[NCarmean18Participant]

 Evening, forum.  I recently just finished watching the first game of a double-header in the Jimmy V Classic, as #7 Villanova outlasted my Illinois Fighting Illini by the final score of 73-59.  

However, the game is not what I want to focus on in this post, but rather a played on the Illinois side of the ball.  That player is senior guard Rayvonte Rice.  

Now to me, I really, really love what Rayvonte Rice has brought to our program.  His physicality has fueled this Illinois squad since early last season, and he is the perfect player for Coach John Groce’s gritty, defensive-minded system.  

My main question as of right now is why hasn’t Rayvonte Rice been considered an end-of-the-draft type of prospect?  There are a few things in Rice’s game that leads me to understand why he wouldn’t be able to compete at the next level, yet there are still many qualities that he possesses that I feel are worthy of a late second round selection. 

Cons:

Size – To me, Rayvonte Rice would be more suited to play the small forward position at the next level, and at 6’4", 230 lbs., Rice would be considered greatly undersized for that position.  

Quickness – Rayvonte could potentially play shooting guard at the next level, but to me, he is not quick enough defensively to guard NBA-calibur shooting guards.  

Athleticism – Rayvonte Rice is an athlete, and a pretty good one at that.  However, he lacks that explosiveness that sets shooting guard/small forward prospects apart from one another.  He can get up for some big plays, but he isn’t the best leaper, thus taking away from his resume.  

Pros:

Leadership – Rayvonte Rice has been an intense leader for Illinois this season as the result of a torn ACL injury that has sidelined senior point guard Tracy Abrams.  Right now the Illini currently sit at 7-2, with their only losses coming from two ranked opponents, #15 Miami and #7 Villanova, respectively.  Illinois had a tough test in Las Vegas as the Fighting Illini had to play against the Baylor Bears who were also undefeated at the time (5-0).  Illinois prevailed, and Rice led the way in that tough game with 17 points.  

Scoring – Rayvonte Rice is a scorer.  Period.  Whether it is bullying his way in the paint for a tough contested layup, stepping out and knocking down a mid range jumper, or pulling up off of the dribble for a 3-pointer, Rice is a deadly offensive weapon.  He is so strong as a guard that he can get into the paint, finish around bigger defenders, and draw fouls to get to the charity stripe.  

Active Hands – Rayvonte Rice is very active on defense, always trying to jump into passing lanes.  He currently averages over two steals a game, the highest mark of his career.  He had three steals tonight aginst a Villanova team that does a pretty good job at securing the basketball.  

Rebounding – Rayvonte Rice currently averages almost eight rebounds a game as Illinois’ starting small forward, currently leading the team.  

 

As of right now, this is Rayvonte Rice’s statline through nine games early on in this season.  

17.4 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.8 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG, and he is shooting 53% from the field, 47% from deep, and 79% from the charity stripe.  

Obviously I am going to be very biased, but even so, I still believe in Rayvonte Rice as a player.  Even if he doesn’t have a future in the NBA, he definitely deserves a lot of credit as a guy that has helped John Groce lead this young Illini squad in another direction.  

So now I would like to ask you guys, what do you think about Rayvonte Rice?  Have you seen him play?  Do you think that he could elevate himself into the second round of this coming year’s draft?  Let me know below!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

I’m just as biased an Illini guy as you so I agree 100% he could have a shot in the NBA. He is strong, tough and an outstanding defender. His shooting is not NBA ready though. I think Malcolm Hill and Kendrick Nunn have real NBA staying power potential. 

 

On another note, rough game tonight. Same as Miami, we kept making runs but couldn’t get over the hump. So frustrating.

[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

I’m just as biased an Illini guy as you so I agree 100% he could have a shot in the NBA. He is strong, tough and an outstanding defender. His shooting is not NBA ready though. I think Malcolm Hill and Kendrick Nunn have real NBA staying power potential. 

 

On another note, rough game tonight. Same as Miami, we kept making runs but couldn’t get over the hump. So frustrating.

[TRC1991Participant]

Love Rayvonte Rice! He’s a tough customer, and reminds me of a friend of mine who played at NMSU and had a similar role as an undersized forward – Wendell McKines. Wendell went on to a solid career playing pro basketball and currently lives in France where he’s kicking butt and taking names.

Rice is a 6’4” small forward, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. You won’t play in the NBA as a 6’4” small forward unless your name is Tony Allen and you can play defense at that level (999/1000 guys cant) 

If Melvin Ejim didn’t get a shot (b.s.), Rice won’t unfortunately. Hope he continues to lead this Illini team, I like Illinois and want them to succeed even being 2,000 miles away in Seattle with no previous allegiance. 

 

 

 

 

 

[TRC1991Participant]

Love Rayvonte Rice! He’s a tough customer, and reminds me of a friend of mine who played at NMSU and had a similar role as an undersized forward – Wendell McKines. Wendell went on to a solid career playing pro basketball and currently lives in France where he’s kicking butt and taking names.

Rice is a 6’4” small forward, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. You won’t play in the NBA as a 6’4” small forward unless your name is Tony Allen and you can play defense at that level (999/1000 guys cant) 

If Melvin Ejim didn’t get a shot (b.s.), Rice won’t unfortunately. Hope he continues to lead this Illini team, I like Illinois and want them to succeed even being 2,000 miles away in Seattle with no previous allegiance. 

 

 

 

 

 

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