Georgia product could be important for Golden Eagles in 2011-12

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Media outlets have showered praise on Tennessee Tech’s top returnees this fall, but it was freshman forward Ryon Riggins who recently drew praise from ESPN in its Ohio Valley Conference preview.

Mike LaPlante, writing for ESPN’s Recruiting Nation, called Riggins the “Incoming Sleeper” in the league this season, saying the Golden Eagles have reaped the rewards of establishing a recruiting presence in the state of Georgia by landing Riggins.

Riggins is a 6-9 product of North Gwinnett High School in Norcross, Ga., in the metropolitan Atlanta area.

LaPlante says Riggins fits the Golden Eagles’ system perfectly and could become an important role player in Tech’s hunt for an OVC championship this season.

“(Riggins) needs to develop physically and become more aggressive,” the report reads. “Although he has an unassuming game, he is an intriguing prospect because he is a long, bouncy athlete that covers a lot of ground and is surprisingly skilled. With his face-up 4-man skills, Riggins fits the Tech system perfectly.

“If he can adjust to the college game quickly, he should find his way into some serious playing time and could end up playing an important role in Tennessee Tech’s run toward an OVC title and the NCAA Tournament bid that goes with it.”

Riggins averaged a double-double throughout his high school career, scoring 11 points and grabbing 12 rebounds per game as a two-year letterman at power forward and center. He was named co-captain of his team as a senior.

Tech opens its season Friday, Nov. 11 at Miami (Fla.) with a 6 p.m. CST tip-off. The Golden Eagles play their first home game Tuesday, Nov. 15 against Reinhardt College at 7 p.m.

Season tickets for the 2011-12 Golden Eagle home schedule are currently on sale at the Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center, or by calling (931) 372-3940.