Written by Michael Bray
Ryland Roberts loves basketball, and for him it all started with a dream in third grade.
“I was sitting in the living room with my family and they turned on a basketball game and right there I just fell in love with it,” Roberts said. “I loved the energy off of it and I wanted to be a part of the culture that inspired me to pick a ball up and once that happened it seemed like I never wanted to put it down.”
That one moment has led him to be an anticipated part of the Heavener Wolves and head coach Jody Clubb’s program as a freshman.
“He has athleticism and is already an elite ball handler and an elite shooter,” Clubb said of Robert’s talent. “He has a great jump shot and is very quick, great motor and plays hard. Kid has a chance to start as a freshman and is already playing for Team Oklahoma this fall.”
Those talents are a direct result of his devotion to the game and his many hours of training since he was a child in his garage at home.
“I remember him having such a tremendous drive and he would spend hours in the garage dribbling,” said Roberts’ father, Gregg. “He picked up that ball and he would just sit out there and dribble for two hours every evening as a third grader and that continues up to now. He’s always spent time developing skills and studying other player’s styles and making them his own. It’s been pretty inspiring to watch his drive and dedication to it.”
Roberts will be an immediate factor for a Wolves’ team that is very underclassman heavy with only two senior starters. Clubb mentioned that though Robert is a point guard he will play off the ball and his ability to shoot will be greatly utilized.
“Since I’ve been here, he’s probably the most elite shooter I’ve had,” added Clubb. “He’s a gym rat and he plays year round and it shows.”
Roberts has high expectations not only for himself but the team as a whole.
“I want to be one of the best players to come out of Heavener, I want to make sure we get a good season,” he said, “so that in the next few years we can make an establishment for the school.”
It all goes back to his dream, full circle.
“I want to win for this county, for all the fans and I don’t want that dream to fall apart,” he said. “I want to continue everyday to get better. I like being around my teammates and want to win with them and make memories.”
