The Washington Times is reporting that Jeremiah Rivers, former Georgetown guard and son of Doc Rivers, is transferring to Indiana University. Rivers a 6-4 guard is known as one of the best defenders in the country. Rivers just a sophomore would have to sit out a year and be eligible to play for IU during the 09 and 10 seasons. Rivers averaged just over 2 points and 2 rebounds a game in 18 minutes last year. While those numbers do not wow anyone, a look deeper will reveal the reason for Rivers' lack of production.
For starters as mentioned previously, Rivers is a defensive stopper, something every great team needs. In Georgetown's slow down, back screening, Princeton-esq offense. Rivers game is best suited in the open floor pushing the ball up the court. His lack of playing time was due to the fact that he was always playing too fast for that offense. Playing too fast will not be a problem for Rivers in Crean's run and gun offense, where if you're not playing fast you're just not playing at all. This is a big signing because when the 09 season rolls around IU will likely have nine players on the roster with one or zero years experience. Rivers will provide experience and leadership to a young team with loads of potential. Additionally next season he will play a crucial roll on the practice team getting in the younger players' face and making them better players.
Rivers' signing would leave IU with 2 scholarships open for the 09 season. However, that number is likely to drop to 1, as Maurice Sutton is probably going to sign with Indiana. He is the 08, 6'10 big who has been profiled in the past here. Sutton is playing with the Indiana Elite LNO AAU team at the AMC, that is being held in Bloomington this weekend. Last night Sutton scored 15 points 5 boards and 3 blocks in three quarters of action. What is most impressive is that he did it against the Wear twins, who are ranked 32 and 33 in the country by Rivals.com. Both players are headed to UNC. Sutton made some comments that indicate that he is likely to sign with IU after his unofficial visit on friday, this is what he had to say..."Maurice Creek, he is a good friend of mind," said Sutton. "Then I played with Verdell at the Kentucky Elite Camp. He is a good point guard. And Creek, he can score. They (Indiana) are grabbing up all the guys. It will be a young team and looking hopefully to be a part of it."
Overall the 09 class should be loaded with talent and the team should be complete with depth and lots of potential. With the likelihood of only one scholarship remaining for that class, look for the last signing to come rather quickly. IU is high on the list of several top prospects, (Jordan Prosser, Steven Van Treese, Jordan Hulls, Demetrius Walker, Christian Watford and a few others). Only one of those players will be able to take that last scholarship and with the pressure that one might decide before the other look for the last commitment soon. My guess is that it will be Demetrius Walker as he has declared IU his lone favorite.
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