It doesn't take much in the skill of predicting to determine that 2026 Franklin High talent Aiden Rollins possesses a future that will quickly surpass his present level of achievements and skills. While it's true the 6-foot-3 sophomore point forward is worthy of the multiple accolades having already come his way, his next few years and beyond will be his best.
Franklin High Coach Ken Manfredi is effusive in his praise of Rollins and offers convincing details that favor the case of his young protégé only getting better. "Aiden’s game is so well-rounded that he impacts both sides of the ball. He doesn't require the ball to always be in his hands or for him to lead us in scoring because his primary focus is helping his team win.”
Rollins' Best Basketball and People Skills
"But beyond his sports goal connections with his hoops teammates, what's telling is that Aiden's group of friends at Franklin High includes a variety of students who aren't into basketball but enjoy other interests. They like each other's company."
Rollins' Skills Round Two
Asked to detail his personal best basketball skills, Rollins offered, "my ability to get to the basket and being a skilled passer who creates opportunities for my teammates. I'm vocal with my leadership, talking a lot on defense and on bench too."
Growing up as a multi-sport athlete playing baseball and basketball, plus participating in soccer from 9 to 11 years old, he chose to take basketball more seriously and that sport became his focus.
The son of former St. Mary's frontcourter AJ Rollins who played professionally overseas but passed away last May at age 49, his father remains his greatest inspiration "as he got me started in basketball and paved the way for me to be successful. I also want to credit my Uncle Brian who stepped up when my father died."
In each school quarter in the last academic year, he earned a 4.25 grade point average, lauding his mother Christina for "working with me on the school side of things."
One telling anecdote regarding Rollins is "sometimes it pops into my mind that I have to always play well, that the team relies on me. But I see that not as a burden, more an incentive."
He played AAU ball this past summer with the West Coast Elite based in southern California. "I chose them because the coaching staff, being former pro and college players, has real good experience."
Recruiting
Although still an underclassmen, regarding recruiting, "I am looking for the school that is right for me." St. Mary's is likely to always be in consideration but Western Illinois was the very first to extend an official offer. Rollins is exploring majoring in sports broadcasting.
As for the upcoming season, he explained "Franklin High will be better than we were last year and this season I'll play at the wing."
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