Roger Powell Jr. was born on January 15, 1983 in Joliet, Illinois. He attended Joliet Township high school where he received all-state athletic honors, and was a four year honor roll student. Upon graduating he received a basketball scholarship from the University of Illinois.

As a member of the University of Illinois basketball team Roger was a three year starter. During his collegiate career his teams won three Big Ten titles, two Big Ten Tournament championships, and went to the Sweet Sixteen twice. Also, in 2005 they finished with one of the best records in NCAA history, making a trip to the Final Four and placing second in the NCAA tournament. Personally, Roger was selected to the All Big Ten Tournament team his sophomore year, and was honorable mention All Big Ten two years in a row. Roger also received the Lou Henson Courage Award and the Kenny Battle Inspirational Player Award his senior year. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 2005, receiving his degree in Speech Communication.

Upon graduating from college, Roger began his career as a professional basketball player. For the 2005-2006 season Roger played in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) where he was named the Rookie of the Year. He began the 2006-2007 season in the NBA with the Utah Jazz. He finished the season in the NBDL with Arkansas Rim Rockers. In the NBDL, Powell led the league in scoring and was named the D-League's player of the month for February. Also while playing in the NDBL Roger won the Jason Collier Award for his character on the court. For 2007-2008 season, Roger played in the top Italian League signing with Teramo Sivilia Wear. He was instrumental in helping Teramo achieve its best record ever. Roger played with Hapoel Jerusalem in Jerusalem, Israel in the 2008-2009 season. He currently has played overseas in Murcia, Spain and Dijon, France, however he was injured in a game and is out for the remainder of the season. We look forward to next season!

Roger currently lives in the Chicago land area with his wife Tara and is expecting their first child August 2010. Roger founded RPJ Ministries which is dedicated to building the character of young christian athletes. Through his organization he mentors and trains young leaders to be Godly examples on their sports teams and school campuses. Roger also is pursuing a speaking career, and has speaking engagements throughout the country.