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Name: Glen Rice Jr.
Age: 22
Height: 6-foot-6
Position: Small Forward
School/Country: Rio Grande Valley (NBDL)
Latest Stats: 13.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.9 apg
The award for the most unusual path to the 2013 NBA Draft goes to former Georgia Tech star Glen Rice Jr. The 6-foot-6 small forward was dismissed from the team as a junior before making the decision to go pro this past season. Rice was booted from the Yellow Jackets’ program in 2012, but despite all odds to resurface, Rice has done just that. Having appeared in 42 this past season for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Rice Jr. is quietly emerging as a legitimate sleeper in this year’s field. He averaged 13.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per contest this past season with Rio Grande Valley.
It’s funny how things can work out sometimes — especially considering Rice was a fourth round pick in the NBA Developmental League draft this past November. Now, Rice has the potential to be taken anywhere in the second round of the 2013 NBA Draft. He is the son of former Michigan star Glen Rice, who spent 15 seasons in the NBA level.
Strengths: Rice is an aggressive wing. He stands at 6-foot-6 and offers an up-tempo feel to his improving game. Rice starred for the Vipers during their run to an NBDL Championship, a major part to the recent boost in his NBA Draft potential. Rice can knock down shots from the outside and there shouldn’t be any doubt to the fact that he is playing some of the best basketball of his career right now.
Weaknesses: Rice’s path to the NBA is a bit unusual and if it wasn’t for his stellar production this past season in the NBDL, we might not even be talking about him as a legitimate prospect. Rice Jr. can play a bit out of control at times, so he needs to better his shot selection, passing and overall ball security at the NBA level.
Draft Projection: Early-to-Mid Second Round
Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
