Top 50 Player Riley Kugel Commits to Florida
By Will Thomas
![Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden speaks during the introductory press conference at Exactech Arena in Gainesville, FL on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]Ncaa Men S Basketball Todd Golden Intro Press Conference](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2F788764097aaac8073ae11f6e2b2cf1ba243f3fbfd4156563fd36fd0abfcbe9cf.jpg "Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden speaks during the introductory press conference at Exactech Arena in Gainesville, FL on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]Ncaa Men S Basketball Todd Golden Intro Press Conference")
The Gators basketball team got some good news today, as 4 star shooting guard Riley Kugel announced his commitment to Florida. UF beat out Georgia and LSU for his services.
247 Sports has Kugel ranked as the 48th best player nationally, and the 4th best shooting guard. The former Mississippi St commit also held offers from Miami, Auburn, and the other two finalists mentioned above.
During his senior year of high school, Kugel averaged 16.5 points, 3.2 assists, and 4.8 rebounds a game. He was an efficient shooter as well, shooting 68% from 2, 40% from 3, and 75% from the free throw line.
At 6’4”-175, Kugel already has good size to be a shooting guard in the SEC. He’s also very quick and shifty, with a great handle on the ball. His best attribute might be finishing at the rim, which he’s put on display throughout his high school career.
He doesn’t just feature a good layup package at the rim, he isn’t afraid to go up into a defender and finish with a jam.
https://twitter.com/overtime/status/1485311418421424129?s=20&t=vm-beay-gwSLRz6C6azS6w
So how can Kugel fit in with the Gators?
He probably won’t see much action his first year in Gainesville, given the depth at the guard position that Florida has. The good news on that front is that Riley will have plenty of guys to learn from, like Will Richard and Trey Bonham.
When it’s his time to take center stage, he’ll be a great piece for Todd Golden. Like stated before, his abilities around the rim are undeniable, and he can also conduct an offense very well. He doesn’t turn it over much, and is more than capable of creating his own space for a jump shot or a drive to the rim.
Gator fans should be very excited about the addition of Kugel to the squad, and he’ll be a vital part of the rotation for years to come.
Keep up with Gator basketball here.