Six foot eight senior Ronald Roberts is hard to miss. Whether he is dunking on ESPN’s Top Ten plays, or perfecting his foul shot, the communications major has made a name for himself on Hawk Hill representing SJU in one of the longest held traditions in Philadelphia, college basketball.
Not so basic, basics:
Class Year: Senior
Position: Forward
Major: Communications
Hometown: Bayonne, New Jersey
Celebrity Crush: “I have a couple – Kim Karda
shian, Amber Rose, Cassie, and Christina Milian.”
Favorite Food: “Spaghetti with meatballs, different kinds of pasta and meat mixed together, Hispanic food like rice and beans and chicken, or fish, and I also love pancakes.”
Favorite Spot on Campus: “My favorite spot on campus has to be Hagan Arena. Whether it’s shooting around, working on my game or lifting weights, it is a place for me to clear my mind so I can perform at a high level. I use the arena as my sanctuary and like a second home really…which I take many naps in.”
Top Songs Right Now: Danny Glover Remix ft. Nicki Minaj, Audio Dope 4 and Certified by Curren$y, Raised Up by Lil Bibby, Take Sum ft. Project Pat by Juicy J
On the court:
What has been the highlight of your season?
“The highlight of my season I would have to say is just winning games with my teammates because we have worked so hard for a couple years now. We have been through a lot of ups and downs, but winning makes me happy because I know how much time was put in to get better. There is nothing better than to see all the guys and coaches happy. Also scoring 1,000 points in my career versus LSU because I know how hard I have worked to reach that milestone. Another highlight is when Langston hit a buzzer beater 3 pointer against Dayton because we really grinded that game out. Everyone was so happy, it felt great to get that win on the road.”
What is your favorite part of playing for SJU?
“My favorite part about playing for SJU is just being able to suit up everyday to represent my school and family.”
How does it feel to watch yourself on ESPN’s Top Ten?
“Watching myself on Top Ten feels kind of awkward. My family and friends love it and I am proud of that, but it is kind of weird watching myself.”
How do you want to incorporate basketball in your life in the future?
“In the future, I want to be a professional basketball player whether it is in the NBA or a country overseas. I honestly want to do something that I love while getting paid for it. Everything is uncertain at this point though, a lot will be determined on the remainder of the season.”
What do you want younger plays that look up to you, to know?
“I want younger players to understand that nothing is ever given and it is always earned. I tell the kids at my old high school at Saint Peter’s Prep (Jersey City, NJ) to live in the gym and always get extra work in because this is something that I have never done in high school. I tell them this because I want them to be better off than I was.”
What are you going to miss the most about SJU?
“I’m going to miss my teammates, my coaches, college basketball, playing in Hagan Arena, my friends, and living with my best friend Quan.”
Catch Ronald in Hagan before the season’s over!
HCXO
Taylor