Silent Assassin
Lorenzo Riley changes games with his shot-blocking ability that can be credited to a 38-inch vertical
While every team has a go-to player for a game-winning shot, not many have the luxury of having a go-to defensive layer to get a key stop.
For North Dakota State men’s basketball player Lorenzo Riley, he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I would rather have a game-saving block than a game-winning shot, any time,” Riley said.
Riley, a sophomore from Platte City, Mo., is a tale of two personalities.
On the court, Riley provides the Bison with intensity and energy, while off the court is quiet and mellow-mannered.
“Lorenzo has a bright smile and an easy going manner off the court, but on the court brings a real high intensity for us,” NDSU coach Tim Miles said.
That intensity has provided the Bison with a sparkplug off the bench the past year and a half.
This season, Riley’s role on the team has expanded from off the bench, after an injury to center Lucas Moormann for the season.
Riley received his first collegiate start last week against the University of Mary.
In his first start, Riley collected a career-high seven blocks.
Riley’s dunking and blocking ability has helped him earn a starting role for the Bison and gained the attention of the fans over his career as well.
With a 38-inch vertical, Riley has out-jumped the competition since junior high.
Playing above the rim has come natural to Riley, dunking for the first time during warm-ups before a game in eighth grade.
Most opposing players know all to well of his natural ability.
In 16 games this season, Riley is averaging 1.3 blocks per game, and gaining the tough assignment of guarding taller opponents.
“You have to be fearless and use your athleticism to defend against the taller opponents,” the 6-foot-6-inch Riley said. “I try to be the best defensive player I can be, and do anything I can do to help the team.”
Riley’s defensive mentality has brought toughness to the Bison squad that has allowed only 65.8 points per game this season. The Bison are also out-blocking their opponents, averaging 5.4 blocks per game.
Off the court Riley is working on his degree in business administration, hoping to become a financial manager after graduation.
Away from school and basketball, Riley likes to relax with friends and watch movies and listen to music. Going to school at NDSU has been a great experience for him, but Riley has missed one thing from Platte City.
“I really enjoy the atmosphere and the friendliness of NDSU and the Fargo community, but I do miss my family,” Riley said.