But these early experiences have only added to his foundation. For the last month, Roberson has grown before our eyes.

“You don’t get to the position that he is in without being a tough player mentally,” Brooks said.

“My confidence is growing each and every game,” Roberson said. “Definitely, with the support system I’ve got with the coaches and my teammates helping me out along the way I’m only going to continue getting better each day if I keep working hard and stay consistent with it.”

Brooks tried to lump Roberson in with the rest of his players. But the longer the coach talked, the harder it was for him to camouflage his feelings for his second-year underdog.

“You got it out of me,” Brooks finally said. “I root for him.

“Everybody wants to root for guys that leave everything on the floor. I don’t know if he’s necessarily an underdog. I root for all our guys. But there’s no question I love guys that compete on every possession. He knows he’s not a perfect player, nor is anybody on our team. But he gives you perfect effort every time.”