Rolan Roberts

Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 6-6 / 250
Birthdate: April 24, 1978 (Baltimore, MD)
Prep School: Hargrave Military Academy
High School: Potomac HS (Dumfries, VA)
College: Southern Illinois

BACKGROUND
Started 2002-03 season in Turkey with Besiktas Istanbul, averaging 15.6 points and 7.9 rebounds in 10 games. Moved onto France with Vichy Auvergne in March, averaging 14.0 points and 11.4 rebounds in 11 games. Spent the summer of 2003 in USBL with the Brevard Blue Ducks, averaging 2.9 points and 3.5 rebounds in eight games.

Played final season of collegiate career at Southern Illinois, after starting at Virginia Tech. Sat out 2000-01 season according to NCAA transfer rules. Scored 1,666 career points at both schools. Named to the All-Consolation bracket team at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament after averaging 19.0 points and 8.3 rebounds while shooting 70.3 percent from the field.

As a senior, averaged 13.8 points and 7.1 rebounds. Started 35 of 36 games. Led team and MVC in field goal percentage (.604) and ranked fourth nationally. Finished three blocks short (87) of the school’s single-season record. Posted eight double-doubles. Scored a season-high 28 points and grabbed a season-high 18 rebounds against Southeast Missouri State. Registered a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds at Indiana State. Blocked season-high seven shots against Indiana and Indiana State. Scored 24 points and grabbed eight rebounds against Connecticut in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Earned First Team All-MVC, MVC Newcomer of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year honors.

As a junior at Virginia Tech, averaged 13.1 points and 6.1 rebounds. Started all 29 games. Ranked second on the team in scoring, rebounding, blocks, and steals. Scored in double figures 23 times with a season-high 26 points against UNC-Asheville. Posted a double-double of 22 points and 15 rebounds against La Salle. Scored 25 points against UNC-Charlotte. Earned All-Tournament honors at the San Juan Shootout. Named Third Team All-Atlantic 10.

As a sophomore, averaged 14.1 points and 5.9 rebounds. Started all 28 games. Led team in rebounding and blocked shots and ranked second in scoring. Posted double-figure scoring in 21 games with a season-high 23 points on four occasions. Registered 23 points and 10 rebounds against Dayton. Scored 23 points on 11-for-13 shooting against Coastal Carolina. Named Third Team All-Atlantic 10.

As a freshman, averaged 13.6 points and 6.4 rebounds. Started 19 of 27 games. Led team in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage. Became the first freshman in 20 years to lead Virginia Tech in scoring. Set a freshman single-season record for blocked shots with 60. Scored season-high 23 points against St. Bonaventure. Tallied 19 points and six blocked shots against East Tennessee State.