Garrett Tucker:
Future150 Southeast Analyst. Covering high school basketball across the Southeast.
Decatur, AL (Future150) -- Everything started out as a normal day for 2013 West Morgan (Ala.) guard Brandon Roberts. He went to school and performed his regular routine throughout the day. However, things changed around lunch that will make this a memorable Wednesday for him.
After thinking about all of his options, the 6-foot-1 scorer decided it was time to make the call for Samford University.
“It was the best fit for me,” he told Future150.com following his commitment. “They need a point guard and it offers me the opportunity to be successful.”
Since early December, Roberts was Samford’s biggest priority, as they were in attendance for his games week after week. In the end, the coaching staff’s hard work paid off.
“Samford showed so much interest. They really showed how much they cared about me. They were consistent throughout the year. I can’t say enough that they have a really, really, really good coaching staff down there and the program is great.”
Prior to his senior year, Roberts was not garnering much college interest, if any. Fast-forward to now and 30 schools have passed through Decatur, Alabama to watch the high-scoring guard who averaged 35 points per game this season. While it was nice to experience the process, he is now glad to say it is completed.
“This definitely takes the weight off my shoulders and removes all the distractions. Now I can just focus on being a kid and enjoying my senior year. As far as being committed, it feels great to know I was wanted and I belong somewhere now,” he explained.
As expected, when Roberts called head coach Bennie Seltzer to make his commitment to the Bulldogs, the head man was ecstatic. Both parties now share a common goal.
“Coach [Bennie] Seltzer told me, ‘Why can’t Samford be the Butler or Gonzaga of the South?’ When he said that, he sold me even more on coming to Samford. I want to help put them on the map and win conference championships and compete against Auburn and Alabama.”
“I also want to continue to get better and accomplish my dreams of making it to the NBA. Damian Lillard and Stephen Curry give me the hope that I can go from a mid-major school and accomplish my dreams."
Roberts was also drawing interest from Auburn, Tennessee, Mississippi State, and Southeast Missouri State, among others.
Going into his senior year without any scholarship offers, Roberts was a little leery about what his future may hold. Now, he may become a role model for other players living in rural areas to aspiring to make their dreams come true.
“Making it to a college and having the opportunity to go to Samford is a true blessing. It just proves that hard work does pay off. I hope people can look to me now and say that dreams can come true. This has always been my dream, now I hope I can live another dream and continue to make it to the next level."
Roberts, a Future150 alum, is a three-star according to Future150.com. He joins Elijah Bryant, Emeka Ikezu, Jordan Capps, and Nnamdi Enechionyia.
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