For four years, Grant Riller’s acrobatic layups, dramatic three-pointers and astounding ball-handling skills brought joy to the hearts of the College of Charleston basketball fans.
Now, it is time for NBA fans to experience “Riller the Thriller.”
On November 18, 2020, Riller is predicted to go 25th in the NBA draft. If so, he will become the first College of Charleston player to be selected in the first round of the NBA draft.
It is understandable that Riller caught the eye of so many NBA coaches. Watch his game film for only a few minutes, and you will discover his ability to create space for a jumper or get to the rim or find an open teammate. As Kyle Boone of CBS Sports recently said, “Riller is a twitchy, high-octane scorer on the perimeter who can step into the rotation and give you buckets.”
He dominates both the hardwood and the record books.
Riller holds the College of Charleston Division 1 era single-game scoring record with 43 points. In a game against Northeastern on January 16, 2020, he became the first CofC player in program history to record a triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Riller also ranks first in the CofC record books in the number of career 30-point games (14), second in all-time career scoring (2,474 points) and third-highest career scoring in Colonial Athletic Association history.
During Riller’s four-year college career, he also captured the admiration of head basketball coach Earl Grant.
“He means a lot to me,” says Coach Grant. “I’ll have his back for the next 40 years, just because he poured a lot into this program.”
Riller is set to join Jarrell Brantley, Anthony Johnson and Andrew Goudelock on the list of CofC players drafted to play in the NBA.
(Editor’s note: Riller became only the fourth Cougar drafted by the NBA in November 2020 and will play for the Charlotte Hornets.)
Photo by Mike Ledford
