University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Basketball Adds Jaron Rillie to Roster
4/24/2023 1:26:00 PM | Men's Basketball
GREELEY, Colo. – Men's basketball head coach Steve Smiley has announced the signing of Jaron Rillie, a transfer from Samford, to the roster for the 2023-24 season.
Head coach Steve Smiley on Rillie: "We're really, really excited to announce that Jaron has signed with the Bears to finish his college career. With two years of eligibility remaining, Jaron has a chance to make a huge impact on our program. Jaron has a lot of special qualities as a basketball player, but what makes him really stand out on the court is his elite vision and ability to make all of the easy and difficult passes, which makes the team a lot better. He's also an elite, proven shooter at the division one level. Most importantly, Jaron is a winner that is focused on the right things on and off the court. Our entire staff can't wait to coach him in the near future!"
Link Year Prep head coach Adam Donyes on Rillie: "Jaron Rillie is a true point guard. His basketball IQ is at an elite level that you don't see in very many college players. He makes everyone around him better. If I was still playing, basketball he would be my first pick on the playground because I know he would get me countless open shots!"
Jaron Rillie • Guard • 6-3 • 165 • Sydney, Australia • Samford
2022-23 at Samford: Made an appearance in 32 games while starting in 13 … averaged 20.8 minutes per contest … averaged 4.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game … amassed 79 assists, good enough for second-most on the team … shot 47 percent from the field, 37 percent from three, and 75 percent from the free throw line.
2021-22 at Samford: Played in all 32 games, earning the starting nod five times … averaged 4.4 points, two rebounds, and 1.75 assists per contest … shot 37 percent from beyond the arc, converting on 31 of 83 three-point attempts … shot 85 percent from the free-throw line.
2020-21 at Samford: Saw action in all 19 games for the Bulldogs, making six starts at point guard ... Proved to be one of the most reliable freshman in the SoCon, averaging 5.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.
Prep: Graduated from Dos Pueblos High School 2019, and spent the 2019-20 season at Link Year Prep in Brandon, Mo. … Named team captain, team MVP and first team All-Channel League honors … played point guard at both Dos Pueblos and Link Year Prep . . . his team also won the Ventura Kiwanis Christmas Tournament … starred on the Idaho Select (2015-17) and West Coast Elite (2018-19) teams … his father, John, played collegiately at Gonzaga and later played professionally overseas, and is currently the head coach of Australia's NBL team the Perth Wildcats.
Head coach Steve Smiley on Rillie: "We're really, really excited to announce that Jaron has signed with the Bears to finish his college career. With two years of eligibility remaining, Jaron has a chance to make a huge impact on our program. Jaron has a lot of special qualities as a basketball player, but what makes him really stand out on the court is his elite vision and ability to make all of the easy and difficult passes, which makes the team a lot better. He's also an elite, proven shooter at the division one level. Most importantly, Jaron is a winner that is focused on the right things on and off the court. Our entire staff can't wait to coach him in the near future!"
Link Year Prep head coach Adam Donyes on Rillie: "Jaron Rillie is a true point guard. His basketball IQ is at an elite level that you don't see in very many college players. He makes everyone around him better. If I was still playing, basketball he would be my first pick on the playground because I know he would get me countless open shots!"
Jaron Rillie • Guard • 6-3 • 165 • Sydney, Australia • Samford
2022-23 at Samford: Made an appearance in 32 games while starting in 13 … averaged 20.8 minutes per contest … averaged 4.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game … amassed 79 assists, good enough for second-most on the team … shot 47 percent from the field, 37 percent from three, and 75 percent from the free throw line.
2021-22 at Samford: Played in all 32 games, earning the starting nod five times … averaged 4.4 points, two rebounds, and 1.75 assists per contest … shot 37 percent from beyond the arc, converting on 31 of 83 three-point attempts … shot 85 percent from the free-throw line.
2020-21 at Samford: Saw action in all 19 games for the Bulldogs, making six starts at point guard ... Proved to be one of the most reliable freshman in the SoCon, averaging 5.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.
Prep: Graduated from Dos Pueblos High School 2019, and spent the 2019-20 season at Link Year Prep in Brandon, Mo. … Named team captain, team MVP and first team All-Channel League honors … played point guard at both Dos Pueblos and Link Year Prep . . . his team also won the Ventura Kiwanis Christmas Tournament … starred on the Idaho Select (2015-17) and West Coast Elite (2018-19) teams … his father, John, played collegiately at Gonzaga and later played professionally overseas, and is currently the head coach of Australia's NBL team the Perth Wildcats.
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