Standing at five feet eleven inches tall, rising Athens Drive basketball DJ Robertson, 15-year-old freshman transfer from Word Of God, has caught a lot of attention school-wide with his speed and ability to score the ball.
This season, he is averaging 12 points with three assists coming off the bench, a steady offensive player under Coach Robbie St. John’s new system. Robertson has been put in a situation where he can grow, learn, and adapt under coaches.
“DJ has brought pure energy and a positive attitude. He always has boundless energy from the first second of practice. If you’re not ready to play with him, he’s going to make you look foolish because he doesn’t take plays off,” said Shaffer.
Robertson’s ball handling skills and unorthodox shot has impressed many and has built a buzz around school. At the beginning of the season, he played junior varsity for new coach, Darien Terry. After the seventh game, St. John made the decision to move Roberston up to the varsity team.
“DJ is really that good when it comes to basketball; he’s a bucket for sure with a bright future,” said Kevin Page, senior member of the Varsity Men’s basketball team.
Robertson’s debut varsity game was against Panther Creek High School Dec. 9, 2015.
He scored 15 points, shooting 5-7 from the three point line. He showed glimpses of a consistent shooter if given the opportunity in open space.
“If DJ can keep this level of play up for the next couple of years, he can attend a D1 college, maybe like ACC conference,” said Steve Judd, senior member of the Men’s Varsity Basketball Team.
Robertson has scored double digits 11 out of 14 times this season. One of his highest scoring games was Dec. 29, 2015 against Roxboro Community where the Jaguars pulled out the win 94-91. DJ scored 21 points with 7 assists, almost recording a double-double while shooting a perfect eight for eight from the free throw line.
“I feel like my biggest strengths are being able to beat the press and pull up for threes, I take my game after Kyrie and the way he plays game to game,” said Robertson.
Robertson’s game is inspired by the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar Kyrie Irving. He likes that Irving is able to break down his defenders, score and get to the lane. When watching Robertson play the crowd is amazed by his moves and demeanor by the way they cheer him on every home game.
“I think I am having a great season. I feel that I can improve on my basketball IQ and be
able to make better plays in the next couple of years. All I can say is keep hooping,” said Robertson.
Many people around school have been talking about Robertson and the success he has been having this season. Talking to students and adults they believe DJ is a special talent and the sky’s the limit for him and Athens Drive basketball in the next following years.
“I think the future is as bright as the young guys carry us. We have a great group of freshmen, sophomores and juniors that are ready to lead. Going forward, Conference Championships is something that I would be surprised to not be able to contend for. I think we have the ability, now it’s just how hard the guys want to work because the talent is here,” said Coach Shaffer.
