Hillcrest senior Julius Rollins received advice from many people regarding the college recruiting process.
Most of the information was extremely beneficial.
The one bit of guidance Rollins always clung to, however, was “go to a college where you’re needed, not just wanted.”
That place for the 6-foot-6, 185-pound forward, who signed his national letter of intent on Nov. 11, was Kent State.
“They showed me how much I was needed more than any other school I was in contact with,” Rollins said. “The Kent State coaches and I had numerous Zoom calls.
“They were in contact with me every other day. They showed me film of people who played in their system who they thought I could be like. That impressed me.”
Want to know what else is impressive?
Rollins’ skill set.
He can impact a game in a myriad of ways, be it scoring, rebounding or passing. He’s equally proficient around the basket and on the perimeter.
Last season, Rollins averaged 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Beyond the stat line, he brings a ton of energy and an unselfish attitude.
He’s more about “we” than “me,” according to Hillcrest coach Don Houston.
“Julius is willing to sacrifice for the team,” Houston said. “He’ll have an open shot, and he’ll pass the ball to a teammate. He knows he’s surrounded by a lot of talent and he wants everyone to contribute and to be happy.
“That makes him an even more special person.”
Those assets attracted colleges besides Kent State, including Illinois-Chicago and Milwaukee on his final list.
“It was a tough decision,” Rollins said. “But I believe Kent State is the place I best fit in and can be most successful.”
Houston has watched Rollins take a big step in his development each season. He’s certain Rollins’ best basketball is ahead of him.
“As a sophomore, he was a role player,” Houston said. “Last year, he evolved into one of the best players on our team. Now he’s one of the best players in the state. He has worked so hard to get to where he’s at.
“When he gets to Kent State, they’re going to be pleasantly surprised at everyone Julius brings to the table. He’s special. He doesn’t have to be ‘the guy’ on our team. But he can be ‘the guy’ if that’s what needs to happen.”
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Rollins is eager for the season to start — if there is one. The Illinois High School Association announced a “pause” Tuesday due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The IHSA is expected to provide further details Thursday.
Rollins confirmed his emotions have been all over the map.
“When it was announced (Oct. 28) that there was going to be a season, we were all very excited,” he said. “Then they decided to delay the season and it broke our hearts.”
Rollins has been dealing with the situation the best way he knows how — by concentrating on his game.
“I’ve focused on getting better,” he said. “A lot of people are sitting around, but I’ve kept working. I’m getting stronger and improving my game.”
As difficult as the past eight months have been, Rollins has found a silver lining he intends to take with him the rest of his life.
“We all take things for granted,” he said. “But you go through something like this and you see what you’ve lost, whether it’s big or small, and you appreciate things more.”