Head Coach Mark Phelps, And Drake University Score Another Major Coup In Illinois, And Land Class Of 2010 Champaign Centennial Star Rayvonte Rice


Cavan Walsh
September 10, 2009

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Head coach Mark Phelps, and Drake University have scored yet another recruiting coup in the state of Illinois, and have now landed Class of 2010 star Rayvonte Rice. Rice ranks among the top 2010 prospects in the state of Illinois.

Rice, a 6'3" small forward, is a player who has the ability to take over games both inside and outside. Last year, Rice teamed with James Kinney (Ohio) and Jeff Johnson to lead Centennial to the IHSA Class 3A state title, and saw his recruiting stock soar. He followed that up with a strong run on the spring and summer travel team circuit with Mike Weinstein, and the Rising Stars.

Rice said, "I felt that Drake was the best fit for me and my game. It is the perfect situation for me. Their best player is graduating, and I will have a chance to come in as a freshman and play." Rice went on to note, "Coach Phelps was at every one of my games in July, and that really meant a lot to me. When I went on my visit I really clicked with the coaching staff, and enjoyed myself. I will also be teaming up with Karl Madison, and a wing from North Carolina, and we should have a chance to be at the top of the Missouri Valley."

Rice, who selected Drake over Nevada, Kent State, Illinois State, Ohio, Western Michigan and Eastern Illinois, intends to major in business management at Drake.

Earlier this week, Drake scored a major recruiting coup in the state of Illinois when they landed Springfield Lanphier point guard Karl Madison. Adding Rice to their 2010 recruiting haul ensures that they will have one of the top recruiting classes in the always tough Missouri Valley Conference. They are still also very strong with 6'10" Jordan Threloff (DeKalb).

Now off the board, Rice can focus on his senior year, and once again teaming with 6'8" Jeff Johnson as Centennial looks to defend their 3A state title. Johnson committed to Eastern Kentucky yesterday.