Boyle Signs Roberson to NLI
"Andre is long athletic combo forward who has developed into one of the top prospects in the state of Texas. A complete player; he has the athleticism and length to be a game changer on both ends of the floor," Boyle said. "He understands how to use his size and reach to contest shots in the paint, but also possesses the foot speed and quickness to guard on the perimeter."
Roberson, a 6'7", 190-pound forward, is the first student-athlete signed by Boyle, who was named head coach of the Buffaloes on April 19.
During his senior year, Roberson was a first-team all-state selection, averaging 15 points, 12 rebounds and 1.7 blocked shots per game. He helped lead the Thunderbirds to a pair of consecutive Texas Class 5-A state semifinal appearances and was the District 27-5A most valuable player. Roberson was also named to the All-Area Class 5-A Super Team.
During his junior year, he averaged 9.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.
Boyle also said Roberson has the ability to stretch the defense and knock down jumpers, but he excels as a slasher who attacks the basket using his length and explosiveness to finish over defenders. He has a tremendous upside and the ability to make an immediate impact on the college level.
"I have good instincts and I am pretty good on the defensive end. I feel like I know the game pretty well," Roberson said. "I need to improve my shooting and hit the weight room and get bigger."
Roberson also took official visits to Tulsa (last fall) and Penn State (this spring). Texas, UNLV, UCLA and Clemson also showed late recruiting interest in him.
"In the end I had narrowed it down to Colorado and Penn State," Roberson said. "They are both very good schools but I couldn't choose them both. It had to be one or the other. I just really liked the coaches and players and the environment there at Colorado.
"Not to take anything away from Penn State, they have great coaches and players also. But Colorado is a little closer to home and at least some of my family will be able to come see me play a couple games."
Roberson comes from an athletic family, his father John Roberson played basketball collegiately at New Mexico State (1985-89) and professionally overseas for 12 years; his mother, Lisa played volleyball at New Mexico State (1985-89).
His two older sisters have Big 12 Conference ties. Ashlee averaged 12.2 points per game and was named honorable mention All-Big 12 as a senior at Texas Tech in 2009-10; Amber, will be a junior next year and is a two-year volleyball letterwinner at the University of Texas.
Roberson joins a 2010-11 Colorado basketball roster filled with returning experience.
Next season the Buffs return a trio of seniors (Cory Higgins, Levi Knutson, Marcus Relphorde) and juniors (Austin Dufault, Trey Eckloff, Nate Tomlinson); two sophomores (Alec Burks, Shane Harris-Tunks); and a redshirt freshman (Shannon Sharpe). Javon Coney, will also be a senior, is a non-scholarship student-athlete. Junior Casey Crawford will graduate in four years and forego his fifth year of eligibly, in addition to freshman Keegan Hornbuckle, who announced last week, he is transferring and opting to play closer to his California home. Dwight Thorne II was the only senior on the 2009-10 roster and will graduate this Friday with a degree in business.