As the Celtics headed into the NBA Finals against the LA Lakers last season, we all knew there was a lingering possibility that it may be Doc Rivers' final stand as coach of the Boston Celtics. We had all seen, heard or read the news that he had been considering the idea of taking a year or two off to spend time with his wife and family in Orlando. Of the reasons given, the most sensible remained the desire to watch his sons play collegiate basketball, one being a senior at Indiana (Jeremiah), and one a HS prospect in Florida (Austin). But what most of us were not aware of until recently, is exactly how good his youngest son Austin really is.
For starters, the number 2 rated high school prospect in America behind only Michael Gilchrist, that's how good. His 35 points vs. Canada set a FIBA-Americas U18 Championship record in June. Roy Williams, Mike Krzyzewski & Billy Donovan have all been spotted in the stands at his AAU games. At 6'4, 175 lbs, he has the size needed to play both the 1 and 2 guard positions, and more importantly the confidence. His scouting report boasts the total package offensively. Fearless attack, instinct & confidence levels through the roof. Think Stephen Curry but with better body control in the paint, and more aggressive off the dribble. He's said to have a beyond NBA worthy jab-step, as well as a high-release floater that would make even Sherman Douglas tip his cap. Throw in an excellent mid-range game and consistent jumper from 28 feet-out, and this kid sounds like one hell of a ball player.
Recent sightings on YouTube have proven the claims that the young Rivers isn't at all intimidated on the court. Last Wednesday, videos surfaced online via BallisLife.com showing Austin having his way with #1 pick John Wall in a game at the Boost Mobile Elite 24 Camp in Hawthorne, California. In the video, Rivers is seen leaving Wall petrified in his stance after a quick left crossover & layup. In the next frame Wall tries to even the score, but has his pocket picked by Rivers who turns it into a transition bucket. Doc himself would tell you that Austin today is more physically gifted than he ever was in his career. And while Doc now has an NBA championship ring, Austin has the chance to potentially win one as a player, something that Doc never accomplished.
With a decision now looming over Austin's head that will change his life forever, it has really been understated what the Celtics must mean to Doc for him to return for another season in 2010/11. Luckily for Celtic fans, the approval was granted from Austin along with brother Jeremiah and sister Callie for one more push at banner 18. The current favorites to land Austin in 2011 are Duke, North Carolina, Florida and Kansas. Wherever he lands it is likely to be his first and only season in the NCAA, and I for one don't think that Doc will pass on the chance to witness it first hand and full-time, and who could blame him? If your kid was the number 2 ranked player in America you'd want to watch him in his only college season wouldn't you? This may be the last we see of Glenn "Doc" Rivers as a head coach. While I wasn’t always supportive of him in the early goings, he quickly won me over with how he has handled the past few seasons, especially the most recent. Regardless of what happens this year, I will no doubt remember the personal sacrifices he’s made for the team and will always respect the hell out of him for it. And regardless of where he lands, one thing is for certain. Austin Rivers is a beast!
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