It's a Pleasure to Meet You... I'm Xavier Roberson
In the second of six installments, hoop fans will have an opportunity to meet the newcomers to the 2009-10 TCU men's basketball team.
Xavier Roberson
Nov. 5, 2009
In the second installment of "It's a Pleasure to Meet You..." GoFrogs.com sat down with TCU freshman Xavier Roberson to talk about making the transition to college life both on and off the hardwood.
Roberson came to TCU from Mississippi Elite Christian Academy in Jackson, Miss., where he guided his prep program to a 20-win season and a fourth-place showing at the National Prep School Tournament. This past season, Roberson averaged 17.5 points per game to go along with 7.0 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 3.0 steals per evening. A native of Texas, Roberson played two seasons at nationally-ranked Yates High School in Houston where he helped his team post a 26-3 overall record.
GoFrogs.com
Tell us about the first couple of months on campus and adjusting to college life?
Roberson
"It's been all good. Class is going well, and I've been working really hard on the court. Everything is going good."
GoFrogs.com
When you arrived on campus, what were your expectations? Is the college game what you thought it would be like or has been something that you were not expecting?
Roberson
"For me to play, I knew that I was going to have to come in and work hard. I knew that I couldn't be lazy and had to be coachable and unselfish. I'm doing that, and I think the learning process is a lot bigger than I thought it would be. Hopefully, I can continue to improve and make a big contribution this season."
GoFrogs.com
College life is a lot more structured. You're at practice for a few hours, have to meet with your tutors, strength coaches and trainers. How has that adjustment affected you?
Roberson
"It's a lot different from high school, but at the same time, once you get used to it and adapt to it then you'll be just fine."
GoFrogs.com
Outside of the basketball court, have you found an aspect of it that you like the most?
Roberson
"Not at all."
GoFrogs.com
Let's talk about practice, how would your grade your progression in such a short period of time?
Roberson
"I'm getting better everyday in every area. I'm learning a lot from Coach Christian and the rest of the staff. They are teaching me new things every day, and every day, I leave practice a better player."
GoFrogs.com
The staff has you watching a lot of film. Is that something you were used or did they have to show you how to watch film and what to look for?
Roberson
"In high school, I never watching film, but when you watch it, you really see the mistakes that you make. You may not even realize or notice the mistakes you made in practice, but when you see it on film and it's visual to you, you can really correct them."
GoFrogs.com
In what areas do you think you are stronger in now compared to when you first arrived on campus?
Roberson
"I think I'm stronger at distributing the ball and getting other people shots. In high school, it was more like a one-on-one thing, but now getting other people shots is the key to winning. I think that I'm seeing the whole floor and making sure that my teammates get a good shot, and that's been a big difference for me."
GoFrogs.com
You've always played for a winner in high school and prep school How has that winning background helped your preparation every day in practice?
Roberson
"I just come in with a positive attitude and encourage everybody. When they're down, I try to pick them up. I work hard every day and try to learn as much as I can and just try to show my teammates that I'm willing to do anything to help us win."
GoFrogs.com
What made you decide that TCU was the right place for you?
Roberson
"I took my visit and talked to Coach Christian and Coach Woo (Bill Wuczynski), and I felt very comfortable around them. Even though, I knew them for a couple of days, it felt like I knew them for a couple of years. I took my visit, and I liked the school and the program that they were building, and I wanted to be a part of it. There was not anything about TCU that I didn't like."
GoFrogs.com
The season begins next week, what are you most excited about?
Roberson
"I'm excited to see what's going to happen in the future. I want to get into the big games and do everything in my power to help us win. I want to get on the court and play and win."
