Announcement: Pettiford And Johni Broome Drops Bombshell Message To Auburn Tigers Regarding Revelation On their Future At The Club

Announcement: Pettiford And Johni Broome Drops Bombshell Message To Auburn Tigers Regarding Revelation On their Future At The Club

One of the most sought-after players in the college basketball transfer portal, Rodney Rice, has narrowed his recruitment to six schools. The former Maryland guard is considering Gonzaga, Villanova, Tennessee, Auburn, USC, and a potential return to College Park.

Rice, a 6-foot-4 combo guard, is coming off a solid sophomore campaign at Maryland, where he averaged 13.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting nearly 44% from the field and over 37% from beyond the arc.

With the recent coaching change at Maryland, Rice opted to explore new opportunities, though he hasn’t ruled out going back to play for new coach Buzz Williams, who came over from Texas A&M.
illanova and Tennessee are both scheduled to host Rice on visits this weekend. His trip to Villanova comes just days after former Maryland head coach Kevin Willard accepted the job there, a move that could play a key role in Rice’s decision. Tennessee also presents a strong pitch, especially with former teammate Ja’Kobi Gillespie-who committed to the Volunteers-actively recruiting Rice to join him in Knoxville.

Gonzaga, meanwhile, continues to make its push. Rice held a Zoom meeting with the Zags earlier Thursday and the conversation went well enough to keep Mark Few’s program firmly in the running. While no in-person visit to Spokane has been locked in yet, the Bulldogs remain hopeful they can bring Rice to campus if he remains uncommitted after the weekend.

USC and Auburn round out Rice’s top six, each offering different appeals in terms of system fit and opportunity. USC has also conducted a Zoom meeting with Rice, while Auburn is believed to be in steady contact.

Rice started his college career at Virginia Tech before transferring to Maryland, where he played a key role in the Terrapins’ Sweet 16 run last season. His ability to score at all three levels and defend multiple positions makes him a top priority for programs looking to make a postseason push next year.

All eyes now turn to how this weekend’s visits shape the rest of his recruitment-and whether Gonzaga can secure an official visit of its own in the coming days.