One year ago, Penn men’s basketball junior guard Ethan Roberts dreamed of stepping on the court again. Today, Roberts was recognized by the Ivy League as the conference’s Player of the Week.
“Last year, I wasn't even able to run at this time,” Roberts said. “So I guess the award itself is more about perspective to me, leaving me more grateful … I'm just happy to be back out there.”
The honor comes after Roberts racked up a team-leading 76 points across the team’s three games this past weekend at the Cathedral Classic.
Roberts opened up tournament play with a 33-point performance in the Red and Blue’s loss to Navy on Friday. The 33 points were good for a new collegiate career high and was a sign of things to come ahead for the rest of the team’s games.
In the team’s win against Maine on Saturday, Roberts finished with 23 points along with 10 rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Through eight games, Roberts has now tallied two double-double performances. To close out the weekend, Roberts put up 20 points and six rebounds in the team’s loss on Sunday to Elon.
For these performances, Roberts was also named to the All-Cathedral Classic team. The Ivy weekly honor is the first of the season for Roberts, who is no stranger to earning recognition after being named the Patriot League Rookie of the Year as a freshman at Army. Since then, Roberts’ career has been slightly derailed following an injury that sidelined him for his entire sophomore year at Drake University.
“I'm really just blessed, seeing what it's like to have the game kind of taken away from you, and at the same time your health be at risk and just not feeling like yourself at all,” Roberts said. “It was probably the biggest low in my life I've ever been in. So that's kind of what makes these little no rewards of scoring a lot … that's what makes it sweet — just not giving up. It's encouraging.”
While the award feels great, Roberts is less concerned about earning personal recognition. His focus is mainly on how he can contribute to the team and the team’s efforts toward becoming better with each game.
“I'm more high about the direction our team is going,” Roberts said. “I care more or less about our record. We have new guys, but we're just showing flashes of resiliency and potential to be a really good team. So in terms of how I'm going to be playing the rest of the season … I'm just going to do what's required to win.”
Penn men’s basketball will return to the courts this upcoming Saturday at the Big 5 Classic, facing off against neighboring Drexel at the Wells Fargo Center to fight for fifth place at 2 p.m.
“It's gonna be my first time,” Roberts said of the opportunity to play at the Wells Fargo Center — the home of the 76ers. “I'm so excited. I can't wait to play there, it's definitely gonna be an amazing experience. So I'm just looking forward to getting out and playing again.”
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