Riley Kugel Explained

Riley Kugel
Team:	Mississippi State Bulldogs
League:	Southeastern Conference
Position:	Point guard / shooting guard
Height Ft:	6
Height In:	5
Weight Lbs:	207
Birth Date:	30 November 2003
High School:	Central Florida Christian Academy (Orlando, Florida) Dr. Phillips (Orlando, Florida)
College:	Florida (2022–2024) Mississippi State (2024–present)
Highlights:	SEC All-Freshman team (2023)

Riley Estelle Kugel (born November 30, 2003) is an American college basketball player for the Mississippi State Bulldogs of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). He previously played for the Florida Gators.

Early life and high school career

Kugel grew up in Orlando, Florida and initially attended Central Florida Christian Academy. He transferred to Dr. Phillips High School after his sophomore year.^[1] Kugel averaged 16.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game as a senior.^[2]

Recruiting

Kugel was rated as a four-star recruit. He initially committed and signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) to play for Mississippi State.^[3] Kugel was later released from his NLI upon his request after Mississippi State fired head coach Ben Howland.^[4] He ultimately committed to play for Florida.^[5]

College career

Florida

Kugel became a starter for the Florida Gators midway through his freshman season.^[6] He finished the season averaging 9.9 points and 2.8 rebounds per game and was named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) All-Freshman team.^[7] During conference play, he averaged 12.6 points, the most by a Florida freshman since Bradley Beal's 14.4 per game in the 2011–12 season. He considered entering the 2023 NBA draft, but ultimately decided to Florida for his sophomore season.^[8] Before the start of the 2023–2024 season, he was named to coaches preseason All-SEC first team.^[9] Kugel announced his intention to transfer out of Florida in March 2024.^[10]

Kansas

Kugel announced his commitment to Kansas on March 31, 2024.^[11] He announced on May 8, 2024 that he would not play for Kansas after all.^[12]

Career statistics

College

|-| style="text-align:left;"| 2022–23| style="text-align:left;"| Florida| 32 || 17 || 23.0 || .456 || .376 || .663 || 2.8 || 1.0 || .8 || .2 || 9.9|-| style="text-align:left;"| 2023–24| style="text-align:left;"| Florida| 33 || 11 || 23.3 || .394 || .312 || .696 || 3.5 || 1.5 || 1.1 || .2 || 9.2|- class="sortbottom"| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career | 65 || 28 || 23.1 || .423 || .342 || .678 || 3.2 || 1.2 || 1.0 || .2 || 9.5

External links

• Florida Gators bio

Notes and References

1. Web site: Collings . Buddy . May 20, 2020 . Irwin Hudson back as Trinity Prep coach; Riley Kugel transfers to DP . March 20, 2023 . Orlando Sentinel.
2. Web site: Gators Make Top 3 for Guard Riley Kugel; Set to Commit Monday. Zach. Goodall. SI.com. May 23, 2022. March 20, 2023.
3. Web site: 247Sports three-star Riley Kugel breaks down Mississippi State decision. Paul. Jones. 247Sports. September 26, 2021. March 20, 2023.
4. Web site: Riley Kugel given release by Mississippi State basketball, may return. The Clarion-Ledger. March 23, 2022. March 20, 2023.
5. Web site: Dr. Phillips' Riley Kugel commits to Todd Golden's Gators. The Mercury News. May 23, 2022. March 20, 2023.
6. Web site: Dr. Phillips' Riley Kugel returns to Gators for second year. Orlando Sentinel. April 4, 2023. May 26, 2023.
7. Web site: Riley Kugel named to SEC All-Freshman team. Jacob. Rudner. 247Sports. March 6, 2023. March 20, 2023.
8. Web site: Riley Kugel’s Timely Return to Florida is a Multifaceted Victory for Gators. Brandon. Carroll. SI.com. April 5, 2023. April 12, 2023.
9. Web site: Florida basketball guard Riley Kugel named to coaches preseason All-SEC first team . January 31, 2024 . Gainesville Sun . en-US.
10. Web site: Florida G Riley Kugel enters transfer portal, names top 4 . USAToday.com.
11. Web site: Florida guard Riley Kugel commits to transfer to Kansas . On3.com.
12. Web site: Florida Transfer Riley Kugel Won’t Play for Kansas Basketball: Report.