Recruiting Report: Isaiah Rivera (2020)
Geneseo 2020 small forward Isaiah Rivera is one of the top 5 prospects in the state of Illinois. He is coming off a stellar junior season. The 6’5” wing is such a skilled player. He has a strong build and…
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Continue ReadingGeneseo 2020 small forward Isaiah Rivera is one of the top 5 prospects in the state of Illinois. He is coming off a stellar junior season. The 6’5” wing is such a skilled player. He has a strong build and knows how to use it. Rivera time after time takes it at the defense. Gets to the foul line at a high rate where he is extremely effective. Flashes a burst off the bounce and has a knack for keeping control of the ball through traffic on his gather to the rim. He can also take weaker defenders to the post where he garners deep post position for scores. Solid shooter from beyond the arc. Plus rebounder on both ends of the floor from his wing spot. We come away extremely impressed with his passing every time we evaluate him as he is more than willing to get others involved even though he is a big time scorer.
Rivera broke down his season this year with Geneseo.
“My team started off the season really young, but we came to work every day and improved. Personally my game improved in every aspect on the court. Also grew as a leader.”
During the season he saw every defense possible including triangle in two in one of the games we evaluated.
“I saw every kind of defense and that really helped me because I got to expand my game and find different ways to score.”
This spring he is playing with Meanstreets in the Nike EYBL. How is it going so far?
“It’s been real good. We are like a family. I’m really looking forward to showing I can play with the best and also grow as a player.”
Rivera ran down the list of schools that have offered him.
“Dayton, Loyola, Illinois State, Valpo, Drake, New Mexico, St. John’s, Northern Iowa, Bradley, and DePaul.”
Quite a few other schools showing interest as well.
“Butler, Illinois, Minnesota, Creighton, and Nebraska.”
The Geneseo star recently took an unofficial visit to Butler.
“They have such a good tradition of winning and have so much support. I could also tell how much love the coaches have for their players.”
What did they say they liked about his game?
“My versatility and they are looking forward to seeing me play this spring.”
He also took an official visit to Dayton who is making a strong push for him.
“We spent a lot of time with the coaches and went to a game. The atmosphere was one of the best I’ve felt.”
What is their recruiting pitch to Rivera?
“They say I can come in and make a difference and do big things. We talked about how their staff has coached a lot of players into pros and want to help me with that.”
No more visits in the immediate future, but he does plan to have an in-home visit with Dayton soon. What will he be looking for in a school?
“Looking for a place that feels like a family that I will be pushed to get better every day.”
He talked about what he feels he can bring to a team at the next level.
“I can score in many different ways and defend different positions. Also I will be able to get other people good shots with my passing.”