DePaul keeps Top-150 senior Chris Riddle home

October 23, 2023 by Max Feldman

THE LEAD

Chris Riddle, a Top-150 prospect in 2024, has committed to DePaul. The Blue Demons beat out Akron, Illinois State, UIC and Northern Illinois for the local product.

BACKGROUND

The 6-6 wing has been on the radar since early in his high school career, showing big flashes as a freshman at Kenwood (IL) and eventually making the move to play for a loaded AZ Compass team as a sophomore. After one year in the desert, Riddle returned to Kenwood before struggling to stay healthy as a junior. A reinvigorated Riddle hit the hardwood this spring and summer with Mac Irvin in the EYCL and saw his recruitment heat back up as a result. In 23 games with the Fire, he put up 18 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists per game.

SOUND BITE

- What separated DePaul from the pack?

Riddle said, "The difference maker was the chance to play at a high level in the Big East. DePaul is an amazing institution. The idea of gaining a degree from DePaul is invaluable for me. I've always had a desire to compete against the best — playing at DePaul and in the Big East affords me that opportunity. As I did my research and asked my questions, it became clear that DePaul was the spot for me."

WHAT'S NEXT?

The hometown product becomes the Blue Demons first commitment on the board in 2024. For a program that's relied heavily on the portal and the JUCO ranks in the Stubblefield era, keeping Riddle home is an important get. 2024 doesn't align as a potentially big class for DePaul, as they'll only lose Chico Carter to exhausted eligibility next season. If they do choose to add another prospect from the high school ranks, keep an eye on the frontcourt. Both Jaden Smith, Riddle's teammate, and Xavier Wedlow have taken official visits recently and should be inching towards decisions. In 2023, the Blue Demons made a splash internationally, bringing in two highly promising prospects in Churchill Abass and Dramane Camara from NBA Academy Africa. Diving back into that pipeline could also be in play as the cycle continues to play out.

MY TAKE

It was a winding journey to get here, but by the end, I believe Riddle has largely come away undervalued nationally, specifically in terms of his upside. The 6-6 wing has filled out nicely over the past two years and remains on the younger side for the class. Inefficiency from deep and decision-making while attacking downhill have been two areas of concern, but his raw activity level, ability to defend multiple spots, passing craft inside the arc and ruggedness attacking the cup are high level. Further, he closed the summer on a very high note, especially as a three point shooter. He creates advantages in a wide range of ways, and when alongside a guard adept at making plays for others, he's a seamless fit as an off-ball scorer who can drive closeouts, spur easy offense as a cutter and fill the lane in transition. Over the last year, the Blue Demons have put a focus on bringing in athletes on the wing, and Riddle fits the bill. A thunderous finisher whose comfortable getting to the line and playing in traffic, he should be able to see the court early given his frame, motor and toughness. A high upside wing with room for more polish, but the scalability to step onto the floor early and play to his strengths as an athletic swingman.

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