The former Kavanagh College pupil returned to Dunedin a month ago, having completed his second year at Southeast Community College in Nebraska. He had enjoyed his time away in the United States but is now on the lookout for another school.
Being a junior college, SCC was only a two-year school, meaning he has to transfer to complete his final two years.‘‘I’ve got to try to find a four-year school,’’ Rodger (20) said.
"It hasn’t really started yet, the search. I’m still waiting for a few coaches to email me. It takes a lot of emailing back and forth with coaches. It’s just a waiting game, really."
A strong all-round player who passes at a high level, Rodger proved a handy "glue" player and gave his side plenty of versatility.
He had put together an impressive CV at age-grade level and had already played for both the Otago Nuggets and Canterbury Rams.
That had stood him in good stead as he went over to a game which he described as more athletic, but otherwise not too different from home.
"I think I was pretty well prepared, because I was in Christchurch before I went over for my first year.
"We were all working out with [former Tall Black and Otago Nuggets player-coach] Mark Dickel and stuff . . .
"It helped that I had Taylor [Britt] with me my first year, so I had another New Zealander with me and [we] experienced it together and were able to help each other out.
"I had a few Aussies on my team, as well."
While playing Rodger began a general studies degree, with the opportunity to specialise later when he figures out what he wants to do.
He had not found it too hard balancing study and basketball, on average having three classes a day and then practice.
He was based in the small town of Beatrice, and said there was not a lot to do, although he went for trips to the nearby city of Lincoln. Rodger was disappointed the team had failed to make the national tournament after losing on a buzzer beater, but it had still finished with a 17-win, 14-loss record. Rodger is enjoying being home and making the most of his mother’s cooking as he waits to see if he can make the jump to college basketball’s next level.
He is playing his second season with the Mid City Magic and was having fun playing with his mates.
He thought the level of play he experienced college was higher than club basketball, although not as high as the NBL, as it lacked the size of the professional league.
There were several options he could pursue as far as a professional career went as well. He could "maybe go to the Philippines and play a bit of pro ball over there, because my mum’s Filipino.
"I’d be eligible as a local for playing over there, so that could be an option."
However if the Otago Nuggets were able to return to the national competition, that would be on his radar.
"Definitely, that’d be fun, playing in front of the home crowd."
