Former Australian Prospect Riley Abercrombie is Now a Texas High School Star

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Riley Abercrombie
Photo By: Kirk Sides

Class of 2018 forward Riley Abercrombie has traveled a long road to help bolster his basketball career. Almost two years ago the 6’8′ 205lbs moved from Wollongong, Australia to Clear Lake, Texas, where he has blossomed into a Texas High School basketball star at Clear Lake High School (Clear Lake, Texas). Riley is a player who seems to be a great shooter who is skilled in almost every other facet of the game.

Riley reminds me of a young Gordon Hayward, young thin framed do a little bit of everything versatile forward. Riley seems to be getting plenty of mid-major attention, but no major schools have stepped up to the plate. Riley at 6’8″ can really stretch the floor with his shooting ability. I would like to see him quicken his release up to get those major schools to throw an offer out. His foot speed could use a little work, but he showed me on tape he clearly has the ability to take a defender off the bounce to the hole.

Riley has the ability to grab a rebound and go coast to coast flashing play making ability from time to time. Another quality that stood out to me when watching Riley on tape was his motor on the offensive glass. He seems to enjoy crashing off the wing for offensive rebounds. With all of the mid-major attention, I decided to reach out to Riley. He gave us the pleasure of conducting an interview.

What schools do you hold offers from at this moment?

Riley: Incarnate Word, Albany, Boise State, Oral Roberts, UT-Arlington, Hartford, Marist, Hofstra, Tulane, Tulsa, Lafayette, Iona, Lamar, Columbia, UNC-Greensboro, and Northern Iowa.

What schools are showing at least medium interest who haven’t offered yet?

Riley: Colorado, Nebraska, Butler, Richmond, TCU, and SMU.

How have you enjoyed your time playing High School/AAU here in the United States?

Riley: It has been a huge experience for me with an extreme amount of ups and downs. I have loved every minute of it though.

Do any of these schools stand out to you that are high on your list?

Riley: It is a little wary for me to make any calls, but I plan to cut down my list within the next few weeks.

What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses on the court?

Riley: My strengths would definitely have to be my shooting along with being versatile by doing everything from dribbling the ball up the court and making the right pass, to being big inside and rebounding. I am definitely working on improving to be able to guard all five positions.

What player do you compare yourself to and why?

Riley: I like to take parts from a lot of players games, but one I studied a lot this year was TJ Leaf. I see myself playing a little more perimeter than him, but I take a lot of his game in the way that he uses his length and footwork to beat defenders.

What do you do differently than anyone else on the court?

Riley: I don’t think there are too many players at my size and skill set who can shoot the ball like myself.

How do you see your game translating to the next level?

Riley: I see myself doing basically what I am doing now. I see myself shooting the ball efficiently, making the right plays, beating defenders off the dribble, and rebounding.

Any fellow Class of 2018 guys you’d like to play with on the next level?

Riley: One of my teammates, Ajare Sanni talks to a lot of the same schools as myself. I think we may end up playing together

I’d really like to see Riley look to add 10-15lbs of muscle. I think it will really help attack the rim straight up when taking defenders off the dribble. There is no doubt that the kid is talented. He is definitely a 3-star recruit in my eyes. He’s shown improvement over the Summer with Sanni Hoops, so don’t be surprised if in state schools such as TCU, Texas Tech, and SMU throw offers out during his senior season. If Riley ends up going to a mid-major school you are looking at a productive 3-4 year starter. It will be interesting to see if any major schools step up to the plate with an offer during his senior season. We will keep you updated with Riley’s recruiting process.

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