Prospect Spotlight: Markail Riley (2020)
Markail Riley is a senior prospect that seems poised for a big year. He’s a 6’3″ guard that attends Wayne Memorial High School. Riley played grassroots basketball with All Out Elite on the Adidas Silver Gauntlet. Last season, at Melvindale High School, he…
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Continue ReadingMarkail Riley is a senior prospect that seems poised for a big year. He’s a 6’3″ guard that attends Wayne Memorial High School. Riley played grassroots basketball with All Out Elite on the Adidas Silver Gauntlet. Last season, at Melvindale High School, he averaged 10ppg and 5rpg.
Riley has an intriguing skill set. It all starts on the defensive end for him. He plays physically and agressively on that end, dictating where the offensive player goes. Riley prides himself on being the first man back on defense and always wants to check the best player that the opponent has to offer. He excels in a transition game. Riley is constantly looking for an outlet pass and likes to push the ball off the dribble. He looks very comfortable shooting from deep on the right side and going either way with a swooping dribble drive.
Riley is focused on improving his game and gaining experience. He is currently focused on his ball handling, shooting, and footwork. Riley’s top moments in basketball were when he dunked against Taylor High School and Hamtramck. He also cherished the opportunity to play at Melvindale High School with his older brother Marcus Riley Jr., who is now at Great Lakes Christian College. Riley is looking forward to a tough Wayne Memorial schedule that includes the likes of Belleville and state title contender Detroit Frederick Douglass.
The recruiting process is underway for Markail Riley. He’s drawn interest from Great Lakes Christian College, where he would be reunited with his brother. Riley has a lot to offer a college program. He’s made defense his calling card specifically to prepare himself for the next level. “That’s what my Dad always taught me. Anybody can score but can you stop someone from scoring is the question” Riley said. He will provide a college coach with toughness, physicality, and heart. He will crash the boards and use his athleticism and ability to change speeds to effect the game. A coach at the next level that is looking for a player with good character should look at Riley. “I have been raised by two great parents. I come from a military home so I always have discipline,” he said.
Riley has goals that he wants to achieve. He wants to earn a scholarship to college and play basketball. Riley is focused on earning a college degree. After that, he envisions himself playing basketball overseas.
Riley will be a valuable addition to a college basketball team both on and off the court. He’s the type of young man that coaches want representing their program.
“The person that motivates me the most is my oldest brother Marcus Riley Jr. He has put in a lot of work over the years and it’s paying off for him and I am so proud of him and I want to follow behind him. He dominated the Downriver League last year and that’s what I want to do in the KLAA. It’s a tall task but I think it can be done. I just want to show coaches what I can do because I feel like I’m under the radar. Which is fine, but there’s a lot of players like me who just need a chance and who can make a difference on a college team. I just want to thank my parents who push me everyday to be the best and all of my coaches from AAU all the way to high school who helped me along the way.”
– Markail Riley