Andrew Rogers Remains in White & Maroon
State champions, an accomplishment Andrew Rogers and his St. Jude teammates achieved last season outlasting Brantley 57-56 for the 1A title. Rogers had a monster game with 20 points and 10 rebounds while entertaining the crowd with his athleticism.
While winning a state championship is arguably always a high schools basketball players most memorable accomplishment, capturing a college scholarship can be more of an achievement for most more than others. Alabama A&M became Andrew Roger's achievement among several other programs as he gave his commitment to the bulldogs last Tuesday. It came down to two northern Alabama programs, AAMU and Jacksonville St, who were fighting for the 6-foot-5 wing. Rogers is known throughout the state of Alabama for his freakish athleticism along with his freakish 6-foot-11 wingspan as he powers over defenders with monster dunks night in and night out. While playing a hybrid position for St. Jude, Rogers will more than likely move over to the wing in college as he possesses the skills to do so but the SWAC is a great place for Rogers' style of play where he can face up big 4s and post fours with his size if his team chooses to do so. We caught up with Andrew briefly after his commitment and check out what the senior had to say. 1. What was your decision for committing ? I wanted to get the process over so I can concentrate on qualifying and getting ready for my Senior season. I didn't want recruitment to get in the way of Winning another Championship. 2. Why Alabama A&M? I had some interest from bigger schools, but the way the recruited me got my attention from day one. They told me I was the most important piece to their class. I was the first person they brought in on an official visit and the only one the opening weekend. And they've been in constant contact since April. I hear from every assistant and Head Coach as much as permissible by the NCAA. And even after I committed, Coach Hayes was front and center Wednesday to watch me workout. 3. What do you like about the program? I liked the atmosphere. All of the players hang out together. It felt like one big family. Not just with basketball but with all athletes. Plus they graduated 7 Seniors so early playing time is available 4. How do you think you will benefit from playing there next season? Their style fits mine. They are a fast tempo open court team. And my strength is my athleticism. We fit each other like a glove. 5. What do you feel you will bring to your new team? My Motor....Everyone compares my style to Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets. The only way I know how to play is fast and hard. It's gotten me to this point and i think it'll continue to be an asset going forward. 6. What do you feel are you strengths on the court? My strength and length (6'11 Wingspan) allows me to guard at least 3 positions. and I feel no one can keep up with me for a 32 minute HS game. The minute you take a play off I'm going to stretch out and posterize you. 7. What parts of your game do you feel you still need to improve on? I need to work on my ball handling and my jump shot because i know I won't be able to just go through everyone in college. 8. What are your goals for this season? My Team Goals are obviously to Repeat as Champions.....go undefeated.......Individually I'd like to be 1A Player of the Year and play in the Alabama/Miss. All-Star Game 10. What will you miss most about St. Jude? I'll miss all of my teammates and coaches. Saint Jude welcomed me in and has been a home away from home. I plan to show them how much they mean to me by winning another championship. |