Prospect Spotlight: Cristian Rojas (2020)
Cristian Rojas enters his first varsity season.
The 2020 Timber Creek guard played on the freshman team a year ago, helping them go 10-1.
At 5’10”, 135 lbs., Rojas has yet to earn an offer but he’s drawn interest from Division II Catawba.
He played varsity ball for Timber Creek and he plans on making a big impact at the point guard position this season for the Wolves.
“My mindset changed from when I was in middle school thinking it was either JV or varsity or nothing to playing freshman and realizing playing against lower competition will build my confidence and allow me to work on things I could use at the next level,” Rojas told Prep Hoops Florida.
Rojas played up this summer with the 16U Orlando Orangemen and the 15U team during several tournaments.
During the summer he played up 16u the entire season with the Orlando Orangemen besides some additional 15u tournaments with them as well. He’s played with the Orangemen since the 4th grade, a program his dad is the owner and founder of.
“This summer I focused on training more than focusing on my 15U AAU team and trying to bring players to play. I trained mainly the whole summer in the gym by myself doing a workout regiment,” he said. “I was taught on the court many times throughout every week with my great trainer Christopher Brown who trains many other players including Kasey Hill, the Florida Gators guard.”
Before basketball came football for Rojas, his first love. He started playing basketball at the age of 8 and has played non-stop ever since.
In terms of his biggest strengths, Rojas pointed to his drive to the basket, finish through contact and passing.
“I love to score and can score at any time that I need to off of the dribble I believe but when I get to the basket I have no problem kicking to corners or wings but also dropping passes down low from the top or when I drive,” he said.
He says he wants to improve his ability to create space, knock down jump shots and 3’s.
“All summer I have been working in the gym every day to get stronger and bigger,” he said. “I have also been doing leg conditioning and stretching to improve my flexibility to move quicker on my toes and lock down offensive players. One thing I want for myself is to continue to grow as a player on and off the court and receive as many college scholarships I can this summer and high school season coming up.”
After a nice showing this summer with the Orangemen, Rojas is ready to make his varsity debut. He’s a smart player with a lot of determination. Let’s see how he does in his sophomore campaign in Class 9A basketball.