UMass Scoring Big with Recruits
Last Sunday, UMass head coach Derek Kellogg received a verbal commitment from Freddie Riley, a 6’5” two-guard from Hargrave Military Academy who is ranked as a top 100 player in the nation by the Rivals network. Riley selected the Minutemen over high major programs like Miami, Baylor, and South Florida.
The commitment was a significant one not just because Riley has the ability to make an immediate impact upon joining the team next year, but also because it makes a statement as to the level of players UMass is able to land under Kellogg’s leadership.
A day later, there was even more proof of UMass’ recruiting prowess as they landed their second commitment in as many days, this time from Lee Academy’s junior forward Maxie Esho. And this commitment is no less significant as Esho is another player who had the ability to play at the highest levels.
Because Esho has never before played high school basketball, he was flying a little under the radar. But those college coaches who were doing their homework already knew all about him as he was one of the cornerstone’s for D.C. Assault’s 16 and under team last summer, which was one of the nation’s best.
We got a glimpse of Esho when we visited Lee Academy early in September during the first week of the live period. His talent was easy to see that day as he was utilizing his size, athleticism, and tremendous length to make plays around the rim on both ends of the floor. He’s an absolute terror in the open floor because he runs the floor like a deer and finishes high above the rim.
Now, a week later, Kellogg n’company have picked up two more commitments from the D.C. area with 6’4” swingman Javon Farrell and 6’8” forward Raphael Putney joining the mix.
Ultimately, Riley and Esho are two tremendous talents who both had the talent and opportunities to play in high major conferences. The fact that they both opted to head to UMass shows that under Kellogg the Minutemen are now a program that can recruit at the highest levels.
Maxie Esho