Prospect Spotlight: Eugene Rivers (2018)
When Eugene Rivers found out his family’s move was going to take him into the boundary of Smoky Hill High School, he couldn’t help but be excited. Coming off a sophomore season at Gateway in which he averaged nearly 10…
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Continue ReadingWhen Eugene Rivers found out his family’s move was going to take him into the boundary of Smoky Hill High School, he couldn’t help but be excited.
Coming off a sophomore season at Gateway in which he averaged nearly 10 points per game, Rivers was anxious to join a young, athletic team that loved to push the pace.
“I couldn’t wait,” Rivers said.
So far the move has been a fit for both parties. Rivers will join a point guard rotation for the young Buffs with freshman Quinten Rock, a talented playmaker who has already received a Division I scholarship offer from the University of Denver.
Rivers, a strong 5-11 guard, brings good speed to the position. While he needs to add more change of pace to his development, he has the tools to be dynamic because of how well he can push the tempo.
Playing on a team with capable playmakers like Kenny Foster, Will Becker and John Harge, Rivers should have plenty of opportunities to penetrate and make plays. He also has a strong frame that allows him to finish once he gets to the basket himself.
“I’m a fast-paced point guard who knows how to get to the rim and find people,” Rivers said. “I’m a guy who knows how to lead a team. I can be a vocal leader.”
The freedom to do both is what Rivers says he enjoys about playing with Smoky Hill, which opens its season in just 12 days with a home game against Brighton on Nov. 30.
“It’s free,” Rivers said of Smoky Hill’s system. “You can actually play basketball.”
Rivers is certainly a college prospect of some level, with good time around strong players that will help determine just how high he can reach.
One thing is for certain: He has the ability to bring a strong backcourt punch to a team with big aspirations.
“I’m just really excited,” Rivers said. “We feel like we can do a lot this year. We’re playing as a team now.”