CJ Rivers talks recruiting

As a 6-foot-3 point guard for Cahokia, sophomore C.J. Rivers has to be cerebral in running the offense for the Comanches.

Playing alongside Darius Austin not only this summer on the AAU circuit, but also for Cahokia has allowed them to create a special bond.

“We would love to play together,” Rivers said.

“We never really said we definitely would play on the same team, but there’s a lot of talk about going to the same college.”

Rivers has been receiving a lot of interest from Saint Louis, as well as Missouri, Tennessee, Missouri State, Southern Illinois, and SIUE.

“Coach [Tony] Young and I talk a lot,” Rivers said. “We talk about my high school season and he invites me to a lot of games at Chaifetz Arena. The SLU season is going well, buy they had a young team last year and we’re a young team this year, so it’s similar.”

Rivers describes himself as a “true point guard that likes to get my teammates involved by knocking down shots and being a floor general.”

What’s he looking for in a college?

Well, he’s third in his class academically, and so on-court appeal isn’t everything.

“I want to go to a school that fits my style of play and SLU is one of those schools,” Rivers said. “Also a school that sends kids to the next level, whether it is better jobs or a basketball career overseas or even the NBA.”

As the lead guard, Rivers understands the responsibilities that accompany such a task.

“Being a point guard it is all about decision making,” Rivers said. “When it’s a close game, one split decision can determine the game. I’m trying to make sure we finish ahead in those situations.”

Playing for the Southwest Illinois Jets in the upcoming spring and summer, Rivers will have a multitude of opportunities to show out in front of coaches and potentially earn a scholarship offer.