BALTIMORE -- When UMBC's starters were announced during a November 2019 game at Florida Gulf Coast, an unusually ecstatic ovation went up for one of the Retrievers' guards.
Darnell Rogers, a known figure to Florida Gulf Coast fans but hardly a returning star, was the recipient of the cheers. Rogers had been a nonfactor during his one season with FGCU, totaling 18 points in 21 games, before transferring to UMBC following his freshman year.
"The place goes crazy. Immediately," UMBC coach Ryan Odom said. "It's unheard of."
For the 5-foot-2 Rogers -- believed to be the shortest scholarship player in Division I men's basketball history -- the love was nothing new.