Rodney Rice, 2022 4-star, commits to Virginia Tech
Rodney Rice, a 6-foot-4 combo guard out of Potomac (Md.) DeMatha Catholic has committed to Virginia Tech basketball for the class of 2022, he tells On3.
Rice is the Hokies’ third commitment of the class, joining three-star center Patrick Wessler, and three-star combo guard MJ Collins.
It’s important to note that Virginia Tech associate head coach Mike Jones coached Rice last season at DeMatha Catholic. Jones spent 19 years at DeMatha before signing on with the Hokies this offseason.
Rice ultimately chose the Virginia Tech Hokies over Louisville, Notre Dame, Georgetown, Maryland, and Alabama.
Rodney Rice on why he chose Virginia Tech
“First off, Coach (Mike) Young is a great coach,” Rice said. “I was on campus a few weeks ago and I was watching a practice and he seemed very intelligent. Their pitch to me was that I can play my game. They think I can contribute right away. That was the biggest thing for me. I like to shoot a lot of three-pointers and that’s something that Coach Young emphasizes a lot in his system.”
What does Rice expect his role to be as a freshman?
“I’m going to come in and fight because I want to start,” Rice said. “But that’s something that’s going to be earned, nothing is going to be given to me. I’m willing to fight for it.”
How does Rice describe his game?
“I’m a three-level scorer that gets his teammates involved. Can shoot it with range. Likes to score in transition. Two-way player. Likes to rebound from the guard position and can run a team.”
What’s Rice most excited about once he gets on campus at VT?
“Just being a college student,” Rice said. “Everything is going to be new to me…classes far apart from each other…getting to meet new people and just getting to experience college. But on the basketball side…bonding with my teammates and getting along with them. With the whole new NIL thing, I think that’s exciting.”
What’s the mean reason Rice is choosing VT?
“Playstyle. Coach Young lets his guys play. He likes his guys shooting threes. Certain players on his team have the green light and I feel like I can come in and earn that. His team plays with pace. They play with space as well. I think I would be dangerous in their system.”