PHILADELPHIA Clarence Rupert had been doing a lot this weekend.
It began Thursday when the boy who had lived in North Philadelphia since middle school, stepped into the Wells Fargo Center, taking in the atmosphere of his beloved 76ers. The Saint Peters forward was assigned to stick 7-foot-4 Purdue centre Zach Edey.
After scoring the Peacocks’ first seven points in their Sweet 16 match, the freshman made a 3-pointer at 3:15. He then had to glance up at the lower section of the Centers, where he saw 20 relatives, none more important than Makisha, his mother.
Rupert stated Saturday that I had had to look at my mother. I had to tell my mom, we’re going, we have to keep going.
The mother-son partnership will be going to the Elite Eight via a loop through Virginia, Jersey City, and back through Rupert’s hometown of basketball. Rupert’s emotions following the 67-64 victory over Purdue were so profound, that he apologized to the media the next day for using the word blessed so often.
Rupert’s journey from a 15 seed to the Elite Eight was special for everyone involved at the small North Jersey Jesuit school. He was not looking past the tasks in front of him during the opening weekend of tournament. 7 Murray State in Indianapolis in the Round of 32. He took a while to understand what it meant to him to be going home for the Sweet 16
Rupert stated that I didn’t realize we were playing in Philadelphia until after the Murray State match. I was told by coach that we were returning to my hometown after we had left the locker room. I was confused and asked coach what he meant. He was like, we were back in Philadelphia. I was like, that’s crazy.
Crazy would be a good description of how the 6-8 forward, who is undersized but determined, has managed to get one win short of the Final Four. He is the oldest child of three and was raised by a single mother in North Philly. He played on city playgrounds and idolized Allen Iverson. He didn’t reach his peak growth until 10th grade, so his early focus was on ball-handling. However, the chance to see a Sixers Sixers game on South Broad never came about. Rupert said that I had always wanted to see the Sixers as a child but couldn’t.
In eighth grade, Rupert and his family moved to Virginia where he attended the Miller School in Albemarle. He initially committed to Murray State, but they later pulled out.
Holloway called Rupert during his senior year to tell him that Rupert’s snarl, work ethic, and personality fit with the ethos at his program. Rupert didn’t know a thing about Saint Peters. He knew he wanted to play college basketball.
We didnt know what Saint Peter’s was until we pulled up in the summertime, getting ready for the season, Rupert said. My mom was shocked when they offered to help. They are where? I’m like, I don’t know either, but thats all Im got, so Im going with it.
Holloway’s identity, Queens-bred and Elizabeth raised Seton Hall grad, has been much talked about. He is looking for hungry players like himself and is looking for them to share his identity. The New York City area is home to the core of the team, who play tireless defense and share the offensive responsibility. Ruperts Philadelphian grit is perfect.
Friday’s matchup against Edey and Trevion Williams, which features two double-figure scorers, is a must-see. Rupert led the Peacocks offensively with 11 points in the first quarter. He averaged 4.3 points on the season and had a career-high score of 13. He added a memorable steal from Edey to set the tone early on. Even though he was in foul trouble in the second half, he still provided quality minutes in Holloways deep roster rotation with three steals, two blocks, and 22 minutes.
Rupert says it’s not easy growing to be a Philly native. Every day brings new challenges. Growing up here, and getting to this moment now makes me feel like I am built for it. I have no fear. I’m undersized when playing against 7-footers. Every night I fight. It’s been a challenge but I have no fear.
Rupert carries that hard-earned confidence on its face. It’s been a challenge, he admitted, not having his mom catch a single game throughout the year due to her busy schedule as a Dillards salesperson. Darryl Morton has been there at many of his games as a father figure and is always checking in. Holloway fostered a family atmosphere in a school that was overwhelmingly made up of first generation collegians. Rupert was adopted by the school’s nucleus as soon as he arrived.
Rupert said, “It was amazing for her to take care all three of us and knowing shes working a lot.” I find it a blessing to see her cheering and happy, but it is an understatement.
He said that he had to find a way to help my mom get out of this situation. I must try to help my mom in any way possible. I try my best to help my mom whenever possible. I send my mom everything I get.
Rupert has more to come. Saint Peters still has one more game to go in its incredible run. 8 North Carolina in Sunday’s regional semifinal.
It’ll be one more time at the court in his hometown, one more game to keep Saint Peters’ dreams alive for his family.
He said that he always wanted to be here, and that he was actually playing here. I was dressed up for practice and sat down on the court, taking in the view of the rafters and the surrounding area.
I haven’t felt the feeling yet. I’m here.
