Toledo guard Ryan Rollins turned in a strong first season with the Rockets two years ago, but it was his sophomore campaign that put the soon-to-be 20-year-old firmly on the NBA radar.
Rollins was named the MAC Freshman of the Year in 2021 after averaging 13.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals in 30 games. He started every game that season and ranked second on the team in scoring, behind Marreon Jackson.
Then, Rollins elevated his game to the next level.
He averaged 18.9 points, six rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.7 steals in 34 games, and earned a place on the All-MAC first team. His 641 points were the third-most in program history as he became the fourth player to reach at least 1,000 points in two seasons.
Sophomore @_moneyballry is:
☑️ Only player in nation averaging 19.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 3.5 apg & 1.5 spg
☑️ Two-time @MACSports champion
☑️ 4th Rocket ever to score 1,000 pts in 2 seasons pic.twitter.com/schaEhtE2B— Toledo Men's Basketball (@toledo_mbb) March 5, 2022
Now, Rollins is looking to carry that success into the NBA.
He was among the standouts at the combine last month, measuring in at 6 feet, 3 inches in shoes with a 6-foot-9 wingspan. He was tied for the fastest shuttle run at 3.07 seconds and recorded 11 points, five rebounds and three assists in his lone scrimmage game.
Following that showing, Rollins started to pop up more and more on draft boards. He is now considered a potential first-round pick and is poised to become the first Rocket drafted since Casey Shaw was selected 37th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1998.
Rookie Wire caught up with Rollins on Wednesday to discuss his collegiate career, the pre-draft process, what he wants to bring to the next level and more.
Please note: This interview was minorly edited in its transcript for clarity