John Riek coming to UC?

[GoBearcats31]

http://www.zagsblog.net/2008/07/30/b...dup/#more-1066

"Former Winchendon big man John Riek will take the SAT in September, according to a source. He has garnered interest from Cincinnati as well as UConn.

The 7-foot-2 Riek is currently enrolled at IMG Academy after pulling his name from the NBA Draft. Byrnes said Riek is said to have 3.4 GPA “that came with him from Africa” but he never received a hard copy of it.

“Cincinnati did call a couple times and I gave them a positive recommendation on his attitude and his work ethic,” Byrnes said."


**(Riek was ranked the No.5 prospect in the class of 2008 according to Rivals.com before he was headed to the NBA Draft and taken off rankings list)

[CatFan/1947]

a little early to get excitrd.

[UCbball21]

Is Conneticut on quarters or semesters? If Riek isn't taking his SAT until September I believe he would have to enroll in a school that is on the quarters system for him to be eligible to play since he wouldn't get his scores back till late October early November. It's similar to the Demetrius Jones situation, but instead of qualifying for his sit-out year to be this year he would be qualifying to suit up this year. While I highly doubt this kid even qualifies much less picks UC it can't hurt to speculate a little bit. Anyone know?

[Nerf]

Originally Posted by UCbball21

Is Conneticut on quarters or semesters? If Riek isn't taking his SAT until September I believe he would have to enroll in a school that is on the quarters system for him to be eligible to play since he wouldn't get his scores back till late October early November. It's similar to the Demetrius Jones situation, but instead of qualifying for his sit-out year to be this year he would be qualifying to suit up this year. While I highly doubt this kid even qualifies much less picks UC it can't hurt to speculate a little bit. Anyone know?

Semesters.

http://www.registrar.uconn.edu/fall08.htm

[nachoman91]

Originally Posted by GoBearcats31

Byrnes said Riek is said to have 3.4 GPA “that came with him from Africa” but he never received a hard copy of it.

That pretty much writes him off. With UC's luck with the NCAA even if he commits to UC it'll be three years till he sees the court.

[Mick's Da Man]

I hear he's good friends with Hernol Hall and Adam Hyrcaniuk.

[Lobot]

3.4 from Africa AND Prep School? He should have stayed in the draft. This kid's gonna have eligibility problems although I hear Jim Calhoun can make those go away.

[Thegreatone]

I am not holding my breath on this guy because I would be surprised if he can pass the SAT's because from what I understand he doesnt speak English at all. Plus he looks like he could be pulling a Danny Almonte' and his actual age is 612. But when you see this you cant help but get excited. I mean look at this freak:

http://www.draftexpress.com/gallery/...1201489735.jpg

[milfordcats]

I'll take the SAT for him...

[NorrisHopper30]

The dude is older than Greg Oden.

[Scheids21]

Originally Posted by milfordcats

I'll take the SAT for him...

Then I'll take the ACT....

[Kindog202]

BCL is reporting that John Riek has committed to UC
**
This is a huge (7'2') get, let's hope he is eligible. I wonder what this means for Toyloy and McClain. At this point, if Riek is eligible, either Aldridge becomes a walk-on or someone has to leave the team.

[NorrisHopper30]

Originally Posted by Kindog202

BCL is reporting that John Riek has committed to UC
**
This is a huge (7'2') get, let's hope he is eligible. I wonder what this means for Toyloy and McClain. At this point, if Riek is eligible, either Aldridge becomes a walk-on or someone has to leave the team.

So I hear . This is exciting news.

[Kindog202]

Originally Posted by NorrisHopper30

So I hear . This is exciting news.

I'm kind of shocked right now and a little apprehensive given our previous luck with Hall and Adam H. I will get really pumped if/when he is cleared and I see him on the court.

[Kindog202]

Just watched some video on him. Seems to move and run the court well for a guy his size. Seems to have a limited offensive game as the only thing he did in 2 minutes offensively is dunk or make layups (at least he makes them). Definitely a presence defensively, blocking shots and rebounding everything.
**
However, I then read an article that he was bad this winter at Winchendon Prep and was almost a non-factor. So...

[zimphercat]

BCI has him listed as a UC commit as well. It is amazing that Mick was able to get such a talent this late in the process. Getting him eligible may be a greater challenge, but it is a risk that you have to take. High risk, high reward. This guy is huge, 7'2" with a huge wing span. Going by only his highlight clips on Rivals, he has some good athleticism for a MAN of his size. He also had an impresive offer list (UC/UConn/Duke/Florida/Georgetown). *IF* we get him on the court next year, UC basketball may officially be back! Even without him this years squad is going to be lightyears ahead of last year's.

[GoBearcats31]

Wow. Yancy, Biggie, Mike Williams, Toyloy, Riek. That's some Big East size right there.

[qsilvr2531]

Assuming he qualifies, does that mean Aldridge isn't on scholarship?

[Mick's Da Man]

It looks to me like he is listed as an '09 commit. So doesn't that mean he is going to go the prep route for another year?

[shaunsimpson]

BCI's data base is not updated very well. He is hopefully able to quailify this year. He still has to take his SAT and it may take a bit, but he could be here for the start of the year or in January.