Marcus Campbell demands attention.

He should do ... he's a mountain of a man.

He's tall – 2.14 metres – and weighs 120kg.

And while he's a gentle giant off the court, on court he has all the aggression and passion basketball fans love.

The American – in his first season in the Kiwi league – had by far his best game for the Taranaki Mountain Airs in the shootout defeat against the Wellington Saints on Friday night.

He finished with a game-high 34 points, dragged down 15 rebounds and showed Taranaki fans he could play.

And he doesn't mind pleading his case to referees half his size when calls go against him.

Seeing Campbell stare down those with the whistle in their hands was just as much fun for fans as seeing the big man make a dunk.

"He's a good guy. He's pretty quiet off court," Taranaki Basketball chairman John Kensington said. "He's a seasoned pro. He really wants Taranaki to do well. He also wants to get out fishing ... he'll be a big unit in the boat."

Campbell impressed Saints coach Pero Cameron.

"The big guy is really solid. I like his aggression, he's a talent," said the former Tall Black.

Taranaki coach David Bublitz said Campbell was improving with every game.

"He was a bit lost in his first game, a bit jetlagged. The second game he was better and he's improved. He's a big man and he's hard to stop," he said.

"His effort last Friday was much better and as a result the numbers came. He got to the hoop, something he wasn't doing. His confidence is growing and he's more focused. Hopefully that's the standard he will maintain from now."

Taranaki's "Mr Basketball", Steve McKean, was a little more circumspect.

"If they can use him the right way, he can get 20 points and 10 rebounds a game," he said.

"He's such a big unit and tough around the basket.

"You have to give him the ball at the right time and in the right space."

McKean said if Campbell was used correctly the side could pick up five or six wins.

If Campbell can reproduce Friday's form, the Mountain Airs should land their second win of the season when they take on the Southland Sharks in New Plymouth on Thursday night.

Find out more about Marcus Campbell in Saturday's Whole Nine Yards.