Erickson earns full ride basketball scholarship

Ross Erickson, a senior transfer from Tulsa, Oklahoma, has earned a full ride basketball scholarship to the University of Hartford, Connecticut, and will play for the Hawks in 2009. Erickson's scholarship is good for $40,000 per year and includes tuition, room, board and books.

Erickson moved to Sisters in August and admits it was quite a change moving from a big city where he attended a 6A school of over 3,200 students.

"It was such a big difference moving here," said Erickson, "but I like it a lot. Here everybody knows everybody and the teachers know us by name."

Erickson committed to play for the U of H at the end of summer ball in 2008. Basketball is the main sport at the University of Hartford, a part of the America East Conference. They do not have a football program.

At the moment Erickson plays point, wing and post for the Outlaws but his main role in college will be at the wing position.

Erickson told The Nugget that the Hawks were picked this year in the pre-season to win their conference and if they do they will go on to play in the NCAA tournament. The Hawks will graduate two of their main players and Erickson is in line to fill one of those slots.

Ross stated that the Hawk's coach Dan Leibovitz told him he'd be doing a little bit of everything: handling the ball, playing wing and even posting up a little bit.

"I'm really looking forward to it," said Erickson. "I went on an official visit in August and met all the players and even went to classes with one of them. They're a great group of guys and they have a great coaching staff. It's always been my goal since I was a little kid to play at the college level, so it's a dream come true. I'm also excited I'll be able to see my sister, who attends the University of Delaware. She'll be only three hours away."

Outlaws coach Jake Rothauge thinks Erickson will thrive in college ball.

"Ross is very versatile and works very hard," Rothauge said. "He really understands the game and what needs to be done at each position. At point he's able to run the offense and passes well. At the No. 3 and No. 4 positions he's able to change mentalities and understands he needs to attack the basket more and become more of a threat. I think Ross will be very good at the college level. He's a quick learner and adapts well. That, combined with his speed, quickness and length will make him a valuable player."