Tyrone Riley IV: A Rising Star
Do you recall the name Tyrone Riley IV? The guard from San Francisco impressed during the 2024-25 season, earning a spot on the WCC All-Freshman Team by averaging 9.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 assist in 28.2 minutes per game. He started in all 34 games for the Dons, appearing poised to become college basketball’s next breakout star, potentially transitioning to the NBA next year.
Interests from Major Programs
His future prospects were reflected in his list of interests; major programs such as Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Florida, Texas A&M, USC, UCLA, Arizona, Oregon, Mississippi State, Texas, St. John’s, Baylor, and Washington reached out after he entered the transfer portal on March 27. Following this, a second wave of meetings occurred, including both in-person and virtual, with Kentucky taking a prominent role along with USC, Arizona, Texas, and Arkansas, as reported on April 3.
Potential Fit with Kentucky
At the time, Tulane’s Kam Williams was the only commitment for the Wildcats, and Riley was viewed as a potential starting two-guard. The recruitment process involved connections made during Coach Mark Pope’s previous recruitment of Riley while at BYU, leading to Riley’s father meeting with UK assistant Jason Hart in California.
Unexpected Decision to Stay
In an unexpected turn, Riley withdrew from the transfer portal on April 6, concluding a 10-day process. Over two months later, he spoke with KSR during the 2025 USA Basketball Men’s U19 National Team Training Camp in Colorado Springs about his decision-making process and how close he was to signing with Kentucky.
Building Trust Takes Time
Riley described the decision as a lengthy process for him and his family, requiring numerous discussions to weigh the pros and cons of each program. While he appreciated Kentucky’s interest and connection, he felt that their conversations were brief, and he needed more time to build trust. “It was nice talking to Coach Pope, but I didn’t have enough time to really understand what the program would be like,” he explained.
Coaching Experience with Mark Pope
Riley recognized the fit of his playing style within Kentucky’s system, admiring Pope’s vision for his game. However, he felt it wasn’t the right time to commit. During their time together at the training camp, Riley found value in the opportunity for face-to-face interactions, noting that he appreciated getting to know the coaches better. “He’s a fun guy with a good personality,” Riley said of Pope.
Goals for the Future
Ultimately, neither Kentucky nor any other school was able to secure Riley’s commitment during the transfer period. Now, his focus is on leading the Dons back to the NCAA Tournament while advancing his own aspirations for the NBA. “I want to make a significant leap in my performance and be a key contributor as we aim for the tournament,” Riley stated, emphasizing his desire to elevate his visibility for the draft next year.
