Eric Rivers Recruiting Movement

<p>From top 20 player to top 10 player to coveted D1 prospect, <strong>Eric Rivers</strong> is a bonafide high school star.  In addition, the prestigious Atlanta Celtics' 16u team featured him prominently all summer.  Entering his junior season Eric Rivers is poised to advance his reputation on top of dominating the stacked II-AA district.</p> <p>The McCallie Blue Tornado won 20 or more games for the fifth consecutive season.  That will continue in 2019-2020 and Eric Rivers will be the star of the show.</p> <h4><strong>Atlanta Celtics Alumni</strong></h4> <p>Dwight Howard</p> <p>Amare Stoudemire</p> <p>Joe Johnson</p> <p>Josh Smith</p> <p>Randolph Morris</p> <p>Derrick Favors</p> <p>Brandon Rush</p> <p>Desaqana Diop</p> <p>Travis Outlaw</p> <p>Darius Washington</p> <p>Ismael Muhammad</p> <h2>September 2018</h2> <p>A year ago a couple teams took notice of Eric Rivers, Class of 2021 point guard.  He didn't even play varsity his freshman year, so this was moderately unexpected.  Berry College dropped by.  VMI and Gardner-Webb watched him perform.  </p> <p>Berry College was early to the party, but it would be shocking if they left with a signee.  VMI has been quiet regarding Eric.  This week VMI is hitting up the state.  Maybe they will reach out again.  </p> <p>Gardner-Webb is an interesting school.  He might be a mid-major prospect by the time he signs...making them a little "underneath" his radar.</p> <h2>September 2019</h2> <p>How is the recruitment this September?</p> <p>"It’s going good," shared junior Rivers.  "Lipscomb came by last week and UTC the week before."</p> <p>Lipscomb really smacked a homerun with their 2019 recruiting class. Look at the names: Carson Cary, Luke Howard, K.J. Johnson, Tanner Shulman.  Shulman is actually a walk-on from McCallie.  His father coached there most of his high school career, though the elder Shulman now coaches University of Alabama-Huntsville.  Can Lipscomb's new coaching staff follow the tremendous job of recruiting the state that former Head Coach Casey Alexander started?</p> <p>It may be tough considering Belmont hired Casey Alexander.  He might be competing with Lipscomb for some of the same players.  It is an interesting dynamic. </p> <p>Chattanooga is now becoming more familiar with Tennessee-based players.  When they arrived the staff hardly offered or hosted local talent.  After settling in, perhaps they are more familiar.  Eric is in their own backyard and the program is taking advantage by getting him on campus often.</p> <p>"I took an unofficial to UTC last week," said Rivers.  "I’ve heard a lot from Appalachian State, Georgia State, ETSU."</p> <p>Georgia State is coached by Emory Lanier's father.  Emory is a less-natural point guard than Eric, but through his dad and others Emory learned to command the position.  Teaming with that staff could provide Eric Rivers even more insight into the vital basketball position.  East Tennessee State University is aggressively pursuing Rivers.  They love his toughness on the ball.  </p> <p><em>For the best statewide recruiting coverage follow @AndrewForce8.</em></p>