Grayson Rogers: The Next Big Name in College Basketball?

The Philippine college basketball scene is always on the lookout for the next big thing – a game-changing talent capable of elevating a team to championship contention. Enter Grayson Rogers, a 19-year-old Filipino-American prospect from St. Louis, Missouri, whose basketball journey has brought him to the shores of his mother’s homeland.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and capable of playing both guard positions, Rogers is poised to make an impact in either the UAAP or NCAA, with several schools already expressing interest in his talents. Despite being far from the Philippines for most of his life, Rogers is eager to embrace the country’s physical style of play and bring his versatile skill set to the court.

A Journey Rooted in Heritage

Rogers’ Filipino roots run deep. His mother hails from Surigao, and while he grew up in St. Louis, his connection to the Philippines has always been strong. He last visited the country in 2014 as a fourth-grader, spending time in Cebu and his family’s hometown.

“We started off in Cebu, hung out with family. We went over to Surigao, hung out with more family and did a lot of stuff,” Rogers reminisced about his trip in an exclusive interview with ALL-STAR.

Now, nearly a decade later, he’s back with a singular mission: to carve out his place in Philippine basketball and eventually achieve his ultimate goal – a shot at a professional career.

A Dynamic Guard with Star Potential

Rogers honed his game at Ritenour High School, where he showcased his scoring prowess. As a junior, he averaged an impressive 20 points per game, and though his scoring dipped to 14 points per game as a senior, his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor remained evident.

Describing himself as a “combo guard,” Rogers emphasized his willingness to adapt to whatever role his team needs.

“I can score, defend, run the point, run the two guard, whatever the coach needs,” he said. “Whatever really my coach wants. Score them, pass them, defend them.”

When it comes to inspiration, Rogers looks to NBA stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant to refine his craft.

Adjusting to the Philippine Game

Rogers got his first taste of the Philippine brand of basketball during a recent tryout with one of the UAAP’s top universities, which has already offered him a spot in their program.

“It was good. The coaches there, the school, the players, they were nice,” Rogers shared.

One thing that stood out was the physicality of the game.

“It’s physical. It’s a lot more physical than what you would think,” he observed after watching local games and YouTube clips of collegiate basketball. But the challenge excites him, and he believes his skills can translate seamlessly.

“I think I can score with them, I can defend anybody,” he confidently stated.

A Game-Changer in the Making

For the team that lands Grayson Rogers, the expectations will be high, and rightfully so. When asked what his future team can expect, Rogers didn’t mince words:

“That we’re going to win.”

Beyond his skills, Rogers wants to give back to the communities that shaped his family’s story.

“Yeah, yeah! I want to go back to our hometown in [Surigao]. See the kids, play with the kids,” he shared, reflecting his desire to inspire the next generation of players.

Off the court, Rogers describes himself as chill and easygoing, spending his downtime with friends, reading, and gaming.

The Road Ahead

While it’s still the early days in his Philippine basketball journey, Grayson Rogers is already positioning himself as a player to watch. With his combination of size, skill, and adaptability, he has all the makings of a future impact player. Whether he chooses the UAAP or NCAA, Rogers is set to be a game-changer who could eventually light up the professional scene in the Philippines.

For Rogers, the mission is clear: earn his chance, prove his worth, and make his mark. And from all indications, he’s more than ready to take the next step.