Prospect Spotlight: Rian Yates (2019)
On most other 3A teams in the state, Rian Yates would have been a starter, and on several others, even the best player.
As it was, he played on one of the more talented teams in the state, regardless of class, and was a role player off the bench for Oskaloosa.
That doesn’t change the fact that the 6’5 guard is one of the more intriguing 2019 prospects in Iowa.
“I’m a taller guard, and I feel like I use my shooting ability to help spread the floor; and I also can see the floor pretty well. I’m also a longer guard, so I can create some problems for guards while on defense,” said Yates.
He averaged 6.1 points on some very efficient shooting this past season, and was one of the team leaders in both assists and steals,
“My role was to provide a lot of minutes off the bench as a sixth-man. I usually was matched up with one of the top two guards on the other team, so I contributed a lot on defense. On offense, I was primarily a catch-and-shoot guy who occasionally created for others,” said Yates, who will see his role increase plenty next season.
“Next year, I will need to develop my skills as a true point guard. I’ll need to be able to create for Cole (Henry) and Xavier (Foster), and also some of the younger guys. I’m looking forward to making one last run at “The Well” for a state title.”
This spring and summer, Yates will not play grassroots ball. He’s a baseball player, and that’s his priority right now. Still, he’s got some hoops goals he’s looking to accomplish.
“I won’t be playing any AAU ball this summer, due to baseball. We will be going to three or four team camps this summer, though,” said Yates.
“My (basketball) goals for this summer are to transform into a true point guard. I also feel like I need to take more of a leadership role, and make sure everyone is in the gym all summer.”
When it comes to his college choice between baseball and basketball, Yates has yet to make a decision on what he’ll pursue at the next level.
“I have not made a final decision on which sport I would like to play, but as of now I am probably leaning towards baseball,” said Yates.
So far, his recruitment has been more active for baseball. Yates says South Dakota State, Iowa, Lindenwood and JuCo’s Iowa Western and Kirkwood have made the most contact.
He’s only heard from one school so far for hoops.
“As for basketball, my only contact has been with Simpson,” said Yates.
Rian Yates is ranked by Prep Hoops as a top 100 prospect in his class.