If everything went according to plan for J.R., he would be playing basketball near his howetown on the Gulf Coast of Florida, at Florida A&M or The University of South Florida. However, things have a way of changing.

J.R.'s uncle, a former Bears' assistant football coach, kept telling his nephew about Phoenix College. "I wasn't real fond of leaving home, but what convinced me to come was talking with Coach Barnes on the phone,"said Rogers. "I mainly went to a junior college to improve on my basketball skills. Coach Barnes and Coach Berry have helped me understand the game strategies on and off the court. I also respect both of them because they are successful in business off the court as well."

J.R. has a refreshing view on how his team should play together, bringing up the old addage "There is no I in team".

"If we play hard together and compete hard as a team, I will be very happy win or lose," said Rogers.

The Bears are currently sitting in second place in Division 2 in the ACCAC, with the top three teams making the playoffs. One thing that isn't lost on Rogers, or just about any Phoenix College athlete, is the academic side of school.

"I came here because I knew PC had a good academic tradition and so I could major in Pharmacy," said Rogers.

A LOOK INSIDE ALPHONSO (JR) ROGERS

Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL
Favorite ACCAC Place to Play(other than PC): Glendale
Favorite spare time activity: Playing Video Games (PS2)
Favorite Movie: He Got Game, Scarface
Favorite TV Show: Martin
Favorite Athlete: Michael Jordan
Best Player in the ACCAC: Larry Owens
Favorite Musical Artist: Lil' Wayne