Every team needs a player like Jeff Roberson.
Bryce Drew and Vanderbilt get the luxury of having the 6-6 forward/guard/center on their team, and that should once again pay off in a big way this upcoming season.
While my appreciation for Roberson’s play during his time in Nashville has been well-documented at this point, he’s still someone that flies under the radar both in the SEC and nationally.
With a versatile skillset that’s gotten better each year, the Houston native is set for a memorable senior season with the Commodores.
Inside the Numbers
Roberson averaged 10.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists a season ago, which were important in aiding Vandy’s march to an NCAA Tournament bid.
But if there’s ever a player that shouldn’t be judged solely on his numbers, it’s Roberson.
That’s because the numbers don’t tell the story in this situation, as his production goes way beyond traditional statistics.
For starters, he’s the Commodores’ most versatile defender in his ability to guard any position on the floor. He can also bring the ball up the floor, knock down 3-pointers (just ask Mississippi State since Roberson hit five 3’s in a five-minute span against the Bulldogs last year), and play 30-plus minutes.
Honestly, if Roberson was asked to host the halftime show, he could probably do that as well.
Having a player that is so well-rounded definitely allows Drew and his staff a lot of flexibility when it comes to game preparation.
What They’re Saying
“I thought it started with Jeff. He really picked up his intensity, you know, rebounding the basketball. Also really being physical down on the defensive end. I thought that kind of shifted our aggressiveness as a team.
He’s been phenomenal for pretty much the whole year, especially this last stretch. He’s been having some really big games.”
– Vanderbilt head coach Bryce Drew following the Commodores’ win over Florida at the 2017 SEC Tournament
Lovell’s Analysis
There’s a reason why I used the quote above from Drew.
There have been many times throughout Roberson’s career where “it started with Jeff.” Whether it’s been a clutch defensive play or memorable dunk, he has always been someone that the Commodores could turn to when they needed a key play at a key moment.
That theme should continue this season.
Drew has to replace big man Luke Kornet and undervalued guard Nolan Cressler, but players like Roberson, Riley LaChance, and Matthew Fisher-Davis will help ease that transition.
Ultimately, no matter what Vandy needs from Roberson this season, his skillset should allow him to do it. And while he may not get the credit he deserves nationally, opposing teams will find it impossible to ignore his contributions.
So, if you visit Memorial Gym this year and see a player in a No. 11 uniform hosting the halftime blindfold race, don’t say I didn’t tell you that the kid could do it all.