NCAA Basketball: 6 stars of mid-major backcourts for 2019-20 season

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SAN DIEGO, CA – MARCH 16: Grant Riller #1 of the Charleston Cougars looks to pass against Chuma Okeke #4 of the Auburn Tigers in the first half in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 16, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Grant Riller – Charleston Cougars

The Charleston Cougars finished last season 24-9, falling to rival Northeastern in the semifinals of the Colonial Athletic Association tournament, but decided against post-season play. This year head coach Earl Grant returns one of the best senior guards at the mid-major level, Grant Riller. After suffering a torn ACL in 2015 before his collegiate career got on track, the 6-3 Riller averaged 13 points in his first season.

With a healthy season under his belt, Riller had arguably his best season as a sophomore, averaging over 18 points, while shooting over 54% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc for a team that nearly knocked off Auburn in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament. As a junior, his percentages dropped a bit, but his points (21.9), rebounds (3.4), and assists (4.1) were all career highs. He led the Cougars in scoring in 19 of 33 games while running mate Jarrell Brantley led them in another 13. Brantley is gone and no other returning Cougar, aside from Riller, scored more than 7.9 points per game last season.

This edition of Charleston is Riller’s alone, which may be a double-edged sword for the Orlando native, he will have plenty of scoring opportunities but how will he deal with being the focal point of opposing defenses with no sidekick to take off some off the pressure? If he can figure out how to navigate these new challenges, 25 or more points per game are not out of the question.

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