The Bender Arena faithful’s chants of, “MVP, MVP, MVP,” are very familiar for Matt Rogers, who has solidified himself as an American University basketball legend.
However, the graduate student forward had two opportunities to transfer out of American to play at bigger schools and earn a lot of name, image and likeness (NIL) money. The first came at the end of his junior year when the University parted ways with former head coach, Mike Brennan, who recruited him out of high school. The second was after his senior year ended with a loss to Bucknell at home in the Patriot League Quarterfinals.
But it wasn’t money or a bigger stage that mattered to him. Loyalty, love for the Eagles and the dream to continue developing this basketball program are what Rogers prioritized, and what kept him at American.
“He had opportunities to go somewhere last year, and he took a step back and said ‘hey I want to be known as one of the best players to come out of American,’” head coach Duane Simpkins said. “Matt is somebody who gave his whole heart to this university.”
Rogers retires from the Eagles as a Patriot League Tournament MVP, a two-time All-Patriot League first team selection and as team MVP. On top of that, he sits first in program history in games played, sixth in points scored with 1,856 and seventh in rebounds with 760.
Simpkins has immense pride in Rogers. Since taking over the program, he and the coaching staff have worked to help Rogers grow both as a player and a leader.
“I’m super proud. I can’t put it into words man. He’s grown a lot, not just as a player but as a person, as a leader,” Simpkins said. “I want to see that kid get everything he wants to get out of playing professionally. We’re always going to be here. That’s family moving forward.”
Assistant coach Jackie Manuel commended Rogers for his ability to be coached and be a true student of the game.
“He has a huge heart, and he embraced us by allowing us to coach him and love him. Some days that was tough love. The last couple years, he welcomed that. Most guys at his stature as a player and an older guy don’t tend to open up that much and allow coaches to coach them and get that close to them, but Matt did a wonderful job of allowing us to do that,” Manuel said.
Simpkins said that Rogers was always present at practices, and that his presence helped build team camaraderie. He and Manuel said that they were extra hard on Rogers in practice, partly to make him an example, but also because they understood he could handle that tough love. Simpkins said it made the rest of the team work harder.
“As a team on the court we’ve never argued, nobody complained about playing time. Everyone was super well-connected because it was more of a brotherhood and family atmosphere,” Rogers said. “That’s what I’m most proud of and what I’ll always remember about this team.”
Off the court, Rogers has made deep and personal bonds with his teammates and talked about some of the trips he’s been on with the team, such as when the team went to Italy and North Carolina. Rogers said that those moments were the highlights of his time with the program.
“It’s a brotherhood. Guys are hanging out consistently. It’s something I’ve never been a part of and something I’ll never forget,” Rogers said. “All these bonding experiences and growing as a family I’m going to miss the most, honestly.”
Rogers is proud of the foundation and winning culture he has helped instill in the program. To Rogers, it’s not just about statistical wins, but also about having a winning mindset.
“It means the world to me to help build a foundation,” Rogers said. “We’re not trying to be one hit wonders or anything like that. We’re not trying to win one chip here. We’re trying to win multiple.”
This first championship was a long time coming. Rogers’ freshman year came in the 2020-21 season, which was already shortened to just conference play due to the coronavirus pandemic, and was then chopped further as games were cancelled. That team went 4-6, losing in the Patriot League Quarterfinals by more than 20 points to Army.
Next year, Rogers’ first full college season, the team went 10-22, losing again in the league quarterfinals. Finally in his junior year, the 17-15 Eagles made it to the semifinals, where their season ended after double overtime. Brennan left the team following that year.
Rogers’ senior season was also Simpkins’ first at the school, and big hopes fell short in the quarterfinals as the team was upset by Bucknell at home.
His graduate year was boom or bust. Four of the five starters would be graduating at the school year’s end. They had a second-year coach ready to take the team far. That team finally succeeded, and brought the program its first title in 11 years.
After five years of hard work and countless hours poured into this program, Rogers fulfilled one of his major goals: bringing a Patriot League championship home. But Rogers hopes that AU will remember him not just for his accolades and talent, but instead for his character that fueled his play.
“I want the AU community to remember me as a guy that was a hard worker. A passionate guy about this sport and this program and always wanted success for this program and community no matter what,” Rogers said.
Rogers’ career ended abruptly when he tore his ACL during the team’s March Madness First Four game. Though he’s grateful for the time and memories he’s made at American, he said it was a disappointing way to close his collegiate career.
But according to Manuel, a 2005 NCAA Tournament champion and former NBA Development League player, the injury can’t take away from the fact that Rogers is a champion. Both Manuel and Simpkins are confident that Rogers will have opportunities to play professionally.
“There’s always a place for a champion. After we won the National Championship in 2005, I broke my foot in June at the pre-draft camp and then broke it again in September and sat out a whole year. But when I was back, ready to play, there were opportunities because that never changes on your resume. Everybody wants somebody who’s won a championship,” Manuel said. “As long as Matt continues to play this game, he’s always going to have a place where somebody wants his caliber of talent.”
Rogers said he won’t let his injury get in the way of advancing his basketball career, and he made it clear that fans haven’t seen the last of Matt Rogers.
“This ACL is going to take a little bit, but I’ll hopefully be back by nine or ten months. I’m excited for this next chapter. It’s just a little setback in my career, and I’m seeing it as that. I’m being optimistic and trying to take the positives of a bad situation,” Rogers said. “When I get back, the goal is to play professionally. Whether that be in the G League, the NBA or overseas. No matter what the path is, I’m going to give it my all.”
This article was edited by Jack Stashower, Penelope Jennings and Walker Whalen. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks, Olivia Citarella, Sabine Kanter-Huchting and Nicole Kariuki.
