UMass-Lowell lands local hoops player

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If you are trying to build a program from the ground up, you need some local talent to help with that process.

The UMASS Lowell men’s basketball program is in the process of doing both. With the program now able to play post season ball for the first time since it was moved up to Division 1. Finding local players to help with that climb up the ladder is taking place.

The program may have gotten a boost in that area as it appears that one of the best local high school guards in the Merrimack Valley and one of the top college prospects in New England has decided to stay home and play for his local college.

Lowell High School Senior Guard Alex Rivera who received offers from schools such as UMass and St. Louis from the Atlantic-10 and Jacksonville University, has committed to playing basketball for the River Hawks in 2018.

The six-foot guard called UMASS Lowell his dream school and also said that the university was in contact with him almost every day showing they care about me.

Rivera’s Junior season for the Red Raiders was stellar. He averaged 25 points per game, seven rebounds, and five assists. He has also been lighting it up over the summer for his AAU team the Mass Rivals where he is scoring 15 PPG and shot 47% from behind the arc in Adidas Gauntlet play.

His best performance came during last spring State tournament. Playing in the semi-finals of the Division One North action, Lowell met up with Cambridge Rindge & Latin. Rivera was the best player on the floor as he put up a double-double of 37 points and 10 rebounds.

This is also huge because with others teams in American East targeting many of the same kids, being able to get one in their own backyard to stay is a big step in the right direction.