Roderick Riley, a four-year letter winner at Prairie View A&M University and key component in the school’s 2003 Southwestern Athletic Conference championship, has signed a contract with the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association.Riley, a 6-11, 327 pound center who graduated from Prairie View with a bachelor’s degree in architecture, spent time with two overseas clubs and the United States Basketball League after his collegiate eligibility expired.
He spent one season with Vozko Voznesensk (Ukraine) and a season with Regionalliga-North-team SV MBC Halle (Germany) and played with the USBL’s Pennsylvania Valley Dawgs. This past summer, he participated in the Memphis Grizzlies’ summer camp.
“I’m getting the opportunity to live out a lifelong dream of mine,” said Riley. “I have been given a chance that millions of people dream about, it’s truly a blessing.
The Beaumont, Texas, native who attended Central High School had an impressive collegiate career at Prairie View A&M University from 1999 to 2004.
While playing for the Panthers, Riley consistently ranked among the SWAC’s best rebounders.
In 2003 he was named second team All-SWAC, averaging 11.3 points per game, to go along with seven rebounds per game.
In 2004, he received honorable mention honors after averaging 9.5 points per game, 5.9 rebounds per game and shooting 46 percent from the field, ranking second on the team. Riley currently ranks 15th among all-time rebounders at Prairie View with 646 boards.
“I look forward to making an impact with the Atlanta Hawks in whatever way possible,” said Riley. “My advice to all of the current athletes at Prairie View is to keep your heads up and put forth 110 percent effort in the classroom and on the playing field. You never know where it might lead you.