Rivals150 wing Chris Riddle checks out Illinois

Junior combo-guard Chris Riddle from Chicago Kenwood was in the house when Illinois took on Quincy in an exhibition game on Friday night.

Orange and Blue News caught up with Riddle to get some of his thoughts on the visit and where things stand with the Illini.

Riddle is back in Chicago after a year at Arizona Compass Prep and he joins a loaded squad at Kenwood for his junior season.

Illinois was on Riddle early in his high school career, but it's been quiet on that front. Things may pick up now that he's back in the state.

"They had already been recruiting me since freshman year," Riddle said. "We don't really talk often but when ever we see each other it’s like it was just yesterday."

A strongly-built combo-guard, Riddle ran with the 16U Mac Irvin Fire over the summer. He's a high-energy, above the rim player who excels at scoring off the bounce.

Illinois plans to play with more tempo this season, and that stood out to Riddle on Friday night.

"I loved the style of play," he said. "I think it really fits my game because I like to get out and run and play defense "

Assistant coaches Tim Anderson and Geoff Alexander are both involved in the recruitment of Riddle.

"Coach Jeff and coach Tim are the two coaches recruiting me from Illinois," Riddle said. "We have a great relationship."

For now, Riddle is a player to put on the watch list. His performance at Kenwood this winter could re-energize his recruitment.

Riddle didn't get a lot of playing time on a loaded Arizona Compass squad last year as a sophomore, and his recruitment slowed down some.

"I have high interest but I don’t really have any top schools right now," Riddle said. "I'm really focused on getting better."

He should be a go-to player at Kenwood teaming with Kansas State recruit Darrin Ames and multiple other DI prospects.

Riddle will likely fill the role of top 2025 prospect Bryce Heard, who transferred to Florida prep school Montverde Academy.

The visit to Illinois was his first stop this season, and he's working on a list of other visits in November.

He liked what he saw from the Illini on Friday.

"What stood out to me is how into detail Coach Underwood is and how the whole team is following his lead," Riddle said.