Riley Kugel's inner beast has started to show through

The final buzzer sounded, and Orlando (FL) Dr. Phillips High senior Riley Kugel folded his hands and put them over his head. He was standing near the free-throw line, in front of his bench. The opposing team jumped in the air as they had just won the semi-final game at the Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament.

Kugel, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard, does not like losing, and he did everything he could for his team. He finished with a game-high 24 points, three assists, three steals, and six rebounds. Even being a guard with positional size who can handle, pass, and shoot with deep range, Kugel has gone largely unnoticed prior to this season.

This season has been different. This type of dominating performance has become one we expect from Kugel each game. Even in the games where he faced off against the nationally ranked players, Kugel has routinely been the best on the floor.

“He has taken a huge step forward,” Kugel’s high school coach Ben Witherspoon told On3 Sports. “He worked for that. This year he has been the best guard on the floor, no matter who we have played.”

When the rise began

This summer, the 6-foot-5 guard experienced a rise in his reputation playing with the Southeast Elite program on Adidas’ 3SSB circuit. Programs like Auburn, Houston, Miami, and Virginia Tech took notice. Ultimately, Kugel signed with Mississippi State.

“Mississippi State just fit me perfectly, with how I play,” Kugel told On3 Sports. “It is a beautiful campus, isolated from everything which I like. They produce a lot of good guards coming out of there, with DJ Stewart last year and Iverson Molinar this year. They produce high-end efficient scorers every year. I want to fit that role.”

While Kugel had a successful summer, something changed for him at the start of his senior season. For starters, Kugel grew from 6-foot-3 to 6-5. He also added 15-pounds of muscle. The buzz started at the City of Palms event before Christmas. By all accounts, Kugel outplayed On3 Consensus No. 9 player Nick Smith.

“I come out and play the way I should, bring the intensity no matter who we are playing,” Kugel said. “I try to be a fighter, a tough competitor to get the win. This season, I’ve been more explosive with my ability to finish above the rim and finish over people. I’ve always had the jump shot, so that hasn’t changed.”

Kugel has answered the call

Riley Kugel averaged 17.5 points, four assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game for the full City of Palms event.

“He is one of the best guards in the country, plain and simple,” Witherspoon said. “We knew that coming into the season, he has the potential to be a pro and is one of the best wings in high school right now.”

Dr. Phillips is now 20-4 on the season. They have played a national schedule, traveling to play the very best teams they can. Their four losses have been by a combined nine points. In most games, eyes have been on McDonald’s All-American teammate Ernest Udeh. However, all the talk is about Kugel walking away from the court.

“I know if I get my looks and I make the shots I make, my teammates will be open,” Kugel said. “We keep the ball moving, and everyone eats. My exposure has picked up a little this season, but I still feel like I should be a top 25 player by the end of the season.”

Kugel’s game

At 6-5, Kugel has long arms and a physically developed frame. He is comfortable on the ball, showcasing great vision to set up his teammates and his jump shot extends well beyond the arc. His explosion has become a weapon as he gets past his man and is a threat to get on the rim when he touches the paint.

“Riley brings a ton to this team,” Witherspoon said. “He has great size and is a great athlete who can do everything offensively. He handles the ball for us and is great in ball screens. He’s a great scorer and shoots it well from the outside. There is nothing he can’t do offensively.”

Rankings? Just win!

If you search Riley Kugel’s name on the On3 website, you will see he is currently ranked No. 207 in the On3 Consensus, a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four major recruiting media services. However, we will be updating our rankings in the next few weeks, and Kugel’s name will undoubtedly be a hot topic of discussion.

If you ask him, he is used to being the underdog and overlooked in terms of rankings. However, Kugel does not let that deter his sights or mentality.

My coaches, Coach Witherspoon and Anthony Ricks, have spent the last two years bringing my inner beast out of me. My game plan, my mindset is to stay humble, but kill for the rest of the season; win another championship.”