June 30, 2024 – San Antonio, Texas –
In an exciting development for fans of collegiate basketball, Riley Minix has signed with the San Antonio Spurs, marking a significant milestone in his athletic career. Minix’s journey from Southeastern University (SEU) to Morehead State and now to the NBA is a testament to his hard work, talent, and dedication to the sport.
Riley Minix began his collegiate basketball career at Southeastern University in Florida, where he quickly made a name for himself as a versatile and dynamic player. Known for his impressive shooting ability, strong defensive skills, and relentless work ethic, Minix became a key player for the Fire. During his tenure at SEU, he amassed over 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds, earning multiple NAIA All-American honors. He was pivotal in leading the team to several NAIA National Championship Tournament appearances and was consistently recognized as a standout player in the Sun Conference (Southeastern University Athletics).
After four successful years at SEU, Minix took advantage of the NCAA’s extra eligibility year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and transferred to Morehead State for his graduate season. His impact was immediate and profound. Minix finished in the top ten in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) in scoring, rebounding, field goal percentage, free throw percentage, blocks, and steals. He led the conference with 18 double-doubles and was named the OVC Player of the Year, a member of the All-OVC first team, and the All-Newcomer team (Wikipedia) (Morehead State University Athletics).
Minix’s single season at Morehead State was nothing short of extraordinary. He averaged 20.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 block per game. His performance earned him the prestigious OVC Male Athlete of the Year award, making him only the second player in Morehead State history to receive this honor, following in the footsteps of NBA star Kenneth Faried (Morehead State University Athletics) (Morehead State University Athletics). In addition to his athletic prowess, Minix excelled academically, earning Second-Team Academic All-American honors from the College Sports Communicators, underscoring his commitment to excellence both on and off the court (Morehead State University Athletics).
Riley Minix’s hard work and perseverance have paid off with his signing by the San Antonio Spurs. His journey to the NBA is a story of determination and resilience. Standing at 6’7″ and weighing 230 pounds, Minix’s height and build play a significant role in his game. His size allows him to be a formidable presence both offensively and defensively, making him a versatile player capable of contributing effectively as a forward. His height gives him an advantage in matchups against smaller defenders, enhancing his scoring and rebounding abilities (NBA Scouting Live) (Wikipedia).
Given the opportunity, Minix could fit seamlessly into the Spurs’ play style. The Spurs, known for their emphasis on team play, ball movement, and strong defense, would benefit from Minix’s versatility. Playing alongside a generational talent like Victor Wembanyama, Minix could thrive. Wembanyama, known for his exceptional height and wingspan, excels in both offensive and defensive roles. Minix’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and his knack for rebounding would complement Wembanyama’s game, providing the Spurs with a dynamic and multifaceted frontcourt (Air Alamo) (Sporting News). Brian Wright, the Spurs’ general manager, commented on Minix’s signing, saying, “Riley brings a strong work ethic and a versatile skill set to our team. We believe he has the potential to make an immediate impact and grow with our young core” (Hoops Rumors).
Riley Minix is expected to play in the NBA Summer League, where his performance will be closely watched. The Summer League is crucial for rookies and undrafted players like Minix, as it determines their prospects for the upcoming season. Depending on his performance, Minix could secure a spot on the Spurs’ NBA roster, sign a two-way contract, or potentially be waived and sign with the Spurs’ G League affiliate, a common practice among NBA teams to develop their talent (NBA Scouting Live).
As Riley Minix embarks on his NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his game will translate to the professional level. His time at Southeastern University and Morehead State has undoubtedly prepared him for this moment, and his future in the NBA looks promising. With his talent, determination, and passion for the game, Minix is poised to make a significant impact in the league and continue his journey as a professional basketball player.
Riley Minix’s signing with the Spurs is not just a personal achievement but also a proud moment for Southeastern University and Morehead State. It highlights the importance of collegiate basketball in developing and nurturing talent, and it serves as a reminder that the road to the NBA is paved with dedication, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
