Flash Freeze: Austin Rivers

  Engulfed in darkness and doubts, the nation's number one basketball recruit emerges from his father's dominant shadow and seeks his own glory at, as he describes, the most hated school in basketball. Since birth he has been surrounded by basketball success and competition, particularly by the strong influence of his father, Doc Rivers. This amazing athlete demonstrated flashes of greatness as he carried his YMCA summer league teams, coached by his mother, into substantial victories over greater opponents. He exudes confidence and sophistication formed by meeting NBA greats such as Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and Lebron James. A cultured young man seeks the rewards of his labor as he creates a name for himself through his own accomplishments on and off the court compared to being glanced upon by those who appreciate the glory of his father.
Austin Rivers (PG/SG) #0:
  Young players often have a tough time adapting to the speed and toughness of collegiate play, but Rivers possesses superior maturity to his peers. As a senior, at Winter Park High (FL), he averaged 28.8 points per games, 6.1 rebounds per game, 2.2 assists per game and 2.0 steals. Alongside his brilliant performances, Rivers is a proven winner as he claims two state championship titles. It was this year when all the awards and accolades gravitated towards this year's number one basketball recruit including 2011 McDonald's All American honors, 2011 Jordan Brand All American honors, 2011 Naismith Player of the Year, 2011 Wooten Player of the Year, and the 2011 Gatorade Player of the Year in Florida.
  Rivers can handle the likes of pressure and the forces intertwined with a big program such as Duke because he wants and demands the ball in pressure situations. He is a cold-blooded assassin, freezing the defense and knocking down contested threes' with ice in his veins.
  This Duke bound guard enjoys going to his right the majority of times when he has the rock, but if pressured towards his left he does not attack with the same tenacity. When playing to his left he is reduced to relying on step-back jumpers for the majority of his offense. Also, he should be in a stance on defense more often especially away from the ball and as his competition increases at the next level. Rivers hovers around too much seeking a steal, rather than playing solid defense of his assignment  resulting in easy baskets and habits of gambling too much.
  Rivers is undeniably this year's most prolific offensive player. He is undaunted when attacking any type of defense. His smooth shooting stroke and ferocious, attacking offensive style are required for a successful season after the departure of leading finishers Kyrie Irving and Nolan Smith. Coach K will utilize Rivers' scoring capacity by beginning the season with Rivers off the ball where he can focus on splashing the net rather than distributing and managing the Blue Devil offense. On a team so obviously lacking in leadership, this recruit may be forced to take on more responsibilities. Rivers may not have as complete of a skill set as Irving, but it will take little time for him to surpass Irving's skills and talents. Rivers is an offensive-minded play maker who will be a force on the court and impact next year's chase for the NCAA title.