Less than a fortnight ago, Ron Roberts, who is the sole Saint John’s commitment for the class of 2010, enjoyed the best performance of his young career in an 84-81 win against national power Oak Hill at the Prime Time Shootout. The St. Peter’s Prep forward scored twenty-two points, including a crucial free throw with seconds remaining to force the Warriors of Oak Hill into shooting a three-pointer at the buzzer. After the big game, Roberts spoke with Johnny Jungle about the win, his decision to come to St. John’s and what talents he can bring to the program.
Ron Roberts: It just feels great. It was one of the best feelings of my whole high school career. My team did a really good job of playing with a lot of energy and emotion and I’m really proud of them right now. We’re all really happy right now.
Johnny Jungle: Was it the biggest win of your life? Where does this one stack up?
Ron Roberts: Yeah, it probably is, actually. Oak Hill, you know, is in the top ten in the country. It’s huge.
JJ: Sure, it came against an opponent that everybody knows about and targets.
RR: Yeah, I just really wanted this one so I just played with my heart out.
JJ: There’s a lot of people who call you a “late bloomer.” Is that a fair assessment and do you like it?
RR: Yeah, I guess I am a late bloomer. I started playing varsity last year because, at my previous school, I wasn’t getting any time.
JJ: That was Bayonne.
RR: Yeah, that was Bayonne High School. It was unreal.
JJ: What was the transition like between the two?
RR: It was a big transition. At this school, like you’ve got a whole lot more competition. We play so much better teams.
JJ: Academically too?
RR: Yep, academics too and the competition. There’s no comparison.
JJ: Now this is for a St. John’s site. How did you come to your decision?
RR: Oh, I loved the coaches, the players, the atmosphere, the campus, the up-and-down style of play. I decided back in November.
JJ: What are some of your strengths that you’ll be able to bring to St. John’s?
RR: My strengths are my physical strength and..
JJ: Do you work out a lot and do they have facilities or a weight room for you to prepare for the next level?
RR: Yeah, I bench a pretty good amount and they do have some weights. I think I can also bring my athleticism and my versatility.
JJ: I though you did a very good job on Roscoe (Smith) in this game. I know him pretty well and I like him a lot, but I thought you did a really good job containing him on defense and taking it right at him on offense. Roscoe can be a tough match-up.
RR: Yeah, he’s one of the top players in the country. He’s going to UConn, right?
JJ: Yes, St. John’s fans are hoping you’ll beat him again next year at UConn.
RR: Hopefully, but I’ll definitely be seeing him again next year.
JJ: Now, what are some things that you’d like to work on before you arrive in Jamaica?
RR: I want to work on being more of a complete wing.
JJ: Did they recruit you as a three or a four?
RR: A combo forward. Yeah, I love playing the three and the four, but eventually, if I stay this height, I want to be a complete wing for college.
JJ: How are tall are you right now, Ron?
RR: I’m 6’7.”
JJ: And what do you weigh? Did the staff talk to you yet about what weight they’d like you to come in at?
RR: I’m about 205, but, no, they really didn’t talk to me about my weight yet.
JJ: Have they asked you to work on any particular skills or anything in general?
RR: No, not really. I guess they’re just waiting until after the season to talk to me about what I need to work on.
JJ: Have you done any recruiting for them yet? Have they asked you to?
RR: No, they’re handling most of that stuff themselves.
JJ: Who are some players that you try to model your game after?
RR: Stanley Robinson and Rudy Gay
JJ: Really, a couple of Huskies. Well, they both had a lot of potential. Have you thought about what you’d like to major in at Saint John’s?
RR: I’m not sure yet. I’ll try to decide after I get there and take some classes.
JJ: Are you going to be getting there in July for the summer sessions and to be able to mesh with the team?
RR: I’m not really sure when I’m exactly getting there.
JJ: What would you like fans to know about you away from the court?
RR: I’m a real calm, laid back kind of guy, but I also like to go out and party. I like to hang out with friends.
JJ: Sure, now do you still live in Bayonne or..
RR: I moved to Jersey City, but I always go back to Bayonne. I go back to catch up with my old friends because you can’t forget about them. I moved to Jersey City because that’s where my school is and it’s just a much easier commute.
JJ: Now, I thought I heard that your mother was a Dominican pro player and your father played for Billy Tubbs out in Oklahoma.
RR: (laughs) Yeah, we’ve got talent all over the family.
JJ: Are you an only child?
RR: No, I have three brothers and two sisters. I’m actually the middle child.
JJ: Did any of them show any aptitude for basketball?
RR: Yeah, they definitely pushed me all the way and got on me to show my potential. They helped a lot.
JJ: Did any of them get to play college basketball?
RR: No, unfortunately, they all had problems with grades and stuff like that. So, I’m trying to be the first one to be able to go to college and play basketball.
JJ: But you’re going to be fine, in terms of qualifying, correct, Ron?
RR: Oh, yeah, yeah, I’m qualified and everything. That’s all taken care of. But, yeah, they were the ones who helped to show me everything.
JJ: Now, do you guys still play often?
RR: Oh, yeah, we play all the time. They still push me constantly. (laughs) They’re really good so they push me. I also hang out with my sisters every now and then too.
Johnny Jungle: Thanks a lot, Ron. Congratulations.
Ron Roberts: Sure thing, no problem.
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