IU basketball recruiting: Class of 2022 names to know — M.J. Rice

Our “Names to Know” series provides a quick look at IU basketball recruiting targets as their names emerge on the trail.

Marquise “M.J.” Rice is a shooting guard from North Carolina.

Indiana’s interest in Rice emerged this week when Jason Jordan of Sports Illustrated tweeted about schools that have contacted him.

God1st! Appreciate the love! https://t.co/RRRCzjghPW

— Marquise (MJ) Rice (@MJrice_1) June 16, 2020

The 6-foot-5 Rice has been ranked in the top ten overall in the class of 2022 but slipped a bit after suffering an ACL injury during his sophomore season.

Rice averaged 25 points, nine rebounds and two assists a game before tearing his ACL at the Seahawk Classic in late December. He underwent surgery in January.

As a freshman in 2018-19, Rice helped guide Durham Academy to a 28-4 record while averaging 15.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per contest.

Rice has decided to transfer to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia for his final two seasons of high school basketball.

According to the 247Sports Composite, Rice is a five-star recruit and the No. 22 overall player in the class of 2022.

Rice played up two age groups last summer on the Adidas Gauntlet for Team Wall.

A big strong frame for his age allowed Rice to compete at a high level despite the age difference. He uses those physical assets to dominate opponents at the rim, and Rice has an impressive looking stroke on the perimeter as well.

Rice has a list of offers that includes Boston College, N.C. State, Ole Miss, Pittsburgh and Providence. Duke and dozens of other programs have shown interest as well.

Indiana assistant coach Mike Roberts spent several years in North Carolina and appears to be have the connections here.

See more names to know from this week: Leon Bond | A.J. Casey