Like Father, Like Sons, Like Family
by jeff Johnson
Austin Rogers commits to Bama St. Photo Cred/Mickey Welsh
If you said the last name Rogers on the Alabama State Campus a few years ago, you’d begin to hear stories of how many points they saw Steve Rogers Sr. score in one game. Or how he wowed the crowd with breath taking dunks or how he out-dueled former NBA Players Lindsey Hunter and the late Bobby Phills in classic SWAC battles. But this time next year if you ask the Hornet faithfuls, you’ll probably get details that won’t match up or get a confused look with the question…..Which Rogers?
After last week’s commitment of Brew Tech’s Austin Rogers, that’ll make the family’s third addition to the team. And if following in the footsteps of arguably the programs best player ever wasn't enough, Austin has the daunting task of having a big brother who was the conference’s Top Freshman a year ago. For most, this is something they’d shy away from but not this Rogers! He welcomes the expectations and the challenges forthcoming. Recently I had the chance to catch up with Austin and sit down and discuss his commitment and reasons behind it.
What Schools did you consider before deciding to stay home?
Alabama State was my only offer at the time but after the July live period, I picked up serious interest from several division-1 schools but I knew where I wanted to go and pulled the trigger. No need to go across the country for what I can have right at home.
Do you feel pressure following a former SWAC Player of the Year in your father and SWAC Freshman of the Year in your brother?
I don’t feel any pressure at all. Because If I do my best and give my all, there’s nothing to hold my head about at the end of the day.
What are your goals for your senior year now that you’ve gotten your college choice out of the way?
My goal is to win the Class 5A State Championship this season. Nothing More, nothing Less.
Your dad wore #52 at ASU, Your brother wears #52 right now. What number will you pick when they start handing out jerseys?
I want to get #5 and talk my brother into getting #2 that way we can split my dad’s number down the middle and both of us can still represent him.
What are you doing to get ready for the upcoming season?
I’ve been working out with my dad and former Auburn star Lincoln Glass improving my fundamentals and working on my shot and handle.
Be on the lookout this season for Austin and his Brew Tech teammates as they look to contend for a Championship. Austin has flown under the radar because he was playing in the shadow of his brother who was the state’s most prolific scorer as a senior. But he had a breakout 2014-15 season. He possesses tremendous size and strength for the guard position and is a great offensive rebounder. Look for him to improve on his stats from last season as well as Brew Tech’s win total. If it’s up to him you’ll be seeing him in Birmingham in March.
After last week’s commitment of Brew Tech’s Austin Rogers, that’ll make the family’s third addition to the team. And if following in the footsteps of arguably the programs best player ever wasn't enough, Austin has the daunting task of having a big brother who was the conference’s Top Freshman a year ago. For most, this is something they’d shy away from but not this Rogers! He welcomes the expectations and the challenges forthcoming. Recently I had the chance to catch up with Austin and sit down and discuss his commitment and reasons behind it.
What Schools did you consider before deciding to stay home?
Alabama State was my only offer at the time but after the July live period, I picked up serious interest from several division-1 schools but I knew where I wanted to go and pulled the trigger. No need to go across the country for what I can have right at home.
Do you feel pressure following a former SWAC Player of the Year in your father and SWAC Freshman of the Year in your brother?
I don’t feel any pressure at all. Because If I do my best and give my all, there’s nothing to hold my head about at the end of the day.
What are your goals for your senior year now that you’ve gotten your college choice out of the way?
My goal is to win the Class 5A State Championship this season. Nothing More, nothing Less.
Your dad wore #52 at ASU, Your brother wears #52 right now. What number will you pick when they start handing out jerseys?
I want to get #5 and talk my brother into getting #2 that way we can split my dad’s number down the middle and both of us can still represent him.
What are you doing to get ready for the upcoming season?
I’ve been working out with my dad and former Auburn star Lincoln Glass improving my fundamentals and working on my shot and handle.
Be on the lookout this season for Austin and his Brew Tech teammates as they look to contend for a Championship. Austin has flown under the radar because he was playing in the shadow of his brother who was the state’s most prolific scorer as a senior. But he had a breakout 2014-15 season. He possesses tremendous size and strength for the guard position and is a great offensive rebounder. Look for him to improve on his stats from last season as well as Brew Tech’s win total. If it’s up to him you’ll be seeing him in Birmingham in March.