Standing at 6’6”, Jace Riccardo has quickly established himself as one of the premier young talents in the class of 2027.
A versatile wing/forward out of Youngstown Ursuline High School, Riccardo is already proving to be a player who combines size, athleticism, and IQ at an impressive level.
With a 4.0 GPA, he’s not just excelling on the court but also maintaining excellence in the classroom, showing discipline and focus that carry into his game.
His numbers tell the story: 13.8 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists per game at the high school level, along with postseason recognition that includes All-Ohio Honorable Mention, All-District, and All-Conference honors.
On the AAU circuit with TNBA Ohio HGSL, Riccardo continued to shine, averaging 9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4 assists, all while being named 2024 HGSL MVP.
What separates Riccardo is his adaptability.
At 6’6”, he has the physicality to play inside and battle for boards but also the finesse and skill set to stretch the floor, create offense, and operate as a multi-dimensional weapon.
He sees the game clearly, making high-IQ reads whether on the fast break or in half-court sets.
His rebounding numbers show a willingness to play with effort and toughness, while his assist totals speak to his unselfish approach.
Riccardo plays with maturity beyond his years, often displaying poise under pressure and composure against elite competition.
His length and mobility allow him to guard multiple positions, giving coaches lineup flexibility that few young players can provide.
With two years of varsity experience already under his belt, Riccardo’s trajectory is pointing toward becoming one of the most talked-about players in Ohio basketball.
Strengths & Areas of Improvement
Strengths
- Strong rebounding presence
- High basketball IQ
- Reliable mid-range jumper
- Effective ball movement
- Defensive versatility
Areas of Improvement
- Improve three-point consistency
- Quicker first step
- Stronger finishing ability
- Handle under pressure
- Off-ball movement efficiency
Conclusion
Jace Riccardo is the kind of player that coaches at every level look for: versatile, disciplined, and consistently improving.
His ability to fill multiple roles for his team, scoring, rebounding, facilitating, and defending, makes him a rare asset in today’s game.
Riccardo is not a one-dimensional athlete; his numbers prove he can impact winning in several ways.
The fact that he’s already been recognized with significant honors at such a young age speaks volumes about both his current ability and his long-term potential.
On the recruiting side, his combination of size, academic excellence, and two-way play will make him highly attractive to college programs.
The 4.0 GPA ensures he’s coachable, dependable, and fully capable of balancing academics with athletics at the next level.
As he continues to polish his perimeter shooting and expand his offensive arsenal, Riccardo’s ceiling will only rise higher.
Simply put, he is a player built for sustained success and one to watch closely in the coming years.