Ryan Rossiter Emerges as Key Cog in Canton Charge's Engine For Success

When RidiculousUpside.com spoke with Ryan Rossiter prior to last fall's NBADL Draft, it was hard to say just exactly where he may fall with regard to getting selected. But if one thing was for sure, it was that the Siena alum's gritty physicality down low assured that he could eventually hold his own, given the opportunity.

That opportunity came when the big man was selected by the Canton Charge in the third round of the draft. Rossiter's strengths lie within his ability to rise up as a banger defensively. Truly a fighter when it comes to crashing the boards, his impact may not always be seen on the stat-sheet, but he can still undoubtedly effect and pester opposing players as they come through the lane or pull up for a jumper.

Because Rossiter's style of play has in the past thrived on his willingness to throw his body around a bit, his game has never needed to be too polished. He makes contributions regardless. Though the Charge were smart enough to pick up on that upon drafting him, Rossiter has been developing the other facets of his game and has become more than simply an otherwise raw prospect since arriving in Canton.

NBA teams and D-League teams alike are constantly seen mixing and matching their starting lineups in order to come up with the right combination of first and second units, depending on a given night's matchup. Thus, it's not always worth starting a game with five players full of offensive firepower. There needs to be a proper balance.

With this mentality in mind, Rossiter has seen a new opportunity come to fruition. Since failing to hit the hardwood much to begin the season (and furthermore not seeing much of the court through the D-League Showcase), the forward has made seven starts since the new year began, and has flourished as a constant force in Canton's rotation.

The biggest benefit to Rossiter's game may be his physical nature, but he's also been doing his part to ensure he doesn't bring his team down offensively, either. Over his last ten games, the big man has averaged 7.7 points and 5.6 rebounds, but has also done so while shooting 52% from the field and 50% from deep. While he may not represent much of a go-to-guy, Rossiter has surprisingly been relied upon as a threat to spread the floor.

Currently owning a record of 19-12, the Charge have risen up as their respective division's leaders. In Friday night's 93-88 victory over the Austin Toros, Rossiter chipped in with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals. On his way to knocking down two bombs from long range, the Sienna alum shot 60% on the night--- the best of any Charge starter.

After working his way up and climbing into the rotation, Rossiter is now starting in front of last year's number one overall pick in the D-League Draft, JaJuan Johnson.

Sometimes, things don't always depend on debating which player is better or worse than another. Nevertheless, Rossiter has recently provided a nice balance to the Charge's starting five by doing all the little things that continue to help his impact be felt.