This past season, I had the pleasure of working in the office of the Santa Clara Men’s Basketball Team. I love my job as a go-getter, and I love being a part of the team. However, the funny thing is when I tell people I work for the team, they naturally assume I know all the players. The truth is I do “know” all of them—I know what positions they play, who played when, who scored what, where they are traveling the next weekend, and their favorite sandwich orders (it seems creepy, but I swear there’s a reason). However, they don’t know a thing about me. Why? Because I work behind the scenes making sure everything goes smoothly, whether that’s through picking up their sandwiches, copying paperwork, or helping out their coaches.
Tonight I was given the pleasure of interviewing Robert Garrett, better known as “Big Rob.” You may have seen him around campus, walking to class, or grabbing dinner in Benson. At seven feet tall, Big Rob, is a pretty recognizable figure around SCU.
Basketball in his Blood
A sophomore here at SCU, Big Rob grew up in Vallejo, California, but has spent his last five years in Elk Grove. He began his illuminating basketball career at the young age of five, and hasn’t looked back since. Rob was born into the world of basketball. Both of his parents have played, as well as his older brothers and his younger sister. He was always the tallest on the court, and while basketball began as a hobby, as he grew older his skills continued to develop to where he was recruited at the college level.
SCU Basketball
For someone so talented, Rob was very humble and down to earth about how far he has come. “I am honored to be a part of the team, the coaching staff is great and the guys are so nice. I just love Santa Clara and this place has been a great fit for me,” Rob stated. After hitting a rough spot last year, the entire team, coaching staff included, started this season with a new mindset, a clean slate, and a more determined and driven outlook. The team knew they needed a change, and they went out and made it happen. This new mentality has been clear, as the team has come up from a losing streak last year, to 4th place in our league – a feat truly worth being proud of.
As I spoke with Rob about losing five seniors at the end of this season, he sounded hopeful, saying “We are losing great players, so things are obviously going to change, but we are also getting great talent and I look forward to the next year to come.” Right now, Big Rob’s goals are to end this season strong and to play his best, as he dreams of one day making it to the NBA. In reality, playing center and bringing the team such success this season, Big Rob’s future can only get bigger, and it will be exciting to watch him go for his goals. Nothing has stopped him thus far, and I have high expectations that he will not be letting anything get in the way of his future.
All About Big Rob:
Name: Robert Garrett
Nickname: Big Rob
Height: 7’0”
Number: 35
Describe your SCU experience: I love it here.
Major: Undeclared Arts and Sciences
Favorite ice cream: Strawberry
Favorite movie: Friday
Favorite NBA team: Los Angeles Lakers
If you could play with any NBA player right now, active or non-active, who would it be? Shaquille O’Neal – but active I would say Kobe Bryant. He brings greatness every time he steps onto the court.
What you do when you are not on the court: Rest, school work, hang with my teammates.
Biggest pet peeve: Dishonesty and indecisive people.