[Rosiak's Blog] Recruit wrapup: Brett Roseboro

[ToddRosiakSays]

Recruit wrapup: Brett Roseboro
               

Of the five players that signed with the Marquette Golden Eagles last November, Brett Roseboro was easily the least well-known.

A 6-foot-9 1/2, 225-pounder from Quakertown, Pa., Roseboro was a lightly regarded Division I prospect until he burst onto the scene with some solid late-summer and early fall performances on the AAU and regional showcase circuit.

By virtue of that explosion, Roseboro went from a potential low-major Division I player to one dealing with serious interest from not only MU, but also Villanova, West Virginia, St. John's, Maryland, Temple and others. His combination of size, shooting ability and handle intrigued coaches, and ultimately coach Buzz Williams and the Golden Eagles won out by landing him.

Needless to say, expectations were high for Roseboro as he entered his senior season at Quakertown. But for a variety of reasons, things didn't quite pan out that way for Roseboro or his team.

Statistically he did OK, averaging around 14 points and 13 rebounds per game while shooting 45% from the floor and 70% from the free-throw line. But Quakertown finished with just a 10-13 record and lost in the first round of the district playoffs.

Roseboro earned second team all-league honors and was named co-MVP for Quakertown for the second consecutive season. But because of his status as a Big East recruit, it's safe to say that Roseboro struggled to achieve the high expectations that came along with his scholarship to MU.

"It didn’t go as well as I would have liked it to go," Roseboro said recently. "I know everybody had high hopes."

Roseboro then offered a guess as to why he struggled at times.

"I think I was working out real hard this past summer, and I kind of stopped working out, didn’t work out as much as I did in the summer, and I think maybe my body shut down a little bit during the season," he said. "We were up and down. Sometimes we were really good. We beat really good teams, so that gave us a chance to actually get into the playoffs, and then we lost to teams that were below our competition, I think.

"But I think we could have done better. I think I could have done better."

Roseboro's coach, Kevin Keeler, believes a big part of the reason for Roseboro's inconsistency was the whirlwind recruitment he experienced heading into his senior year.

"It’s tough for a kid to handle, I think, as far as all the things that happened before the season," Keeler said. "I can’t be inside his head, but it’s like all these other recruits probably from ninth grade on were getting a feel for where they were going to be. Then all of a sudden this year comes up and bam, Marquette, Villanova and West Virginia, Temple and St. John’s and Maryland – it was just a mind-boggling thing for him to handle, and I really am not sure how his mind was coping with the three months he had for Quakertown and thinking of the big picture down the road."

While Roseboro projects as more of a face-up 4 man once he arrives at MU because of his ability to shoot from the perimeter and handle the ball, he played with his back to the basket more often than not for Quakertown because of his size.

That might also have caused some issues, Keeler believes.

"It seemed to me during the season like he felt he was stuck too much on the block where we didn’t design things for him to come out and run the floor and shoot threes once in a while," he said. "In his mind maybe he felt like he was restricted."

Roseboro, for his part, said he didn't have an issue with how he was utilized.

"I’m comfortable in the post," he said. "Back-to-the-basket, backing people down isn’t my special thing. But I can turn and face. I have very good footwork – spin moves, up-and-unders. I’ve got to work on my hook shot a little bit.

"But my coach did let me get out and shoot some threes. A lot of mid-range jump shots. I think it was good. He let me mix it up. But I’m not afraid to mix it up inside at all. I don’t mind banging inside."

Along with the expectations came increased scrutiny from opponents who were primed to stop Roseboro in any way possible. That at times led to frustration -- he was hit with a couple technicals in one game and forced to sit out the next as a result.

"I was on scouting reports – 6-9, Marquette," he said. "Pretty much every game except for maybe one team I was triple-teamed, double-teamed. So it was kind of hard to get the ball in the post, because I had a triangle defense around me. That’s why I tried to get to the high post as much as possible, in the middle, because that was the open space.

"But definitely, from last year to this year, I went from not really being the talk of the game to everybody just focusing on me. But in that case it was good for my teammates, though, because it opened them up."

Roseboro said he didn't have an issue with physical play, however.

"I had to get used to it, but the Big East is way more physical than the kids that I played against in this league this year," he said. "I didn’t really have a problem with it. I went through some phases of me getting a little frustrated, but I had to come out of it. I think I kind of thrived off it because it was a challenge, and I needed a challenge going into the Big East. So it was good."

While his high-school season didn't go all that well, Roseboro responded by putting up some big numers in an annual single-elimination prep tournament called the Donofrio Classic, which is played in Conshohocken, Pa. and attracts top players from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and even New York.

Roseboro had games of 11 points and 17 rebounds and 19 points and 23 rebounds as his team advanced to the quarterfinals before losing to a team led by West Viginia-bound Dalton Pepper. It was a series of games much like the ones he turned in late last summer when he began earning notice in the first place.

"Once he’s in that environment, I’ve never seen him back down," Keeler said. "In these tournaments he’s played against supposedly the best players in the tri-state area – Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware – and he’s done really well. There’s no fear in him. It’s always been Brett’s mentality – how he perceives the other team, what he has to do. He always plays better against better competition."

Roseboro's focus since the season ended, aside from trying to bulk up to around 235 pounds, has been playing hard from start to finish.

"Just being aggressive every play," he said. "Sometimes I took plays off (at Quakertown). But the coaches at Marquette told me I have to play every possession, and rebounding and defense come first. I was getting 20-some rebounds because I was so focused on rebounding. We had scorers. Two games I put up like 12 points and the third game like 19.

"But that’s what I did in the summer – I was boxing out and rebounding and running the floor, and that’s basically what I focused on."

Keeler was also careful to point out that he believes Roseboro still has tons of untapped ability that Williams and his staff will be able to extract once he arrives on campus and is immersed in MU's program -- both on the court and in the weight room.

"Brett’s just been killing himself with workouts and those sorts of things," he said. "The season didn’t go as hoped because of all the big expectations, but he’s only a 17-year-old kid. "I still think the potential is there that Aki (Collins) and the other coaches saw in him. I didn’t have one coach leave our gym at open workouts where they thought he couldn’t play at that level, so I think that’s the mind set he’s got to get back.

"Looking back it was a little disappointing, but I think that came with maybe these gigantic expectations on him. Maybe he felt all this pressure to go out and perform at this high level and he couldn’t quite understand what it took to do that, prepare for it. It was a consistency thing. But that’s over and done with, it’s been talked about, and mentally he’s focusing on getting himself bigger and stronger. I think his best games are ahead of him."

Keeler labeled Roseboro a "strong" shot blocker who handled the basketball well enough to have broken presses for Quakertown. He also said Roseboro has "a nice stroke, a soft touch." All of those qualities should help get him into the mix in the fall.

Keeler said the most pressing concern for Roseboro heading to MU will be improving his lateral movement and quickness which, of course, translates mostly to the defensive end of the floor.

Roseboro, who watched his first and only MU game in person earlier this season when the Golden Eagles lost at Villanova, said he loved the style of play he witnessed and is anxious to get to MU so he can begin the next chapter in his life.

"It was exciting," he said of the Villanova game. "Just the pace of the game was exciting, how athletic and how they get up and down the floor – because I like running the floor. I think I can do it. I’ve just got to really, really, really work hard. Then get the last quarter in for my grades, then get up there for the summer session and work hard. It should all work out."
               

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/43196542.html
               

[VegasWarrior77]

Recruit wrapup: Brett Roseboro

Roseboro had games of 11 points and 17 rebounds and 19 points and 23 rebounds as his team advanced to the quarterfinals before losing to a team led by West Virginia-bound Dalton Pepper. It was a series of games much like the ones he turned in late last summer when he began earning notice in the first place.

"Once he’s in that environment, I’ve never seen him back down," Keeler said. "In these tournaments he’s played against supposedly the best players in the tri-state area – Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware – and he’s done really well. There’s no fear in him. It’s always been Brett’s mentality – how he perceives the other team, what he has to do. He always plays better against better competition."

It sounds like he can be a good role player and, depending how he develops, could be a key contributor down the road.

[steff_mckee]

Hope I am wrong, but sounds like a one and doner.

"Just being aggressive every play," he said. Sometimes I took plays off (at Quakertown). But the coaches at Marquette told me I have to play every possession, and rebounding and defense come first.

[GGGG]

My bet is that he's the first Buzz recruit to transfer. 

[MR.HAYWARD]

wow that is a positive comment.  i will say this he is going to have to battle for minutes he is going to have Otule and Mcmmorow ahad of him at the 5 and maymon, zar and probably fulce ahead of him at the 4.  then he has clark coming in next year.  My guess is he does not redshirt as we may very well need him next year to spell at the 5 or 4.  My guess is if he shows promise thru skill develoment, strength development and a huge motor, he may be redshirted as a sophomore as we will have otule, mcmorrow and clark as juniors.  Then come in a s a 3rd year soph and play a bigger role as a 4th year junior after the 3 aforementioned bigs are gone.

[79Warrior]

wow that is a positive comment.  i will say this he is going to have to battle for minutes he is going to have Otule and Mcmmorow ahad of him at the 5 and maymon, zar and probably fulce ahead of him at the 4.  then he has clark coming in next year.  My guess is he does not redshirt as we may very well need him next year to spell at the 5 or 4.  My guess is if he shows promise thru skill develoment, strength development and a huge motor, he may be redshirted as a sophomore as we will have otule, mcmorrow and clark as juniors.  Then come in a s a 3rd year soph and play a bigger role as a 4th year junior after the 3 aforementioned bigs are gone.

He will not redshirt. He is battling a project in Otule and who knows about Liam. Bret may get more minutes that you think, especialy if Otule looks as lost as he did.

[GGGG]

He was co-MVP of a 10-13 high school team from a sub-standard conference.  My guess is that they go small before this guy gets a lot of minutes.  Pennsylvania's Kyle Kelm.

[NCMUFan]

He's played his best basketball against better competition.  Maybe he will raise his game against college competition.

[GGGG]

He's played his best basketball against better competition.  Maybe he will raise his game against college competition.

IOW he's lazy.  Hey, I hope I'm wrong.  Good players don't take the high school year off after a strong AAU season.

[Coach Norman Dale]

Wiz,

Between Rosiak's post and this one there were eight messages posted.  Three are yours, all bashing a high school senior who was giving what appears to me to be an honest assessment of his disappointment in his performance this season.

Out of this you saw the need to call him a future transfer, lazy and criticize his high school conference [about which I am willing to guess you actually know little or nothing].  And it took you three posts over a 4:10 period of time to accomplish this. 

From your previous posts I know you are the parent of a high school senior.  Would you mind providing your child's name, hometown, high school, college plans and scholarship/financial aid packages (including, if you like, re-posting your previous whine about how Marquette short-changed your wonder child in this area)?  Then post about something s/he has done that maybe did not go a s/he and/or you might have hoped, so I -- a total stranger [as you no doubt are to Roseboro] to your child and you -- can make some judgmental comments about your child's character, moral fiber, undeserved awards or recognition . . . and whatever else leaps to mind. 

You obviously got some satisfaction out of doing this to Roseboro -- why else would you commit parts of more than 4 hours to posting on this single thread? -- so please give me and others the same opportunity to play this game with your child as the target.  C'mon, be a sport, it seems you had fun doing it, give us a chance to play as well.

[wildbillsb]

Coach Dale:

Scorched!   (I loved it:))

[shaquilvaine]

Wiz, while you are at it can you please provide info on the number of times you've watched Roseboro play.  I'm guessing that number is zero.   

[willie warrior]

Judging by his stats and level of HS competition, this was likely a scholarship for a practice player. I hope I am wrong.

I see us really hurting at the 5 next year. We can give 40 minutes to about 3 guys, none of which are BEAST centers, or will end up going small again.

I am disappointed. Hell, we will likely end up with Jimmy Butler playing the 5.

[GGGG]

Wiz,

Between Rosiak's post and this one there were eight messages posted.  Three are yours, all bashing a high school senior who was giving what appears to me to be an honest assessment of his disappointment in his performance this season.

Out of this you saw the need to call him a future transfer, lazy and criticize his high school conference [about which I am willing to guess you actually know little or nothing].  And it took you three posts over a 4:10 period of time to accomplish this. 

From your previous posts I know you are the parent of a high school senior.  Would you mind providing your child's name, hometown, high school, college plans and scholarship/financial aid packages (including, if you like, re-posting your previous whine about how Marquette short-changed your wonder child in this area)?  Then post about something s/he has done that maybe did not go a s/he and/or you might have hoped, so I -- a total stranger [as you no doubt are to Roseboro] to your child and you -- can make some judgmental comments about your child's character, moral fiber, undeserved awards or recognition . . . and whatever else leaps to mind. 

You obviously got some satisfaction out of doing this to Roseboro -- why else would you commit parts of more than 4 hours to posting on this single thread? -- so please give me and others the same opportunity to play this game with your child as the target.  C'mon, be a sport, it seems you had fun doing it, give us a chance to play as well.

Dear Coach Dale.

Last I checked, this was a board about Marquette basketball.  Roseboro will soon be a member of the Marquette basketball team.  If you want to find a board that discusses what my son is majoring in, Actuarial Science, I would be happy to post his scholarships, academic awards, financial aid packages, grade point average and the like.  But since you won't find such a board anywhere, I seriously suggest that you keep your comments on topic and related to Marquette basketball and not drag another member's personal life into the discussion.

I have absolutely nothing against Roseboro.  I would like nothing better than for him to prove me wrong.  And if he, or members of his family, are reading my comments and are offended...well...I am sorry.  However, I am going to stand by what I have said.  I don't think he will turn out to be a BE worthy player based upon his senior season.  The record is what the record is...the lazy comments were based upon his statement about himself how he takes posessions off...and the sub-par conference has been something stated on this board before, without any objections from you I might add.

Now unless you want to stick to the topic at hand, I suggest that you just keep quiet now.

[GGGG]

Oh and one other thing Dale....I would like you to point out to me where I "whined" about anything that MU offered my son.

http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=13915.msg124855#msg124855

Didn't think so...

[bilsu]

He has good height. He apparently can shoot from the outside and handle the ball. It really depends on how hard he wants to work and how the coaching staff developes him. Sounds like he was forced to play with his back to the basket, when his game is facing the basket.

[Buzz4Prez]

Wiz,
        You are right, this is an MU board and we should stay focused on that, however just because it is an MU board does not give you the right to question a kid that you know nothing about and have never even seen play. This is to discuss  MU hoops, not how we think a kid is going to fail. Lets give him a chance and at least see how he fares.

[GGGG]

Wiz,
        You are right, this is an MU board and we should stay focused on that, however just because it is an MU board does not give you the right to question a kid that you know nothing about and have never even seen play. This is to discuss  MU hoops, not how we think a kid is going to fail. Lets give him a chance and at least see how he fares.

This is a forum where I can express my opinions about the players we have on the team or are recruiting.  I have said nothing that isn't said about all sorts of players or recruits.  I also know that I do not have the "right" to say whatever I want.  I am sure the mods will let me know if I have overstepped my bounds, and if so I will most definately stop because posting here is a privledge, but I am not the one that took it off-topic.

[nycwarrior]

Back to the players.

Kids like this are the ones that never developed under Crean - Grimm was more highly regarded I believe and he never seemed to get any better.

Other coaches, like Crean's mentor Mr. Izzo, often seem to be able to turn kids who have some athletic talent and size in players that can contribute as juniors and seniors. If this kid can turn into a 6 pt and 5 board type player off the bench for a couple years, I say bring em on.

In Aki I (must) trust.

[WellsstreetWanderer]

Sounds more like a kid who is on himself to do better than lazy.   he concentrated on boards and blocking out and did what was asked to better the team. When confronted with better competition, he excelled. Can't ask for much more from a kid who sounds level-headed for a 17 year old. i for one think he will be a good addition

[mviale]

"needs to improve lateral movement and quickness" - sounds like Novak.  Lets hope he can do this or Iowa State will be calling.

[NCMUFan]

Well, lets see, the first step to improving is to admit you have deficiencies and be determined to work on it.  What more could you as for a new player coming into your program versus one that thinks he is the end all and then have reality come crashing down on him.

[Ellenson Guerrero]

His numbers at HS against his level of competition are a bit of a worry point, but it sounds like he played pretty well in those tournaments Rosiak mentioned. Plus we have no idea what type of talent he was working with on his HS team. I played high school basketball I my own performance was definitely linked to the guys who were on the floor with me.

Basically I don't really worry about him coming in to score points. I think Cadougan, Maymon, EWill will all come in and be able to score. Lazar should be able to contribute 16+ again. As long as Buzz and the staff can get him out there to grab some boards I will be happy.

[cheebs09]

His numbers at HS against his level of competition are a bit of a worry point, but it sounds like he played pretty well in those tournaments Rosiak mentioned. Plus we have no idea what type of talent he was working with on his HS team. I played high school basketball I my own performance was definitely linked to the guys who were on the floor with me.

Basically I don't really worry about him coming in to score points. I think Cadougan, Maymon, EWill will all come in and be able to score. Lazar should be able to contribute 16+ again. As long as Buzz and the staff can get him out there to grab some boards I will be happy.

I think the rest of his high school team was pretty weak and he was facing double and triple temas in his senior year. He mentioned this and his coach said he was playing outta this position the whole year. Bob Gibbons rated him a super sleeper and Buzz has said he is the potential star of the class so I wouldng look past him. He might be one of those bigger guys that can play on the outside and be a real matchup nightmare.

[Coach Norman Dale]

Wiz,

Did I strike a nerve?  My post was about your post on Roseboro and Marquette basketball  Therefore, I intend to ignore your suggestion that I remain quiet.

Beyond that I simply offered an example to illustrate my point, and from your reaction it is clear that you view things quite differently when the tables are turned.

Oh and one other thing Dale....I would like you to point out to me where I "whined" about anything that MU offered my son.

http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=13915.msg124855#msg124855

Didn't think so...

You don't think this sounds whiney (or is it whiny)?

Yesterday, my son got his final financial offer from MU.  That's how much more a MU education will cost us per year in comparison to another (private) school with a similar academic reputation.  Kind of makes it hard for me to push the ole alma mater...

Especially in light of the fact that:

*he* made up his mind around Christmas long before final financial offers were received.

[emphasis added]

Seriously, you view complaining -- on a board about Marquette Basketball, no less??????? [before you blow a gasket I know it was on the "Superbar" portion of this site about Marquette basketball] -- about his financial aid after he has decided to go somewhere else as productive in some manner?  I guess we have different perspectives.


OT:  (Since I put "OT" I can post about whatever I want, right?  Even on a board about Marquette Basketball?  )

To others on this board, one final thing, I have this sudden interest in the study of actuarial science and would like to start a website with a message board to explore this interest.  If anyone out there has any advice or suggestions on how I can quickly do this, please let me know.   

No, wait . . .

If you want to find a board that discusses what my son is majoring in, Actuarial Science, I would be happy to post his scholarships, academic awards, financial aid packages, grade point average and the like.  But since you won't find such a board anywhere,

Wiz, please meet me at:

http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/

This is not a site I typically visit, but I think it fits the description of what you offered.  So once you have posted the info you promised, I will meet you over there and then we can let the discussions begin!!!!