COLLEGE PARK, MD – Former DeMatha Catholic standout guard Rodney Rice (Clinton, MD) has officially joined the Maryland men’s basketball program as announced by head coach Kevin Willard today. Rice, who will be listed as a sophomore this season, previously played at Virginia Tech during the 2022-23 season.
“We’re excited to add Rodney to the program and have him return to his home state,” said Willard. “He’s obviously delt with some obstacles early in his career, but has a drive and determination to come in, work hard, and give us a boost as a scoring guard.”
Rice played for the Hokies during the 2022-23 season, but suffered numerous injuries throughout the season which hampered his productivity. He played in eight total games averaging 7.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in 20.1 minutes per game. He had a season-high 17 points against NC State in the second round of the ACC Tournament where he hit 5-of-7 from deep. He also scored 11 points at Duke (2/25/23) and had 10 against Florida State (3/4/23). Rice stepped away from the Virginia Tech program during the 2023-24 season.
The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 18.5 points per game in three years at DeMatha and was an All-Met First Team selection in 2021-22 after leading the Stags in scoring. He came out of high school ranked as the third-best player in the state of Maryland and the 10th-best combo guard nationally. As a four-star recruit, aside from Virginia Tech, he was also heavily recruited by Louisville, Alabama, Notre Dame, Georgetown, and the Terps.
Rice joins Belmont transfer Ja'Kobie Gillespie (Greeneville, TN) as the newest additions to the program. Gillespie, a 6-foot-1 guard, averaged 17.2 points and 4.2 assists last season as a MVC All-Conference Second Team selection.
“We’re excited to add Rodney to the program and have him return to his home state,” said Willard. “He’s obviously delt with some obstacles early in his career, but has a drive and determination to come in, work hard, and give us a boost as a scoring guard.”
Rice played for the Hokies during the 2022-23 season, but suffered numerous injuries throughout the season which hampered his productivity. He played in eight total games averaging 7.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in 20.1 minutes per game. He had a season-high 17 points against NC State in the second round of the ACC Tournament where he hit 5-of-7 from deep. He also scored 11 points at Duke (2/25/23) and had 10 against Florida State (3/4/23). Rice stepped away from the Virginia Tech program during the 2023-24 season.
The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 18.5 points per game in three years at DeMatha and was an All-Met First Team selection in 2021-22 after leading the Stags in scoring. He came out of high school ranked as the third-best player in the state of Maryland and the 10th-best combo guard nationally. As a four-star recruit, aside from Virginia Tech, he was also heavily recruited by Louisville, Alabama, Notre Dame, Georgetown, and the Terps.
Rice joins Belmont transfer Ja'Kobie Gillespie (Greeneville, TN) as the newest additions to the program. Gillespie, a 6-foot-1 guard, averaged 17.2 points and 4.2 assists last season as a MVC All-Conference Second Team selection.
