Campbell University

Cordell Wise Photo Gallery
Cordell Wise Hall of Fame Induction Video
Cordell Wise | Tales from the Creek podcast (Feb. 2, 2024)

Cordell Wise ’70 was Campbell’s first NAIA men’s basketball All-American.  A native of Riverside, N.J., Wise was the first African American student to attend Campbell.  Despite playing only three varsity seasons, he still ranks 11th on Campbell’s all-time points scored list with 1584 in 84 games (18.9 per game).  An All-South Jersey selection at Riverside High School after leading his team to the 1964 and 1965 Burlington County championship, Wise attended Temple University before enrolling at Campbell in the 1967 fall semester. 

Over his three-year career, he led the Camels to a 60-27 (.689) record, culminating with the 1970 NAIA District 29 title and a berth in the NAIA national tournament.  He was a two-time All-American and averaged at least 18 points in each of his three years with the Orange & Black.  Wise became the fastest player in Camel history to reach the 1,000-point barrier during his career (53 games) and set a school mark with 26 rebounds in a game against High Point.  As a junior, he led the Camels to their first 20-win season (20-10) on the senior college level while averaging 19 points per game.  During his senior year, Wise contributed 21 points per game for the Camels, who finished 24-7, a mark that still stands as the second-highest wins total in school history.
 
In addition to his exploits on the hardwood, Wise ran track for the Camels from 1968-70, competing in the 100-, 220- and 440-yard dashes.  He won the 1969 NAIA District 29 title in the 220 (20.8 seconds) and competed in the NAIA national championships at Billings, Mont., where he advanced to the second round.  He was named Campbell’s Outstanding Athlete in 1970.
 
After earning his B.S. in health, physical and drive education in 1970, Wise was chosen by the Carolina Cougars in the 1970 American Basketball Association draft.  He went on to play three seasons in the Eastern Basketball League with the Trenton (N.J.) Pat Pavers.  He was inducted into the South Jersey Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986.
 
Wise taught and coached in Trenton, Willingboro, and Camden schools for a decade.  He also spent five years as a stockbroker and three seasons working in Atlantic City casinos.  An all-around athlete, Wise earned his USTA certification and served as director of tennis at Mill Creek Park in Willingboro for 10 years and as site director for the National Junior Tennis and Learning Center of Trenton.  He most recently worked as assistant pro at Sea Pines Racquet Club in Hilton Head, S.C., where he taught alongside two-time major champion and former World No. 1 singles player Stan Smith.