Louisville men’s basketball continues its series of official announcements regarding the signings to Pat Kelsey’s inaugural roster at the program. Kobe Rodgers, a former guard from the College of Charleston, becomes the third player from Kelsey’s previous coaching stint to opt for Louisville.
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, Rodgers, who faced a leg injury during Charleston’s NCAA Tournament loss to Alabama, intends to sit out the upcoming season as a redshirt. He now joins former CofC teammates Reyne Smith and forward James Scott.
Coach Kelsey remarked, “Kobe Rodgers embodies the essence of a winning player across various levels. His character is fundamental to every championship team. Not only is he an exceptionally efficient player impacting both defensive and offensive aspects of the game, but he also possesses remarkable athleticism evident on the court. Moreover, he excels academically and embodies outstanding human qualities.”
Rodgers, previously a standout at Nova Southeastern, spent a single season at Charleston, where he contributed to their Division III national title with an average of 13.2 points per game.
During the past season, Rodgers featured in 31 games, securing 18 starts. His averages included 21.7 minutes per game, along with 9.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. Notably, he showcased a standout performance with 24 points in just 23 minutes against Townson in mid-January. His impressive contributions earned him a spot on the All-CAA Tournament team, averaging 10.6 points per game across three games.
Before his collegiate journey, Rodgers honed his skills at Saint Xavier High School in Cincinnati under the tutelage of head coach Mike Noska. His accolades there included being a runner-up for Mr. Ohio Basketball, a finalist for Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year, as well as earning distinctions such as First-Team All-State, District Player of the Year, and Conference Co-Player of the Year.
