Riley makes his pick
Three-star prospect Freddie Riley liked what he saw at Florida Atlantic on his unofficial visit in January. This weekend while on an official visit, Riley, a 6-foot-5, 175-pound shooting guard, sealed the deal with a verbal commitment to the Owls.
"Freddie really likes the coaching staff," said Riley's coach Jim Haley of Ocala (Fla.) Vanguard High School. "He was also impressed by the school and the atmosphere all the way to the president of the school. He spent a half hour talking with Freddie on his unofficial visit earlier this year.
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"Also the presence and persistence of head coach Rex Walters in recruiting Freddie was a big factor. He did most of the recruiting of Freddie and that created a real sense of being wanted."
After playing extremely well this fall at the NIKE Team Florida Workout, Riley's recruitment took on a national flavor. Besides Florida Atlantic, Riley was also being pursued by Kansas State, Miami, Marshall and Baylor.
Before Riley makes it to Florida Atlantic, he will spend a year in prep school with Hargrave Military being the likely destination.
"Freddie will have a year to work on his academics and his game," said Haley. "This year he really improved on his passing and his ability to find the open man. He also improved his perimeter defense. Florida Atlantic definitely got a big time sleeper out of the state of Florida."
On the season Riley averaged 16 points and six rebounds per game.
Freddie Riley scouting report:
Adept at scoring in a variety of ways, Riley has a special knack at knocking down long jumpers coming off screens. His shot fake then sets up a quality two dribble game. His length serves him well defensively and on the boards although he does need to put some weight on his thin frame.