Lawrence Roberts (basketball)
A powerful college basketball star at Mississippi State whose relentless rebounding made him a force before a solid professional career overseas.
Born 1982 (age 44)·American basketball player·Birthday: October 20·Millennials
Biography
Lawrence Roberts built his basketball identity on sheer physicality and an unyielding work ethic under the boards. A standout high school player, he began his college career at Baylor before transferring to Mississippi State, where he became the centerpiece of some of the program's best teams. In the 2003-04 season, Roberts was a dominant presence, averaging a double-double and leading the Bulldogs to the NCAA Tournament's Final Four. His bruising style, characterized by relentless rebounding and a soft touch around the basket, earned him consensus All-American honors. While his NBA stint was brief, he carved out a long and successful career as a mainstay in top European leagues, most notably in Spain and Russia, where his blue-collar game translated perfectly. Roberts is remembered as a player who maximized his talent through grit, leaving a lasting mark on the schools and teams he powered.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Lawrence was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Lawrence Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Lawrence's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named a consensus First-Team All-American and SEC Player of the Year in 2004.
- Led Mississippi State to the 2004 NCAA Final Four, the program's first since 1996.
- Enjoyed a sustained professional career in Europe, winning the Spanish ACB League championship with FC Barcelona in 2012.
Did You Know?
He was originally part of the Baylor Bears team involved in the 2003 scandal, which led to his transfer.
In his Final Four season, he recorded 20 double-doubles.
He played professionally for teams in Spain, Russia, Italy, and Turkey over a decade.
“Rebounding isn't about jumping high; it's about wanting the ball more.”
