Vineland, NJ, Basketball Alum D.J. Campbell Makes History

Vineland High School alum D.J. Campbell made history on Wednesday night for Stockton University men's basketball team.

Campbell connected on a long-range three-pointer with 16:42 left in the game to become the Osprey's all-time leading scorer, breaking Carl Cochran's record of 2,124 points that stood since 1997.

"I don't think I will ever be lucky enough to coach a kid that loves basketball and the work that goes into it as much as he does," Stockton University head basketball coach Scott Bittner told me.

The 6-3 senior from Vineland High has been one of the top players at the Division III level since entering the Galloway Township University back in 2019.

"I love that kid," Bittner told me. "He's been a great player but a better person."

He burst on the scene during the 2019-2020 season, being named the NJAC Rookie of the Year. During the COVID shortened 2020-21 season, he was named to the NJAC First Team.  As a junior last season, he became the first player in school history to be named National Association of Basketball Coaches District 4 Player of the Year, among many other accolades.

Last season he was named to the NJAC First Team, scoring 18.7 points per game, which was second in the conference.

He entered this season third in Stockton history with 1,630 career points, needing just under 500 points to surpass Cochran's record, and he did that by averaging a career-high 20.2 points per game this season.

Campbell gets the record in the Osprey's final game of the regular season, with Stockton finishing 16-9. Campbell will have a chance to pad his number in the NJAC Tournament, which begins on Wed. Feb 21.

So what could be next for Campbell? According to Coach Bittner it sounds like basketball could be a big part of Campbell's future if he chooses.

"He has been a sponge for every life lesson we have tried to throw at him, and I can't wait to see what the future holds. After he goes over seas he would be an amazing teacher and coach."