At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned senior prospects. Last season, over one hundred players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III or NAIA levels, and that number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class. Typically, we take a closer look at guys who are overlooked and underrated, and today’s edition will highlight Steven Riley Jr. of Ravenscroft and NC Empire.
There’s a lot of high school prospects that focus on the flashy breakdown moves or shooting thirty-five footers, which is what makes Riley a breath of fresh air. He understands and embraces his identity as a floor general, consistently working to set up others and scoring as needed from the perimeter. Riley makes smart decisions with the ball in his hands and doesn’t force the action or try to do too much as a playmaker. He’s also proven to be a capable shot-maker in big moments and certainly isn’t afraid of the spotlight. Riley positions himself well as a defender and rebounder, and will only continue to improve in those areas with physical maturation.
We were able to see Riley closely throughout the last few years and at our most recent NC Top 80, where we stated: “He’s a long, wiry point guard prospect with IQ and a well-rounded skillset. Riley understands how to get his teammates involved and take advantage of easy scoring opportunities without forcing the action. Next in his development process is working to add strength to his wiry frame, as it would allow him to be a more reliable finisher when attacking the basket. Coach Kelly on Riley: “Steven is the definition of a true point guard. He’s a pass-first type of player that gets everyone involved offensively. He possesses good court vision and is a capable shooter, especially from the midrange area. He plays very well without the ball, gives good effort, and hustles on both ends of the floor. Steven is a team player with a winning attitude. He must continue to get stronger and invest time in the weight room, as it will help elevate his game on both ends of the floor.” Riley should expect to be a major contributor again for a tough Ravenscroft group and could be poised for a productive season.”
Riley is a leader by example and the type of point guard that most coaches should want running their team. He’s been a reliable piece at Ravenscroft for quite a while now and shows no signs of turning back. Riley competes in all facets of the game while offering a calm, steady two-way presence alongside any collection of teammates. His approach with Ravenscroft remains the same during summer play, where he’s among the clear leaders of NC Empire. Riley has been effective all season long and has the necessary tools to be a quality addition to the right program at the next level.