Most athletes at the high school will stop playing their favorite sports competitively by the end of senior year. However, for a lucky few, the end of high school marks the beginning of a career, not an end.
This is the case for seniors Obi Obiora and Elijah Rogers, two varsity basketball players garnering heavy interest from several Division I schools.
Choosing which college to go to is not easy; school size, academic programs and the college’s playing style each have to be taken into consideration, according to varsity basketball head coach Luke Day.
“These guys are smart enough to understand that you’re not looking for a four-year school,” Day said. “The phrase I like to use is that you’re looking for a 40-year school. They may or may not end up at a school that is maxed-out basketball wise. They might, but they also have to make a decision that will greatly affect their lives.”
Obiora and Rogers both said that basketball is not always their top priority when deciding what college to attend.
“A college that is a good choice for me is a college that understands that I love basketball, but academics are equally important,” Obiora said.
Rogers, who is closing in on 1,000 career points in varsity basketball, agreed that a balance between basketball and school is essential. His goals for the future are to earn a degree and set school scoring records.
According to both Obiora and Rogers are considered excellent players. Day, who is beginning his second year with the program, center Obiora’s biggest appeals are his rebounding, post dominance and strong work ethics. Last year, he averaged 10 points and 10 rebounds.
“He’s got a great motor,” Day said. “Once the game starts, he’s going 100 percent the whole time. That sets him apart, even from other kids his size.”
Rogers, on the other hand, is known for his speed and intuitive understanding of the game, according to Day. Rogers said that this year, his goal is to become a better leader for his team.
“It’s more about the team than just ourselves,” Rogers said. “We all have our personal goals but if there’s no team there’s nothing.”
Although no boys basketball players went on to play for a Division I college last year, high school alumni Shiraz Mumtaz, Lake Berry, and Leland Alexander are all in the midst of trying out for their respective Division III colleges, Day said. While it is rare to have two division I prospects on one high school team, Day emphasized that Brookline’s strong basketball program helps players of all different levels to continue their basketball careers.
“A lot determines on the choices they make,” Day said. “Almost any kid that comes through a program like ours is capable of finding a place somewhere to play college basketball if they want to.”
Noa Dalzell can be contacted at [email protected].
