At first, Luther Ragston didn’t know who Dennis Rodman was.
The 6-foot-2 junior at Furr High School, known for his electrifying blue hair and relentless energy, had only recently begun drawing comparisons to the Hall of Fame rebounder. Curious about the connection, Ragston started watching Rodman’s games, studying his hustle, speed, and instinctive rebounding.
What he discovered began to transform his approach, shaping him into a hybrid athlete: A defensive force with a growing offensive edge, carving his own path while honoring the legend who inspired him.
“When people began comparing me to Dennis Rodman, I wondered who this person was, what they were known for, and what effect he had on people until I looked him up and saw the comparisons for myself,”
Luther Ragston
Rodman, a seven-time consecutive NBA rebounding champion and a five-time NBA champion, played with relentless energy. That motor was what first sparked comparisons between Rodman and Ragston.
“Early on, Luther stood out for his relentless energy and motor, physical, disruptive defense, ability to crash the boards while fighting for loose balls, and for doing whatever the team needed without needing plays called for him,” said Furr head basketball coach Rodney Lewis.
That willingness to defend multiple positions, rebound aggressively, and embrace a grind-it-out role didn’t go unnoticed. While the comparisons initially felt strange, curiosity soon turned into inspiration.
“When I first saw Rodman play, I noticed he played at his own pace and let the game come to him,” said Ragston. “On the defensive end, he didn’t let the offense set up easily. He fought for loose balls, rebounds, and steals. That made him a reliable threat at both ends.”
Ragston continued studying Rodman’s game, focusing on his defensive instincts and rebounding.
“I believe defense is a key cornerstone for any all-around player, so I started working with my cousin, coach Sugar Ray Lark, to become a better rebounder and defensive player,” said Ragston.
As the work intensified, teammates began to notice the difference.
“His game changed completely,” said junior point guard Jayvion Wolfe. “He hustled more on both ends of the court, diving for loose balls and grabbing big rebounds.”
As Ragston began mimicking Rodman’s techniques, his game evolved, combining defense with quick bounces, floor running, hustle plays, shot blocking, and eventually scoring.
“I adapted Rodman’s defensive skills and incorporated them into my offensive strategy while focusing on key aspects that could help take my game to the next level,” said Ragston.
“On the offensive end, his ability to rebound and find the instant kickout helps extend possessions,” said Lewis. “His ability to guard everyone as he switches on defense, followed by a recovery contest, disrupts offensive rhythms. Tracking down loose balls, boxing out, and playing physical defense without fouling are things that don’t show up as points in a quarter but are definitely influences in the game.”
While Rodman made his name as a defensive specialist, Ragston added scoring to his repertoire, developing a hybrid style rarely seen in the region. That balance has allowed him to lead his team in both scoring and rebounding, averaging 15 points and six rebounds per game.
However, the Rodman comparisons extend beyond the court. Ebonee Ragston, a former cosmetology student at Furr High School and Ragston’s older sister, boldly dyed his hair blue.
“I loved it,” said Ebonee. “Luther likes to show his confidence and differentiation from others in creative ways. Just as Rodman did when he was playing with various hair colors and designs. I believe if you look different, you play differently.”
With his blue hair and a deep understanding of Rodman’s defensive approach blended into his own offensive growth, Ragston’s development has been fully supported by his family, especially his mother.
“I would drive 45 minutes two or three times a week for training during the off-season,” said Daphne Jackson. “When we lacked transportation, I had to pivot and find him a trainer closer to where we stayed. The endless fundraising, out-of-town tournaments, and money for training were nothing compared to the time we got to watch him play the sport he loved. That was priceless. The entire family is proud of his basketball accolades, but even more so of the man he has become. We will always be his #1 fans.”
With that encouragement and a growing sense of identity, Ragston’s confidence on and off the court began to flourish.
“Effort became the baseline, not a bonus,” said Lewis. “It reset expectations, and teammates understood that coasting wasn’t acceptable because someone was always going full speed. His habits carried into practice. When one player treats practice like a game, it forces others to match that intensity or stand out for the wrong reasons. By embracing the dirty work, accepting roles, and celebrating teammates’ success, he reinforced the idea that impact isn’t tied to scoring, and younger players began valuing winning plays over individual stats.”
From a curious junior unfamiliar with Dennis Rodman to a blue-haired force blending defense and offense, Luther Ragston has crafted a style uniquely his own, proving that inspiration can ignite innovation, one hustle play at a time.
“I want to be the best,” said Ragston. “I’ve worked my way up to being among the best 2-way players in the district.”
“Luther’s potential at the collegiate level is real, especially because his game is built on traits that translate upward rather than disappear in tougher competition,” said Lewis.
About Luther Ragston:
Class: 2027
IG: @2xclusive_.lj
Twitter: @l_ragston
Position: Small forward
Height & weight: 6-feet-2, 160 pounds
Favorite artist: SZA
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite subject: AP Precalculus
