Wyatt Rogers hasn’t been playing basketball for very long, but one could say that he’s getting pretty good at it. On Saturday, Jan. 23, the Tomlin Middle student’s 148 points were the most for any competitor in the Tri-Star Basketball Skills Competition.
How many times have you done this event?
Just twice. This is my second time.
When was the last time, last year?
Yes, sir.
Did you win then, too?
No, sir. I didn’t place.
Then you’ve definitely worked hard since then. What did you do to change that this year?
Just practiced outdoors, in my yard, on cold and hot days. No days off, I guess. I got a hoop for Christmas.
What was the thing that you had to work on the most?
Shooting and dribbling.
How long have you been playing basketball?
About three years. I’m 13 now.
What made you want to start playing?
Just watching the big NBA players. I got interested in it.
Is basketball your favorite sport?
It is now.
Who’s your favorite athlete?
Stephen Curry.
Are the Warriors your favorite team too?
Yes, sir.
You can play for any NBA team you want. Do you pick the Warriors, or somebody else?
Probably the Warriors.
Do you play on a team?
I just play for the rec league.
What do you think is the coolest thing you’ve ever done on a basketball court?
Break somebody’s ankles. I just found them playing defense a certain way and decided that if I did a crossover to the side their back was facing, I would make them stumble. It was in rec league.
What do you hope to get better at, between now and the next Tri-Star competition?
To be more consistent at the three-point line.
Do you plan to play for middle school or high school when you get older?
I did play for middle school, for Tomlin, this year, and I plan to play for Plant City High School.
What’s your favorite position to play?
Point guard. You get the ball most of the time, I think, and that’s just what I’m best at.
You like to be the guy that runs the offense?
Yes, sir.
Is there any sport you’ve never tried, but have always wanted to?
Soccer. I would play midfield.
You can have any superpower you want. What do you pick?
Super speed. I would have good handles.
You get $1 billion one day. What’s the first thing you buy?
I’d buy the Golden State Warriors.
You can meet any famous person. Who do you pick?
Stephen Curry.
If you could hang out with Steph for a day, what would you do?
Shoot around, hang out with him, whatever.
Some kid comes up to you and asks for advice on how to get better at basketball. What do you tell him?
Hard work and dedication. No days off.
What’s your favorite subject in school?
Math.
What’s your favorite TV show?
“One Tree Hill.”
Isn’t that the one with the basketball in it?
Yes, sir.
What’s your favorite sports movie?
“42.”
They’re making a movie about your life. Who is playing you?
My brother.