DaShonte Riley: Evaluation

DaShonte Riley is a long wiry athlete that possesses very good skill. He runs the floor well and can finish when he has a step on the defense. He is a good ball handler and passer especially in the high post area where he can drive the lane, deliver the high/low pass to a teammate posting in the middle of the lane or shoot the 15 foot jumper. Riley also likes to shoot the right handed jump hook over his left shoulder. He is a good rebounder on both ends and always seems to make his presence felt on the offensive glass with a timely put back basket or just keeping the ball alive. Riley does a great job using his length to contest and change shots in addition to be an excellent weak side shot blocker on the defensive end of the floor. He will need to add strength and must play with more passion and intensity. At times he seemed to loose interest in the game that led to him playing very unaggressive. Riley is very talented and a high major prospect when motivated. I expected more after watching him dominate games last summer as a rising junior.

December, 2007: On potential alone this long armed shot blocker is one of the Top 10 prospects in the country in the 2009 class. He runs the floor like a deer, blocks shots like Dikembe Mutombo, has a sweet touch from along the baseline, and he is a great passer from the post. The only problem is that you only get to see his complete game in brief stretches because he seems to lack the drive to dominate for a whole game. He may have 10 points, 10 rebounds, and block 6 shots in one quarter, but then put it on cruise control for the rest of the night. He's still just a baby in terms of experience because he's a late bloomer. So if the light ever comes all the way on, you're looking at a lottery pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. The kid has loads of talent and the only question -- which must be mentioned -- is desire.

September, 2007: He can score inside and has great athletic ability. He gets off the floor better than most people in his class. When he plays hard, few players can match up with him. He does take plays off and will disappear for long stretches in games. He is a great shot blocker and alters what he doesn't block.

DaShonte is a very, very long inside player. He is a supreme shot blocker with a tremendous wing span. I question whether he loves basketball yet though his passion has improved. DaShonte shows flashes of greatness. He is developing offensively. He is now effective to 12 feet with above average post moves. He is not great yet but he probably will be. He is loaded with potential. DaShonte needs more strength and aggression. He must learn to sustain his effort in order to dominate entire games not just small portions of games. DaShonte is a top 30 player in the country for 2009.

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