Recruiting Spotlight: Ezekiel Richards (2018)
Standing at 6-foot-11ish and blessed with an ideal Division 1 frame is none other than Oak Park’s Ezekiel Richards.
At the West Coast Elite End of Summer event Richards exhibited explosiveness in the paint area as a rebounder/finisher and rim protector. In addition, he showed an improved touch in the paint as well as solid hands. One of the more under-rated aspects of his game is his ability to transition from one end to the other. Once he learns how to sprint he should become an outstanding finisher on the break.
Like most bigs, Richards is a late-bloomer who has slowly, but assuredly, improved each and every season. Under the tutelage of Head Coach Aaron Shaw (Oak Park) and the West Coast Elite staff, Richards has shown progression in the areas of low post fundamentals and rebounding.
However, he Is just scratching the surface of his potential.
Richards has that highly coveted D 1 frame and his skill set is improving.“This summer was really fun playing and learning with Miles Norris (Oregon commit) and of course Riley (Battin) and Wes (Slajchert) and I plan on playing with Earl Watson Elite in the spring too.
But before he looks ahead to the spring and recruiting, Richards has many goals in mind for his team and his own personal growth.
“During the fall and regular season I want to improve my left-handed finishes, jump hooks with either hand, and my shooting touch,” Richards explains. “If I add those elements to my developing skill set, my game will go to a whole other level.”
College recruiting is just beginning to heat up as well.
“At this stage I have received interest from DePaul, Santa Clara, and Denver,” explains Richards. “However, I do not plan on taking any official visits until the spring.”
The focus on college will have to wait for now as Richards and his teammates strive for a CIF SS Open Division Championship. The ingredients are there and with added improvement from Richards those goals may come to fruition.