Eckerd has had success landing area players to its 2020 recruiting class in recent weeks. That trend continued with Oldsmar Christian’s Roque Rosario announcing his commitment to the Tritons on Saturday.
Rosario, a 6-foot-8 forward, averaged 13 points, 11 points and 2 blocked shots per game this past season. He chose Eckerd over offers from Lawrence Tech, Otterbein University, Waynesburg University and West Virginia Wesleyan.
“I feel very lucky to have been recruited by so many amazing schools,” Rosario said. “I was very specific in what I was looking for in a college, and finding a school that fit my academic, personal and athletic goals was very important to me. I’ve lived in the Tampa Bay Area my entire life, so to have the opportunity to attend Eckerd College, a school with such a strong academic reputation, and be a part of such a great basketball program representing my home town, was something I could not pass up.
“I want to thank Coach Galuski and his staff for giving me this opportunity. And also give a huge thanks to Coach Jordan Fair (OCS) and Coach Byron Batchelor (Tampa Bayhawks) for always believing in me, and helping me become the player I am today.”
Rosario is the third local player in this year’s class to commit to Eckerd, joining Land O’ Lakes Mekhi Perry and St. Petersburg’s Deondre Earley. That trio helped the Tritons fill the void left by the departure of two other former area standouts who transferred — Travis Bianco (St. Petersburg) and Malcolm Whitlow (Carrollwood Day).
“Roque has been one of my favorite players I’ve coached thus far,” Oldsmar Christian coach Jordan Fair said. “Great attitude and an outstanding kid. It’s been a joy to be a part of his career and to see him go from no offers and no one recruiting him to multiple offers. Eckerd is lucky and I’m excited for him.”
