For Riley Dearing, the spotlight came early. The Hopkins freshman was the recipient of a large profile in the Star Tribune as an 8th grader for his dedication to basketball and for being tabbed as one of the next big in-state recruits. But newspaper articles obviously can’t replace hard work, and the 6-4, 170lb Hopkins freshman takes the early notoriety as a motivator.

GopherHole.com’s Nadine Babu recently spoke with Dearing to learn a little more about his game and connections to the U.

GH: Many consider you the best freshman in the state of Minnesota. How does that make you feel?

Dearing: It makes me want to work harder and play the best I can; that is what I can control. More than anything I want to make my teammates better.

GH: What kinds of things are you working on now with your game?

Dearing: My ball handling, making better decisions and moving without the ball.

GH: What position do you play?

Dearing: I feel like I can play anywhere, but more of a SG/SF type of role.

GH: For people that haven’t seen you play can you describe your game?

Dearing: I’m more of a slasher but I can shoot the ball too. I can pass. There’s nothing that I’m great at but I’m even across the board.

GH: Playing for Hopkins there are high expectations. Is your goal to win State again this year?

Dearing: Oh yea, always, always. We just want to go out there and get better every time we play and play every possession.

GH: What colleges have contacted you?

Dearing: The University of Minnesota, USC, Drake, Wisconsin, Oregon State, Kansas and Northern Iowa.

GH: As far as the U goes, what kind of interest would you have there and have you talked to Tubby?

Dearing: I’ve talked to Tubby a lot. My friend is Brendon Taylor, Coach Taylor’s son. Hopefully we can both play at the U one day.

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