Q: So let’s talk about the season. Did it live up to your expectations?
A: Not really, because I was expecting to get back to the state tournament. But some things held us back, injuries and a little bit of team chemistry. But I still feel like the season played out well.
Q: Being a senior on this team, what did you feel like your role was? And did that role change throughout the season?
A: Coming in I knew I had to lead my team because we lost two great leaders [from 2016-2017 team]. I knew I had to step up and lead a young team. So going down the stretch it did kind of change. I wasn’t really a verbal leader. I was more of lead by example. But as the season progressed I became more of a verbal leader on and off the court.
Q: What’s your best memory from the season?
A: I’d say beating Glass here at home [hit game-winning free throws].
Q: When did you start playing and why?
A: Around age 6. I mainly started playing because my dad [Kevin Rosser Sr.] didn’t want me to play football, because I was fragile at the time. He didn’t want me to get hurt. He just felt like basketball was physical enough and I could adapt to it more with my abilities.
Q: When did you get serious about basketball?
A: Yeah, when we started travel ball, we started playing against top teams in the state and in the nation. So sometimes, when we’d get beat by them, I’d be like, ‘I know what I’ve got to work on. I know what I’ve got to do.’ From that point on, from 7th grade on up, I got serious.
Q: Travel ball has become kind of necessary if you want to play at the next level. So what’s it like playing all year round? Is it beneficial?
A: Yes. Technically it’s two different styles of play. School ball, from what I’ve experienced, is more organized. You have more set plays. You progress as the season goes along. But when you’re in travel ball, you show up to play and try to win, regardless. In that type of situation, it’s win or go home every game. Being in those two types of environments can make you better.
Q: As a junior you were a big-time shooter from the outside. That changed this year, right?
A: I feel like you hit it right on the nose. Last year, I was more of a role player, where I’d have spot-up 3s or plays to get me open for 3s and mid-range. I wasn’t really much of a facilitator. But this year, it changed tremendously. I had to do twice as much as I did last year. I don’t mean that in a bad way. I just did everything I could to help this team. … I felt like I got better.
Q: And that made you a better, well-rounded player going forward?
A: Yes, because my leading skills improved. I had to learn to take care of my body better because I was playing 32 minutes a game, and if we went to overtime, which we did. So it was just learning to adapt to those types of situations very quickly.
Q: Playing every minute of every game, did that take its toll on you?
A: It didn’t really faze me throughout the season. Once a game came around, I had so much energy that I didn’t know how much I had used that night, until probably like the next day. Then we were right back on the court the next day.
Q: Which player in the area offers you the best challenge?
A: Anthony Williams [at E.C. Glass].
Q: Being in this program the last four years, who has influenced you a lot?
A: Coach Don [Alexander, an assistant]. He’s influenced me since I was in 6th grade. Everything he says, I pay attention, take it to heart and listen. … And another person was [former guard] Jordan Hamlette. I looked up to him and he showed me how to lead.
Q: Do you have a favorite teacher?
A: Machelle Berger [his calculus teacher].
Q: Moving forward, what would you like to happen to continue your career?
A: Just find a college or university that I fit well into. Somewhere I can improve again throughout the next four years. That’s all I’m really looking for is a good relationship with a coach and someone who is gonna push me every day to get better.
Q: Was there a time in your career when you had to overcome adversity?
A: Definitely injuries. Injuries can take you away from the game and make you have to take mental reps instead of physical reps. A lot of times I would beat myself up if I had a bad game. But later on, I’d know everyone has a bad game, you just have to get over it. … Knowing I played bad when I could have reached my full potential was something I had to get over.
Q: Let’s say you have a bad game. How do you go about erasing those thoughts from your head?
A: The way I did it was the next day, I’d just get up a bunch of shots. … Mentally, I just say ‘I’ve got to step up and play better.’ I can’t let the mental part hold me back from performing.
Q: Finish this sentence. If I couldn’t play basketball, I would want to?
A: Probably coach it.
Q: The person who has most influenced my life is?
A: My mom, Tina Thompson.