Ridder finishing junior season on high-major radar
Thanks to a great junior season, Springfield (Mo.) Kickapoo small forward Jared Ridder is now garnering interest from high-major programs all over the country. His high school team’s record is 27-2 and making its way through the state tournament with a legitimate chance to win the title.
Along the way, Ridder has averaged 20.7 points and 6.2 rebounds. He’s collected offers from Missouri State, IUPUI, Stetson, Air Force, DePaul and Saint Louis so far with interest coming in from Florida, Nebraska, Missouri, Texas, Xavier, Creighton, Northern Iowa and Wichita State.
IN HIS OWN WORDS ...
Ridder talked about the new interest he’s been receiving lately.
Florida: “They just direct messaged me the other day. That’s definitely one I would be interested in.”
Missouri: “I think they have a chance to be good. They are really young right now. Coach (Kim) Anderson is starting to develop them and they should be good after they get through the trouble they got in.”
Nebraska: “It’s really a family atmosphere up there. Their facilities are crazy. I really like the coaching staff. I had a great visit up there.”
Xavier: “They have just been talking to me about how I play. They like how I share the ball and that’s what they preach in their program. They are going to try to come to a game soon.”
Creighton: “I love the way they shoot the ball. That’s one of the main things I do well. They let it fly. I took a visit there last summer. I really liked it. They have brand new facilities and I really like Coach (Greg) McDermott.”
WHAT'S NEXT?
Once his high school season is complete, Ridder will shift his focus to travel season where he’ll run with Mo-Kan Elite alongside five-star prospects Michael Porter and Trae Young. Once that is over, he’ll sit down and evaluate his options before making a decision.
RIVALS' REACTION:
Though he doesn’t have offers from them yet, visits to Creighton and Nebraska both seem to have really caught Ridder’s attention. Missouri is another one that could factor into the equation if it extends an offer.