Michigan Big Man Has A Favorite

The Class of 2009 is loaded with talented prospects throughout the country and the state of Michigan is always a hot spot for elite talent. Birmingham (MI) Country Day junior center DaShonte Riley is one of the fastest rising players in the class due mainly to his performance this past summer.

Playing for The Family AAU squad from Detroit, DaShonte Riley missed the 2007 Nike Memorial Day Classic in Nashville and his travel team suffered. Making a definitive difference when they traveled to Augusta for the Peach Jam, DaShonte Riley provided a defensive presence and another scoring option to go along with 2008, Michigan State signee Draymond Green.

The Family advanced to the championship game of the Nike sponsored event; beating the Georgia Stars in the semi-finals, but losing to the New York Gauchos in the championship at the buzzer.

At 6’10”, 220 pounds, DaShonte Riley is a shot blocking presence in the paint, as he uses his long arms and precise timing to thwart those who attempt to penetrate the lane and score. DaShonte’ averaged an impressive six blocks a game, to go along with eight points and 10 rebounds last year, assisting Country Day to a 25-5 overall record and another Michigan Class B State championship. Even more notable is that DaShonte Riley amassed the stats in just half a season after transferring from Cass Tech.

“My mother moved us out to County Day after the {Detroit} city schools went on strike. She also wanted to move into a better neighborhood and give me a greater opportunity at academic and athletic success,” said DaShonte Riley.

DaShonte Riley knows the move will be beneficial in the classroom, but also is looking forward to the boon a full season on the court will provide.

“I need to continue to get stronger and work on my game. I feel like I already have good instincts on both ends of the court, so lifting more is my key area of improvement on the court.”

Physically, DaShonte’ reminds me of Anthony McLain. He blocked 11 shots versus the NY Gauchos in the Peach Jam finals loss. In fact, he almost posted a triple-double of 14 rebounds and nine points on put backs and eating the glass. DaShonte Riley has been called by one college assistant coach the best big man in the Midwest for his class.

Many high-major schools are monitoring his progress to see if he is able to reach his enormous potential. Georgetown, Michigan State, Michigan, Kansas, Memphis and Ohio State are all checking on his continued progress, with the Hoyas in the lead at this point. The Wolverines and Spartans have offered.

“I grew up a big Hoya fan and I plan to visit them for their Midnight Madness in October”, shared DaShonte Riley.

“I also plan to take all of my visits and see all the schools. I am a momma’s boy, so she has a lot of say on where I end up going.”

i95ballerz.com will keep monitoring this young big man’s success and keep our readers up to date.

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