College recruiting runs hot and cold, especially so with the higher level prospects. A bad game, or a string of less-than-impressive showings, causes movement up and down the ratings charts. Previous en fuego talents get downgraded but others move up to take their turn in the barrel. Injuries have the same effect. High level teams start following a bluechipper and usually quickly move into the engagement process. But a torn ACL or any other serious injury causes programs to back away pronto. The texts and calls end. It's now a matter of Jordan who? Then college coaching staffs discover a new gem and the wooing process begins anew while the previous can't-miss injured prepster faces a lengthy rehab in a slog of a process to regain his health and, most importantly, earlier stature.
6-foot-4 Ben Roseborough has experienced the high life, with UCLA, USC, Arizona and others power programs pursuing him. His college ready body and refined skill set deservedly earned the attention.
For example, as Paul Hernandez tweeted in October 2021: "2024 6’3 Ben Roseborough 1st time back on the court @ NorCal Frosh/Soph Camp & he didn’t disappoint! 7 3s & a game hi 27pts! Nice footwork 2 go w/ shifty handles & moves 2 create separation, quick release on shot, physical build 2 attack & finish thru contact!"
Simply Basketball tweeted this in September 2022: "Ben Roseborough (2024) show's why he is ELITE! Earning Co-MVP honors at @sacjacketsaau Fall Ball Classic! Holds 5+ D1 offers with a recent visit to USC."
This acclaim came early and often for Roseborough. Out of the Sacramento area, Roseborough played at multiple high schools before transferring to Bella Vista College Preparatory School in Phoenix and then Colorado Prep in Denver. But foot injuries prevented his exposure on the court and interest from basketball teams in the Power 5 conferences began dwindling. It was out of sight, out of mind with the memory of him blotted out due to so many other blue chippers participating in games and tournaments and thus available to scout and pursue.
Roseborough still currently sidelined but working his way back, his choices eventually came down to UC Santa Barbara, USF, Colorado State and San Jose State University. He chose the latter in part due to Coach Tim Miles and his staff sticking with him, expressing interest in Roseborough for a very long time (offering him back in September 2022).The Spartan pursuit began with former Spartan Assistant Coach Ben Johnson in the lead. When Johnson moved over to Northern Arizona University, Head Coach Tim Miles assumed that critical role. Roseborough took an official visit to Spartanville on December 12, 2023 and committed the next day. Staying in touch with Roseborough whether he was healthy or not proved to be a successful strategy.
Asked about his best skills, Roseborough was succinct but direct and simply honest. "I do everything including lead the team. I do it (the latter) mostly by example like finishing first in sprints and making sure we're talking on defense."
His right foot is in a boot (but he's attending home games, sitting with the team on the bench) and his medical needs during his recovery are being met by Spartan personnel and outside referrals. "The plan is to sit back, recover and chill this year. But I'm itching to get back on the court."
Roseborough is in his last quarter of high school and will likely enroll at San Jose State University in the summer. It's early to project since he needs to get back on the court first but Roseborough has high ambitions. "I may try to go pro after one or two years."
An added benefit with Roseborough aboard is he is talking with other top talents he knows about joining him. "I'm looking for talent and trying to recruit players." This is certainly something new and beneficial for the SJSU men's basketball program.
Enduring being sidelined has been difficult at times especially for someone so gifted and who loves basketball. He credits "my brothers for pushing me over the hump" when being forced away from the court became challenging. He also credits his mother "for playing a big role in his life and for pushing me."
Sypkens on Roseborough
Roseborough also lauded former UC Davis guard Ryan Sypkens, holder of a trio of three-point shooting records as an Aggie, as being a major basketball influence and more. Sypkens, who played professionally in Colombia, is now a trainer in Rancho Cordova. He spoke volumes about his protégé: "I've had the privilege of serving as Ben's trainer, coach and mentor since he was 12-13 years old, and from the outset, his exceptionally gifted talent was apparent. Ben's innate abilities, coupled with his focus to fortify his fundamental skills, have truly set him apart. We used to regularly work at 6:00 am and trained as often as possible. I can confidently attest that by the time he reached 8th grade, he had emerged as one of the most polished players in the country, notably holding his own in Pro runs at Touch Shooting challenging D1 college players, NBA players, and international pros, all while still in middle school."
"However, his journey has not been without challenges. Struggles with injuries and a junior year marked by ineligibility, courtesy of CIF rulings, have undoubtedly influenced the trajectory of his career. Fortunately, the silver lining lies in the recognition and unwavering belief of Division 1 coaches who acknowledge his prowess, echoing my own confidence in his abilities."
"These misfortunes have cultivated a passion for self awareness and improvement within Ben. The growth I've witnessed in Ben is truly commendable, marked by notable improvements in his focus, discipline, and work ethic. Beyond his on-court achievements, he has intentionally assumed the role of a positive influence for his two younger brothers and sister. Ben's maturation, forged through tenacious resilience amid a series of adverse consequences, is a testament to his character. I am genuinely proud of Ben's journey and anticipate continued success on his path."
The Spartans are getting someone who has been through a level of adversity that tests one's mettle, heart and spirit.
Fields on Roseborough
Now in his ninth year at Monterey Trail High (near Sacramento), Varsity Basketball Coach Robert Fields is very familiar with Roseborough as well as his brothers. "Ben was intent on coming here before a paperwork snafu caused him to be ineligible. But we had Ben here for a summer and part of the fall before his junior year. He didn't play in any official games but participated in 25-30 games over the summer and fall. San Jose State first saw Ben with us."
Fields continued, "With Ben, there was no need to work on things like his shot because Ryan Sypkens had taken care of that. We worked on little things that make a big difference like for example help side defense. That's what Ben needed because was already a special, special talent. What also makes Ben different is he wants to get better even though he plays effortlessly, can shoot it with NBA range and goes to the cup well. He has been working out with NBA guys for years before he came to us, like Ben McLemore, who played for the Sacramento Kings (the 6-foot-3 McLemore was selected seventh in the first round of the 2013 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings)."
Described as low ego and down to earth, Roseborough demonstrated loyalty in going with Coach Tim Miles and SJSU. That says something about his values. Oh yes, Roseborough has two brothers, one older, one younger. The elder is Berry who now is an assistant coach at Monterey Trail High. A Monterey Trail High graduate, he then played at Solano College followed by Mount Marty University in South Dakota. Baron is the younger brother and he is a sophomore guard at Monterey Trail High.
A query about Roseborough's best hoops moment was answered with "we beat Sunrise Christian in my sophomore year at Prolific Prep and I had a great game." The Nike affiliated Sunrise Christian is a national prep basketball juggernaut located in Kansas.
How will he go about blending into the team once he is able to return to the court? "Just being myself is the best way to do it and just being there for the team."
Oh, he'll be doing so much more than that. Roseborough is the best Spartan basketball recruit in like ever. Granted, Ricky Berry, Tariq Abdul-Wahad, Chris McNealy and Omari Moore became stars, but Roseborough's potential exceeds any of them. It will be a matter of shaking off accumulated rust and then let the show begin.
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