Player: Riley Jacobs
Class: Sophomore
Height: 6’9
Position: Forward
Last Season: 16 Games Started as a Freshman/ Averaged 4.3ppg, 3.8rpg/ Recorded 22 dunks to lead the team, along with 18 blocks
Is it too early to talk college basketball?
Well, we are starting it anyway, as we look at players and teams around the country as early storylines to watch out for. Diving a bit into the America East Conference, we checked out UMBC early on, who is coming off an excellent season in which they finished 24-9 and 14-2 in the conference. The Retrievers were strong at home, and they hope to have the same results in leading the conference this season.
It will be interesting to see how this roster shapes up in the end, but there is a clear player that I will be having my eyes on this season, and that is Sophomore 6’9 Riley Jacobs, a player we had a great opportunity to watch while in high school.
Jacobs finished the season starting 16 games and averaging 4.3ppg and 3.8rpg as a true freshman. But I expect those numbers to jump big-time, as Jacobs has a clear chance to be an impact sophomore for UMBC this season.
When watching him for St. Stephens St. Agnes at our event, we couldn’t believe the production and impact that Jacobs had on the court. At our event, we had this to say:
“Jacobs was impressive throughout the event, and credit to UMBC for getting a steal in the 6’8 forward. Jacobs has a strong blend of athleticism and production as well as potential left in his game. Time after time, he scored at the rim with his bounce and ability to finish on defenders, but also showed touch with his length and wingspan. He used that wingspan as well in helping attack the basket, be disruptive, and alter shots as well.”
Jacobs has only continued to develop and produce, as I believe the best is yet to come. His production was incredible in high school with his size, length, athleticism, and overall impact, and it seems that he took that, applied it to his freshman season, and has a chance to take an even bigger step as a sophomore at UMBC.
If you are looking for a breakout player to watch for, Jacobs would clearly be a player I would have my eyes on, as he could be a true double-double mismatch on the court for the Retrievers this upcoming season.