Uncommitted
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Scout Report
Walking into Archbishop Stepinac's gym feels like stepping into a basketball laboratory where four elite prospects are dissecting opponents nightly. While the Ratliff brothers and Jasiah Jervis grab most of the headlines, the 6-7 wing quietly putting up numbers in the shadows might be the steal of the entire group.
Background
Joshua Rivera grew up in White Plains, New York, where basketball runs deep in the Rivera household through his family's athletic connections. The move to Archbishop Stepinac put him in one of the most talent-rich environments in high school basketball, surrounded by future Division I stars who push him daily. Playing in this pressure cooker has accelerated his development, forcing him to compete against elite competition every single practice. His path through the powerhouse program has been methodical, earning respect from teammates who are already committed to major programs.
Playing Style
Rivera operates with the smooth efficiency of a player who understands his role but refuses to be limited by it. At 6-7, he presents matchup problems for smaller guards while possessing the skill set to play on the perimeter against forwards. His decision-making reflects maturity beyond his years, rarely forcing shots or making plays that aren't there. On defense, he uses his length intelligently, disrupting passing lanes without gambling for steals. The tempo never seems to rattle him, whether Stepinac is pushing transition opportunities or grinding through half-court sets. Most impressive is how he impacts winning without needing the ball in his hands constantly, a trait that translates beautifully to high-level college basketball.
Strengths
That 6-7 frame combined with legitimate perimeter skills creates serious problems for opposing coaches trying to match up. His shooting stroke has consistent mechanics and range that extends well beyond the arc, making him a threat in catch-and-shoot situations. Rivera reads the game exceptionally well, finding open teammates when defenses collapse and recognizing when to attack closeouts. The basketball IQ jumps off the tape, from his court vision to his understanding of spacing and timing within offensive sets.
Areas to Watch
Adding strength to that lengthy frame would unlock another level of his game, particularly when attacking the rim through contact. His handle, while solid, could use refinement to fully exploit size mismatches against smaller defenders. Developing more assertiveness as a primary scorer would round out his skill set and make him even more attractive to high-major programs.
Player Comparison
There are shades of Doug McDermott in Rivera's game, particularly the way he combines size with shooting ability and basketball IQ. Like McDermott at Creighton, Rivera has that knack for finding good shots within the flow of the offense and making them at a high clip. The comparison works because both players maximize their physical tools through skill and intelligence rather than relying on pure athleticism.
Recruitment
Ten Division I offers represent solid early interest for a 2027 prospect, with programs like Illinois and Northwestern leading the high-major pursuit. Mississippi State's involvement suggests his recruitment could expand into other power conferences as his junior season unfolds. Playing alongside three top-35 prospects gives him incredible exposure, with college coaches getting extended looks at Rivera during their primary recruitment of his teammates. Expect his offer list to grow significantly if he continues developing at his current trajectory.
Projection
Rivera profiles as a versatile wing who could contribute immediately at the college level through his shooting and basketball IQ. His ceiling depends largely on physical development and continued skill refinement, but the foundation suggests a player capable of being a key rotation piece at a high-major program. Professional basketball remains a long-shot projection, but his combination of size, skill, and intelligence gives him multiple pathways to extend his career beyond college.
Updated Apr 27, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Career Journey
Archbishop Stepinac
PREP SCHOOL
PSA Cardinals
AAU
Career Highlights
pirate nation wassuppp ? 🏴☠️💙 #Committed
Joshua Rivera (F 6'7") 🏀🇵🇷💪 #NCAA #TransferPortal
Fordham junior Josh Rivera has entered the transfer portal a source tells @247Sports Rivera averaged 10.7 points and 4.3 rebounds this season.
JOSHUA RIVERA POWER SLAM DUNK Joshua Rivera (6'7-F-Jr): 17 PTS - 3 REB - 1 AST - 1 STL in Fordham 76 vs 93 Dayton
Offers
10
Illinois
Mississippi State
Northwestern
BryantOffers sourced from 247Sports and social media monitoring.
Social Activity
At the end of the day, this is a confidence play. Broken play and someone had to make a move. @joshuarivera5_ stepped up and made the play when it mattered! Career game that everyone will remember! #Ramily
Joshua Rivera led the way for Fordham in the first half with 11 points https://t.co/xapJPSn9Pw