Athlete of the Week: Riley Michels, Foundation boys basketball

Foundation Academy senior Riley Michels’ game on the hardwood for the Lions’ boys basketball team feels like it was handcrafted for the three-point-shot-crazed modern era of hoops — think a local version of Klay Thompson with a bit more hop to his game.

Standing at 6-foot-6 and with a smooth shot, not only can Michels shoot the lights out of the ball, but also he’ll have no trouble shooting aa most defenders he faces this season. And if defenders try to take away that silky shot by overplaying him or closing out too aggressively when the ball swings to him, then Michels will put the ball on the ground, blow past the defender and use his freaky bounciness to finish above the rim. 

It’s no wonder the senior swingman will be playing college ball next year; he recently committed to play for Rhodes College, a Division III program in Memphis, Tennessee.

This skillset, Michels’ production from last season — as Foundation’s top returning scorer and rebounder at 12 points and 5.2 rebounds a game — and the Lions’ loss of four of its five top contributors to graduation, expect new coach Sharrod Williams to lean heavily on him. 

The Basics

Age: 17 

Sport: Basketball 

Grade: Senior

School: Foundation Academy

Q&A

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?

It’s an honor. I’m proud to represent my school and teammates.

What do you like the most about basketball?

I love to compete, and it gives me joy.

What excites you the most about playing college hoops?

Developing as a player and person while glorifying God through the talents He has given me.

What about Rhodes College makes it the right place for you?

I’m looking forward to playing for a coach who wants me to be there and wants to maximize my potential.

What are your goals for this season — both for yourself and the team?

Improve every week, so my team and I are ready come playoff time. 

Who is your favorite athlete?

Jayson Tatum from the Boston Celtics, because I love the way he plays and competes. I try to model my game after him. 

Favorite basketball memory?

Dunking for the first time and scoring a career-high 26 points against South Lake High in an overtime win last season.

What is your go-to pre-game meal?

A turkey sub from Subway. 

What is your go-to pregame hype song?

“Old Streets” by 2KBABY. 

What is your favorite non-sports hobby?

Fishing with my friends. 

What is your favorite subject in school?

My open gym class, because I’m able to play basketball and mess around with friends.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?

A cruise ship, some sunscreen and a fishing pole. 

What is your favorite movie?

“Cars,” because I watched it 1,000 times as a kid. 

If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?

My girlfriend, Gabby, because she lives in Ohio, and I never get to see her. 

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?

I wouldn’t want to go back. I’m happy where I’m at right now.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t let adversity get the best of you; use it to make you better. 

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?

Where am I going to live?

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

To be invisible, because then I could sneak into any place I wanted; like sneaking into the TD Garden to watch Celtics games for free.

If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?

Hawaii, Bali and Australia, because I love the beach. 

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be?

A shark, so I could explore the ocean. 

What is your most controversial food take?

Dessert can be eaten before dinner.

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

No, it does not.