http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/goodmanonfox
RIEK EXPECTED TO COMMIT MISSISSIPPI STATE
Less than a week after landing Renardo Sidney, Mississippi State has received another eye-opening commitment - this time from well-traveled big man John Riek.
According to sources, the 7-foot-2 native of the Sudan chose the Bulldogs over Cincinnati and Providence.
Riek, who had committed to Cincinnati - but never signed with the Bearcats - was one of the most highly regarded players two years ago in the summer.
He dominated at the LeBron James Skills Academy and many in attendance pegged him as a future lottery pick.
However, Riek has suffered from a nagging knee injury since attending the Winchendon School (Mass.) about 18 months ago. He has been at IMG Academy (Fla.) since leaving Winchendon and declared for the NBA Draft a year ago, but withdrew because of knee problems.
Sources indicate that Riek has achieved the necessary academic requirements to play next season. However, the NCAA is investigating whether Riek received improper benefits and will have to re-pay them in order to play college basketball.
Sidney was also a questionable pickup for the Bulldogs - after both UCLA and USC backed off recruiting the Mississippi native due to off-the-court concerns. Sidney was set to commit to the Bruins back in Feb. and then committed to USC and was set to sign before the Trojans elected to pass on the talented 6-foot-9 forward.
RIEK EXPECTED TO COMMIT MISSISSIPPI STATE
Less than a week after landing Renardo Sidney, Mississippi State has received another eye-opening commitment - this time from well-traveled big man John Riek.
According to sources, the 7-foot-2 native of the Sudan chose the Bulldogs over Cincinnati and Providence.
Riek, who had committed to Cincinnati - but never signed with the Bearcats - was one of the most highly regarded players two years ago in the summer.
He dominated at the LeBron James Skills Academy and many in attendance pegged him as a future lottery pick.
However, Riek has suffered from a nagging knee injury since attending the Winchendon School (Mass.) about 18 months ago. He has been at IMG Academy (Fla.) since leaving Winchendon and declared for the NBA Draft a year ago, but withdrew because of knee problems.
Sources indicate that Riek has achieved the necessary academic requirements to play next season. However, the NCAA is investigating whether Riek received improper benefits and will have to re-pay them in order to play college basketball.
Sidney was also a questionable pickup for the Bulldogs - after both UCLA and USC backed off recruiting the Mississippi native due to off-the-court concerns. Sidney was set to commit to the Bruins back in Feb. and then committed to USC and was set to sign before the Trojans elected to pass on the talented 6-foot-9 forward.
