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Robert Morris Basketball
We recently had the pleasure of coming across some very talented ball players from Robert Morris College. Many of their players come from Chicago and have played for Chicago area high schools. Some of these players are the young men we covered while they enjoyed their high school experiences. They are also the excellent players we see every day during the summer... their off time. It is on the unyielding pavement of the outdoor parks, or the hardwood of the indoor gyms throughout the Chicago area that we get to know these players up close and personal. Normally we may not get nearly as close to them while covering games during the season.
One of these players is Steve Strong. He is a 6'1 170lb. two guard out of South Shore High School. He resides on the south side of Chicago and last year played at Kennedy-King College. He admits that last season having a "big head" hurt him in his recruiting, as he was being looked at by mid-major programs. "I was the MAN at Kennedy-King, an All-American also," he said recently at his downtown Chicago dormitory. "I would show up at class but not do the work. But now I'm really focused and will do whatever it takes to get there".
"Go to class or go home!" Steve states is what was told to him by Assistant Head Coach Aubrey Volious. "Him and (Head Coach) Al Bruehl push you hard and get the best out of you. That is why I chose to come here. Here is where the wins are". The Eagles ended their 2004-05 season in the Final Four of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Championship Tournament. Steve has two years left of eligibility.
Steve is one of the fastest guards in the NAIA. Bringing a lot of heart into the way he plays, he usually is able to get to the basket at will. He is able to play quick and get back on defense. He is a role player, the guy that does the dirty stuff and does what he has to do so the team can thrive. He sites South Carolina product and fellow guard Jerome Harper, a McDonald All-American, as a key player he follows behind and learns from.
Steve's major is fitness. When he is done with basketball, he wants to not only excel in that field, but also perhaps in coaching. Helping kids stay in shape and be prepared for what's to come matters to him. What matters to us is to get to know these guys in personal ways that benefit all. Photo essays such as this may not be the most complete story on a team or player, but we hope offers incite and glimpses on the human aspect of these fine people who play the game we love, and who we do not see much of accept on the court. Great luck to Steve and the excellent coaches and players of Robert Morris. You were a blast to work with we will be watching you closely this season!
Steve Strong
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