Darnell Rogers turned a lot of heads this summer while playing on the EYBL. It was first because of his size as Darnell only stands 5’3”. However, the heads then quickly started to turn because of the immense amount of talent Darnell possesses.
However, this success shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone as Darnell’s father Shawnta was a standout at George Washington in the late 90s. Shawnta then went on to a very successful, 11 year pro career overseas. As a Senior at George Washington, 5’4” Shawnta averaged 20.7 Points 6.8 Assists, and led the nation with 3.6 Steals per game. He was named the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and won the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award (NCAAs best player under 6’).
Last year, playing at South Carolina 2A Indian Land High School, Darnell averaged 28.2 Points, 6.9 Assists, and 5.9 Steals per game. Throughout the Summer, playing on the notable EYBL circuit with CP3 All Stars Rogers averaged 10 Points, 3.5 Assists, and 1 Steal per contest. The point guard led CP3 All Stars to an 11-2 record and an outright regular season EYBL title.
See our write ups of Rogers, Through the years:
Indian Land Vs Cheraw (2014)
The Match Ups
The Point Guards Rogers Vs Sellers This was the most intriguing match-up coming in and it wound up being the most electric match up in the game. Junior Darnell Rogers came into the game averaging 31.8 points and 7.4 assists. Cheraw, game planned against Rogers by face guarding him the whole game, and then bringing another player at him as he caught the ball. Rogers spent the first half facilitating, he displayed great court vision and ability to get into the lane and make the right read. Rogers finished with 20 points and 5 assists on the night. Rogers, whose father Shawnta had a celebrated career at George Washington.
Roy McBride Invitational (2015)
Darnell Rogers 2016 – Scorer. Played at a lazier-faire pace defensively at times but when the games got tight had a confidence and swagger about himself that enabled him to take over. The lefty point guard is able to able to get by his defender whenever he needs to make plays for himself or others at the rim. His small stature can be deceiving at times however he is able to use his low center of gravity to turn the corner and get downhill quickly. To take the next step in his development Darnell will need to consistently become a gnat on the ball defensively for 94 feet and throughout the course of the game. Playing off of two feet in the paint will allow him to get to the FT line more consistently.
Rogers is George Washington’s second commitment in the 2016 class, joining Florida power forward Collin Smith. In 2015 George Washington took two players, Virginia power forward Collin Goss and New York point guard Jordan Roland.