected on 79 three-point baskets.
McCullough played in 96 games with 83 starts. He was a member of Willamette's team that qualified for the Northwest Conference Tournament in 2014-15. He started all 25 games in 2015-16 and started all 25 games once again in 2017-18. He graduated from Willamette with a bachelor's degree in Chemistry on the Biochemistry Track.
"There's a reason Brendon's image is a permanent fixture on our LEGACY wall in our team room," Willamette Head Men's Basketball Coach Kip Ioane said. "We want his story and his example to be what future players strive for."
While attending Willamette, McCullough received great guidance from the men's basketball coaching staff. Head Coach Kip Ioane and his assistants were actively involved in McCullough's efforts to improve throughout his career.
"My coaches (Coach Ioane, Coach MacRae, Coach Nathan Covill, Coach Jonathan Willis, and Coach Nelson Lomax) had a lasting impact on me both on and off the court," McCullough said. "On the court, they helped put me in the best positions for success by meticulous preparation every day leading up to our games. This manifested in efficient practices that consisted of game-specific drills, film breakdown, knowing the why of our gameplan, and giving us the confidence to perform at a high level on gameday. I could always approach them and get more insight into what they were seeing, share what I saw, understand what they wanted to accomplish, and proceed to get on the same page. They knew how to challenge me and got the best out of me.
"Off the court, their impact was more lasting and important," McCullough recalled. "They challenged me to be a leader in my community, to speak up and out for injustices, to effect positive change within my areas of influence, to be a responsible and knowledgeable citizen, and so much more. I am most grateful for these lessons and experiences."
McCullough received a boost from his teammates. Each Bearcat contributed to his development as a collegiate player.
"I gained so much from my teammates throughout my four years at Willamette," McCullough commented. "On the court, I got to play with some great players who challenged and pushed me to become a better player. They also opened my eyes to see the game in a different way. I took bits and pieces of their games and how they thought about the game and added it to my game. Additionally, I made some great memories with them that stick out, including making the playoffs and winning some close games."
He also formed friendships with his teammates, who helped him in a variety of ways. They remain friends today.
"Off the court is where I gained the most from these relationships," McCullough said. "I gained life-long friends, really brothers, from my time at Willamette, especially the guys I graduated with. We were able to get together a few months ago for one of their weddings and the rest of us were groomsmen. It was as if we had all seen each other the week before ... we didn't miss a beat as if we were back on campus or on a long road trip to Whitworth. The relationships I gained are invaluable and I am grateful I had the opportunity to meet those guys."
McCullough credits his coaches and teammates with significantly impacting his success with the Bearcats. Working with his teammates, and filled with confidence in his own abilities as a result of the guidance he received from coaches, he was able to average 9.4 points per game during his career.
"I had a strong desire to be the best player I could, and I was willing to dedicate the time and everything that went into making that possible, but the main reason was my team," McCullough noted. "My teammates and coaches gave me so much support and encouragement over the years, and it gave me the confidence to perform at a high level. Every day in practice, my teammates pushed me and forced me to raise my level of play. My coaches challenged me to be sharper and always improve in whatever I did. Additionally, my family watched basically every game and would always send words of encouragement and push me to improve. I had an amazing support system.
"It is definitely cool to look back and see the success I had as a result of the hard work and time I dedicated (to basketball)," McCullough said. "To me, it represents that I was fortunate to play with a lot of great teammates, have exceptional coaches, and have a wonderful support system."
His growth while playing for the Bearcats also extended into his academic efforts and life in general.
"My coaches had a great impact on my time in student life," McCullough affirmed. "They always preached the importance of not only performing at a high level on the court, but also in the classroom. There were numerous times when my coaches would ask how my classes were going, genuinely wanting to know if everything was good or if I had any difficulties. They were knowledgeable about the resources available at the school and would recommend them if appropriate. My success as a student-athlete was greatly influenced by the importance my coaches put on excelling in the classroom."
Now, McCullough is in his first year of medical school at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM) in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas. He also is an officer in the U.S. Army.
"I decided to pursue medicine during my sophomore year at Willamette," McCullough said. "So far, it has been a great experience that doesn't lack in its challenges, but I am extremely grateful for the opportunity. The same drive I had on the court is the same drive I use to tackle the challenges and become the best doctor I can be to help my future patients. In addition, I was ... awarded entry into the Health Professions Scholarship Program, where I will serve as an Army physician upon graduation. Qualities I use every day like teamwork, leadership, and perseverance ... I was able to work on and improve during my time as a student-athlete and it helped me get to this point."
"We couldn't be more proud of not only the legacy 'B' (Brendon) left here, but of the man he has become since moving on in the world," Ioane said.
