Playing Like A Rottweiler
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The rottweiler breed is an amazing line of dogs with some special characteristics and traits. Above all else though, is the way they attack their lives living with power and pride. I recently lost my 11 year old rottweiler, Frank.…
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Continue ReadingThe rottweiler breed is an amazing line of dogs with some special characteristics and traits. Above all else though, is the way they attack their lives living with power and pride. I recently lost my 11 year old rottweiler, Frank. In honor of my buddy, I’m going to give you some athletes from Michigan that are playing basketball like rottweilers.
Merritt Alderink Merritt Alderink 6'7" | PF Zeeland West | 2024 State #245 Nation MI (2024, PF, Zeeland West)
The breeds that can carry themselves with the grace and power of a rottweiler are few and far between. That goes for basketball players as well. Alderink is a great example of a player that brings both of those to the table. He’s strong enough to go up and finish or grab a board through defenders and in traffic. At the same time, Alderink is light on his feet with solid and steadily improving footwork on both ends.
Luke Hazelton Luke Hazelton 6'7" | PF Glen Lake | 2023 State MI (2023, F, Glen Lake)
Rottweilers are commonly recognized for their versatility as animals. They can be both massive guard dogs and as well and kind companions and family dogs. Hazelton shows that same versatility in his basketball game. He can take advantage of almost any matchup, working inside-out or outside-in.
Malik Olafioye Malik Olafioye 6'2" | PG Ecorse | 2023 MI (2024, PG, Ecorse)
Rottweilers live their lives on their terms, going at life instead of responding to it. That sounds a lot like Olafioye’s game. He plays downhill and forces the other team to respond to him, instead of the other way around. Olafioye can attack the defense off the bounce and finish with control and creativity.
Darryl Thompkins Darryl Thompkins 5'9" | PG East Kentwood | 2025 State MI Jr. (2025, PG, Michigan Collegiate)
Rottweilers are leaders at their core, willing to let their clan follow them into a storm. Thompkins Jr. leads with that exact same vigor. He not only has the ability to lead, but he WANTS to be that guy that his teammates look toward. Thompkins Jr. sets the tone on the basketball court by leading both vocally and by example.
Hutch Ward Hutch Ward 6'8" | PF Kalamazoo Central | 2023 State MI (2023, PF, Kalamazoo Central)
There is no doubt that rottweilers are the stars of the show. They’re the type of breed that everyone wants to see. For Ward, when you have your grassroots season titled like “The Hutch Ward Hutch Ward 6'8" | PF Kalamazoo Central | 2023 State MI Explosion”, it’s safe to assume that you’re a show stopper. His jumper has been explosive and consistent for a while now and his ability to finish at the rim has improved greatly.