By David Cordova
Last year, the Syracuse Orangemen had a very rough season, finishing 18-13 and dealing with an NCAA investigation that ended with the reduction of 12 scholarships and a ban from the postseason next year. But the season was not without its bright lights.
One of their players that made a statement on the court was rising junior Tyler Roberson, a 6-8 forward from Union, N.J. He was one of the players that stepped up last season and did plenty of good in his sophomore year, averaging 8 points & 7.1 rebounds a game. His biggest game this past season was against the eventual national champion Duke, scoring 19 points and adding 10 rebounds.
Roberson was a highly-sought after recruit in high school, ranked No. 31 in the ESPN 100 for the Class of 2013 out of Roselle Catholic, the alma mater of recent McDonald’s All-American and incoming Kentucky freshman Isaiah Briscoe. Roberson is a forward that is very athletic and is very physical on the boards. Next year as a junior at Syracuse, he will be one of the team’s top leaders and is expected to average plenty of big numbers.
Here’s the Q & A with the man himself, Tyler Roberson:
When did you start playing basketball?
I started playing basketball when I was in elementary school.
When did you start taking the game seriously?
When I got to to the eighth-grade. I enjoyed the game so much that I decided to stick with it.
What is the basketball culture like in New Jersey?
Basketball out there is fun and there is a lot of competition. There’s always a great challenge when you step on the court.
How did you feel when you won the New Jersey Tournament of Champions as a senior at Roselle Catholic?
It was great. I had never won a state championship before, so it felt good leaving high school on a good note.
What made you decide to go to Syracuse?
I wanted to go to a powerhouse program. When I visited Syracuse, I enjoyed the atmosphere up there with the players and coaches. It is also a great school and a great basketball program. It was then that I decided that it’d be the perfect place for me.
How do you feel about the sanctions that were imposed on Syracuse?
It was tough last year, but I was an underclassmen. I still have two years left, so I’m looking forward to making an impact while I still can.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
I want to play basketball for the next 15 years, whether it’s in the NBA or overseas. I’d like to play for as long as I can.
Footage of Tyler Roberson:
Courtesy of Shannon Shepherd.
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