RISE ACADEMY PHILADELPHIA
Rise Academy has had a lot of success getting players to the collegiate level and having them succeed when they arrive there. This is what separates Rise Academy from other prep schools. Year after year we are having players excel at the next level. Here are some of our most recent success stories.
Delon Wright attended Rise Academy during the 2010-2011 season. Delon was only known as Dorell Wright's little brother at the time. When Delon came to Rise his talent was undeniable, but often over shadowed by even some of his teammates. But Delon listened and worked hard despite his position (we allowed him to play guard instead of forward, which he was used to playing at the time). He gathered experience from playing our tough schedule which led him to become the junior college player of the year the following year. He attended the University of Utah and is now projected to be a first round draft pick in the 2015 NBA draft.
Warren Gillis attended Rise Academy during the 2010-2011 season. Warren came to Rise with no division one offers and only a handful of low level division two offers. But Warren listened and learned how to pull up for his jump shot instead of trying to get all the way to the basket. After winter break he had 20+ division one offers. He had a great career at Coastal Carolina University and is possibly looking to play overseas.
Pablo Bertone attended Rise Academy during the 2009-2010 season. Pablo is from Argentina and first attended a prep school in New England where he was not happy. At his first prep school they only cared about winning, there was a lot of selfish play, and they made him play forward instead of the point guard position. When he came to Rise he was able to flourish at his natural position. Still Pablo struggled finding a school that would take him. We called Florida Atlantic University and asked them to take a chance. He was FAU's best player in recent history and now is playing overseas in Spain.
Taylor Bessick attended Rise during the 2011-2012 season. Taylor did not play basketball until his junior year in high school. He was often bullied and laughed at for playing basketball at first. We worked with him during his senior year and during his prep season. No school wanted to take a chance on Taylor until finally, James Madison University took a last minute chance. Taylor helped lead JMU to a CAA championship his freshman year. Since then Taylor has transferred to Iona University and is currently sitting out before he can play again next year.