Dayton, Ohio — Centerville senior Rich Rolf became the third Dayton area player in the 2022 class to commit as he chose Drexel University on Saturday. Rolf also becomes the fifteenth player in the 2022 class in Ohio to commit to a division one school so far.
Drexel is a division one school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Dragons play in the Colonial Athletic Association and went 12-8 last season. Rich Rolf is a great commitment for Drexel as he is proven winner in both high school and AAU. The 6’7′ wing helped Centerville win their first ever state championship this past season.
When thinking of the reigning state champion Elks, many think of Tom House and Gabe Cupps but Rich Rolf played just as crucial of a role in Centerville’s success this past season. In Centerville victory over Moeller, most people will remember Tom House’s huge game winning shot but forget Rolf’s game sealing block to deny the Crusaders at a chance to go to state.
Rich Rolf playing for Centerville during a game against Miamisburg last season
Rich was on varsity as a freshman but didn’t play due to a meniscus injury. “Tearing my meniscus freshman year and missing 9 months of something I love to do has really made me appreciate all the things I have,” said Rolf when talking to Miami Valley Hoop Vault. “Not everyone is in a great situation like I am. That is why I always attack every opportunity with purpose.”
He saw decent minutes as a sophomore and averaged 7.7 points per game. His junior year was where the 6’7″ wing began to really expand his game. He averaged 14 points a game and began to shoot the ball from three more confidently and more effectively. Rich had back-to-back 25 point performances against Wayne and Woodward and was a big reason why the Elks were able to share the GWOC title this season.
Last summer with COVID ruining the traditional AAU circuits, Rolf played alongside Marshall commit Jacob Conner, his Centerville teammate Gabe Cupps, and highly ranked prospect Reed Sheppard. They played for their own team called “The Leftovers.” This team was coached by Centerville head coach Brook Cupps and dominated their competition. Rolf really expanded his game that summer and showed a lot of improvement.
Rolf playing for Centerville during a tournament game against Moeller
“I get to workout/practice and not have to workout/practice,” Rolf said when talking about how coach Cupps has influenced his basketball career. Rolf then transitioned to play for Midwest Basketball Club this spring and summer which was also coached by Centerville head coach Brook Cupps. They took over the adidas AAU scene this summer as they defeated top names like Bronny James, Mikey Williams and Chris Livingston.
Midwest Basketball’s entire 17U roster had a huge summer recruiting wise. Rolf joins Ajay Sheldon (Ohio), Logan Woods (Wright State) and Mitchell Rylee (Miami (OH)) as the committed players from that team. Other players saw their recruitments explode this summer as Reed Sheppard now holds 15 offers, Ben Southerland has 14 offers, and Gabe Cupps has 13 offers.
Rich Rolf moments after winning state this past season
After an exciting postseason run that saw Centerville win its first ever state title, Rich Rolf is hungry for more heading into his senior year. He said his goals for next season are to “attack every opportunity with purpose.” With Centerville returning the bulk of their team with Gabe Cupps, Tom House, Quinn Hafner, and Emmanuel Deng all returning. The Elks should be even better as they added on a big addition in former Legacy Christian and Prolific Prep guard Mike Sharavjamts, who will be playing for them next season.