Recruiting Report: Ryan Fries (2018)
You can watch Ryan Fries (2018) swish home three-pointer one after another for the next two years for Sylvania Southview and All Ohio Gold. But after those two years are complete, the 6-foot shooting guard is likely to only be found at a golf course.
“I do a lot of golf stuff too, so I haven’t focused solely on basketball … I’m better at golf than I am basketball,” Fries explained.
As far as basketball goes, Siena Heights and Adrian College have approached Fries in the past about his talent. While he seems genuinely appreciative of their interest, Fries was more excited to talk about golf recruitment.
“Bowling Green has emailed me; they want to come watch me play. Wright State also. And then, a school from down in North Carolina, Elon,” Fries said.
Regardless of sport, Fries is also measuring colleges as academic institutions, as it regards to his eventual college decision.
“A place that I can work on my game and get better. Then a place with good academics also,” Fries said, when asked about what he’s looking for in a school. The incoming-junior currently has a 20 on his ACT, but said he “needs to work” on his GPA.
Even though golf is more important than basketball to Fries, he’s still going to have a major impact on the high school basketball world in Ohio for a few seasons. Last season, he shot 45% from three for Southview. His consistency on the jump shot has been unmatched by nearly everyone else we’ve seen play this spring.
The similarities in a golf-swing stroke and a shooting stroke may have a little something to do with it.
“It definitely helps to have a good form and stuff. But I think a lot of it comes down to form and touch with your hands and stuff like that,” Fries said.
Another area where Fries excels is confidence. His answers throughout our interview absolutely exuded with self-belief.
“I’m a knock-down shooter. If you leave me open, it’s going in,” Fries stated. And earlier during our conversation, he bluntly said, “Yeah I’m very confident [off the dribble]. I don’t think there’s anyone more confident in myself.”
Going forward, Fries is working on athleticism and his vertical. The training he’s doing for that is to help create more separation for his biggest weapon.
“Last year in the bigger games, teams face-guarded — like it was harder to get my shots off. I shoot a jump shot, but I’m trying to make it more easy because I’m going to have guys face-guarding me all year this upcoming year,” Fries said.
People can see this for themselves next season for Southview, as they will look to compete for a Northern Lakes League crown with Fries leading the offensive attack.