Follow UC Davis: Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Facebook
  
"My time here passed by in a blink of an eye. I remember being a freshman coming into the program and hearing the older guys tell me to 'enjoy this because it will end before you know it.' At that time, I laughed it off, but they were right. This is why I am embracing every day and working hard to make my last year a great one."
 
For fifth-year senior Rogers Printup, the 2019-20 season will provide a role reversal since he is now the elder statesman who is sharing wisdom gained throughout his time at UC Davis to help the program's newcomers enjoy as smooth a transition, and first-year experience as possible.
 
"I am telling the newcomers to enjoy this one-of-a-kind opportunity to compete for UC Davis, and embrace this opportunity. The team camaraderie is unbelievable and the coaching staff cares about everyone; this is special opportunity and I want all the younger players to understand that," said the Orange, Calif. native.
 
As a Southern California basketball standout, he admits that his knowledge of UC Davis was limited while competing at Orange Lutheran High School. When he arrived to campus for a visit and met his future teammates, his decision became an easy one to make.
 
"When I arrived to UC Davis, everyone was so welcoming, which made this place feel like home quickly. I appreciate how the coaches made me feel wanted, how up front everyone was with their expectations, and how they were willing to use my strengths to help the team succeed.
 
"This coaching staff does a phenomenal job building your game and helping you succeed on both ends of the court. This is a main reason why everyone respects and appreciates this coaching staff: They ask you to play to your strengths and work hard to develop other aspects of your game. 
 
Printup added, "If you are looking for a place that will challenge you, and help you improve as a person and player, UC Davis is a great fit."
 
And UC Davis has been a great fit for everyone involved since Printup first joined the program in the summer of 2015 since he helped the program earn its place on college basketball's national map. Throughout his tenure as an Aggie, Printup enjoyed the program's first NCAA Division I Tournament appearance, celebrated multiple Big West championships and postseason appearances.
 
"Part of the reason why I chose UC Davis was to build this program into something special. This opportunity inspired me, and others, to work hard and help this program evolve. Now, it is my turn to help motivate my teammates because now we are the team with a target on its back."
 
Having influenced the program's growth firsthand throughout his first four years as an Aggie, Printup is looking forward to helping this program continue its evolution into an elite program. This is why he is grateful for redshirting one year, because it provided him with an opportunity to embrace a familiar role, albeit from a different perspective.
 
"I was fortunate enough to have a great role model in Darius Graham. He took me under his wing, shared his wisdom and showed me how to succeed on and off the court. That extra year paid off because I now know our plays and defensive schemes like the back of my hand, and understand how much hard work it takes to win a championship.
 
Added Printup, "I know how to handle the weekly grind throughout the season, now it is my turn to help make the newcomers' transition as smooth as possible because that will help accelerate their development. This is a talented group who can help us win another championship."
 
Printup knows that his playing days are limited, which is why he is leading by example and doing everything possible to help his team win. He is also taking full advantage of programs that are available to he and his teammates, resources that will help him successfully navigate the transition from being a full-time student-athlete to a full-time professional.
 
"As much as I love basketball, the sport has been a part of my life for a long time, I know the ball will stop bouncing at some point. What is more important is the next 40 years of my life, and that is why I appreciate the Aggie EVO program. This program helps everyone with the transition from sports to their next career, and does a great job allowing students to take classes, play basketball and participate in an internship."
 
When he was a senior in high school and committed to UC Davis, Printup wanted to join a program that would challenge him, allow him to play towards his strengths, yet receive instruction from a coaching staff that would help him strengthen his skills in all areas and encourage him to succeed on and off the court. Thanks to the people who surrounded him, Printup enjoyed an experience that exceeded his expectations. 
 
"UC Davis felt like home quickly because of the people in the program and the support staff that wants everyone to succeed. I am surrounded by a group of brothers who accepted and welcomed me from day one. I enjoy spending time with  teammates who have no egos. It doesn't matter who you are or where you are from — we have people who grew up in England, Sweden and Canada on this year's team — this truly is another family."
 
After winning multiple Big West championships in past years, Printup is fully embracing his role as a member of this year's senior class, and focused on being the best teammate possible to enjoy one more celebration before he graduates from the fifth-ranked public school in the nation.
 
On November 5, UC Davis will head to Loyola Chicago for its 2019-20 season opener before competing in the first of 12-game home slate two days later. Secure the best seats for every home game, and create a true home court advantage for the Aggies by purchasing season tickets today!
 
 
 
TOGETHER, WE CAN ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING
Directly impact the lives of potential, and current UC Davis basketball student-athletes, by joining the Aggie Round Table.
 
With support from this select group of insiders, the men's basketball program can expand its recruiting efforts to find prospects who will thrive at the fifth-ranked public school in the nation, compete at a championship level and represent the University in a first-class manner as one of its ambassadors. 
 
Contact Liz Martin (Assistant Athletics Director, Leadership Giving & Alumni Engagement) at (530) 574-8623 or emartin@ucdavis.edu to find out how you can join this exclusive club!
 
ABOUT UC DAVIS
Providing a small-town community feel while providing a world-class academic experience, UC Davis is home to more than 37,000 students and centrally located between San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and the Napa Valley.
 
The No. 5-ranked public university in the nation, according to the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education, offers nearly 100 graduate programs and more than 100 academic majors across four colleges and six professional schools, ranking among the world and nation's best in numerous disciplines, including veterinary science, agriculture, and plant and animal programs.