At tournament time, the focus is often on the stars who will go on to professional sports careers. But what about the majority of players whose basketball careers will end in March?

According to NCAA statistics, less than 2 percent of men’s college basketball players will play professionally after college.

Rodgers grew up in the rough and tumble East St. Louis community where, in the late 1980’s, he played on a state champion high school team and was named an honorable mention McDonald’s All-American. 'My high school was known as a basketball school' he said. 'I saw a lot of players that got recruited to play at colleges, only to come back after a year or so because they’d flunked out.” His parents, particularly his mother, told him he could play anywhere, but needed to be prepared for life after basketball.

'I needed to know that there was a safety net. That if I worked hard and did my part, the school would do its part to help me succeed academically.'

At Creighton, Rodgers was a member of two Missouri Valley Conference championship and NCAA qualifying teams in 1989 and 1991, playing with the 'dynamic duo' that included Valley Hall of Famer Bob Harstad and Chad Gallagher, as well as Latrelle Wrightsell and Duan Cole. Like so many athletes, he dreamed of the NBA.

Creighton faculty and staff at all levels encouraged him, including now retired vice president George Grieb, and John Pierce, who headed the university’s affirmative action initiatives. Rodgers graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and later returned to complete his MBA at Creighton.

His advice for college athletes? “College sports can be all-consuming, but don’t isolate yourself in the gym.” Rodgers said. “Take advantage of the opportunities to engage with the campus and build relationships that continue to be important to you throughout your life.” That’s part of what drew him back to Creighton two years ago. As it turns out, Mom was right, that four-year degree is important, and it will pay off. And it’s important to remember that there is life after basketball.