UCLA Basketball: 2017 power forward Cody Riley remaining on West Coast
Steve Alford and UCLA basketball added their third four-star recruit in the class of 2017 on Friday.
While UCLA’s results on the court may not be pleasing the Bruin fan base, head coach Steve Alford continues to make waves on the recruiting trail.
2017 power forward Cody Riley committed to the Bruins on Friday over UConn, Kansas, Oklahoma, UCLA and USC. Riley is the fourth recruit UCLA has landed in the class of 2017.
The 6’7″, 260 pound power forward from Chatsworth, CA is ranked 45th in ESPN’s top 100 and is labeled as the 7th best four-man in the class of 2017. The Sierra Canyon High School prospect is the 4th best player in the state of California.
Riley is a strong, physically imposing forward who can muscle opposing four-men out of the way on the low block. He is a terrific rebounder on both ends of the floor, can finish around the rim with his soft touch and has an impeccable motor.
His size and strength is obviously a huge asset on the offensive end, but Riley is also capable of hitting mid-range jumpers and passing out of the high post.
Even though he’s not a shot blocker and is undersized, he is a smart defender who is normally in position to body up his man on the block.
Riley joins the already-secured commitments of four-star point guard Jaylen Hands, four-star center Jalen Hill and three-star small forward Li Angelo Ball. The addition of Riley only adds more credibility to this class.
This follows up UCLA’s 2016 recruiting class, which is one of the best groups in the country. Five-star point guard Lonzo Ball will take reins of the team, five-star power forward T.J. Leaf will give the team versatility up front and Ike Anigbogu will give the team an extra shot blocker.
With big men Thomas Welsh and Gyorgy Goloman heading into their senior years in 2017-18, Riley could be a key front court player for the next few years. UCLA has the talent, now they need to have success in March.
More from Busting Brackets
This article originally appeared on 
