ASU Hoops Looks to Strike Rich Again in Texas

Five years ago, ASU started courting of the top prospects in the Lone Star state. Years later, Ike Diogu was named to the Pac-10 Player of the Year and was regarded as one of the best players to lace them up in Tempe. Ozen High School standout Kris Richard has been making his mark on the Texas prep scene and could be the next successful recruit for maroon and gold from that region.

“Arizona State has been recruiting me for a couple of months, and they offered me last month,” said Kris Richard who hails from Beaumont, Tex.. “Coach Sendek has been recruiting me. I’m loving what I’m hearing about Arizona State. I like the playing style, and it’s located in a big beautiful city. I haven’t visited them yet, but I plan to visit them when school starts in August.”

Richard was named All-District, All-Region, and was selected as “Mr. Outside’ in one All-Star tournament for his ability to consistently knock down the open jump shot. During his junior year he averaged 18.0 points per game, 6 assists and 4 rebounds. “I’m a combo-guard,” he said as he self-assessed his skills. “I like getting my team involved. I can score, but when I get my whole team involved it’s a beautiful thing. I do need to gain weight and get stronger.”

Virginia, Wichita State are the only other major schools to offer him a scholarship other than ASU, and naturally all schools make up his top three college choices. “I don’t have a problem leaving the state at all,” he remarked. “I just want to go to a good school. I want to make my decision before the summer ends.”

Richard plays on an AAU team sponsored by NBA star Tracy McGrady called the T-MAC All-Stars. The guard said that his team is scheduled to play at the prestigious ABCD camp, as well as the Adidas All-Star camp and tournaments in Las Vegas and Houston.

The guard reported an SAT score of 1120 and a GPA of 3.1, which should be to academically qualify him.