Recruiting Report: Reilly O’Neill (2019)
Princeton was already going to be one of the top 5-10 teams in Class AAA this upcoming winter. The Tigers got a nice boost via a Reilly O’Neill transfer.
O’Neill, a 6-foot-4 senior guard, averaged 13 points per game last year at Norwood-Young America, heads into his senior year hoping to make the most of his one year in a Princeton Tiger uniform.
“I’m expecting us to have a very good team this year,” said O’Neill. “We played really well during the summer against other top teams regardless of class. We score and play with great pace that other teams struggle to keep up with. My one and only goal is to win and make a state tournament run no matter what that entails for me.”
O’Neill spent the AAU season playing with MN Heat where he had the chance to play with now-teammate Adam Williams and test himself against quality competition on a consistent basis.
“There’s no other way to get better than to play against that kind of talent every weekend,” said O’Neill. “You have to always play at a high level to be successful.”
O’Neill is known for his shooting ability which makes him an easy fit on just about any team he plays on. He’s got experience handling a feature role like he did at NYA, but he’s at his best when he can space the floor.
“This spring I really improved at moving without the ball and being a catch-and-shoot player compared to being the main shot creator like I was at Norwood,” said O’Neill. “I shoot the ball well and have great range either off the catch, dribble or screens and fakes. I want to continue to improve every aspect of my game but with moving up to Class AAA with Princeton, I want to get to the basket more.”
O’Neill’s size and range makes him an intriguing prospect for the next level. He’s taking his time when it comes to the recruiting process but is hoping to draw some more interest this winter.
“I have a few colleges I’m looking at at the Division III level but I’m keeping my options open right now,” O’Neill said.