UPDATE: The Dallas Cowboys picked former Riverside Academy basketball standout Rico Gathers in the 6th round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — One of the best offensive rebounders in college basketball is getting ready for the next level. Just last week, Riverside Academy basketball alum Rico Gathers played for Baylor University in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Now he’s training to play professional ball. But not for what you may think.
For nearly a decade, Gathers has succeeded on the hardwood.
“A lot of people don’t have my genetic features. 6’8”, 280 and that’s a basketball player at that,” said Gathers.
He’s the former number 1 recruit in the state of Louisiana. He set a Baylor school record of 394 rebound his junior year. The All-American power forward is used to blocking shots. Now, he’s training to block linemen.
“Professionally, I see myself as a football player,” he said.
He hasn’t played football since he was 13. But, he’s trading his basketball shoes for football cleats. He’s following in the footsteps of Jimmy Graham and Antonio Gates to transition to a tight end in the NFL. He said this has been his plan since middle school
“I haven’t gone through all the pounding. I haven’t gone through all the wear and tear, none of that,” he said.
Gathers is training with Duke Rousse at the The Duke Academy to get his body in the best shape possible.
“Well I think basketball players are the best athletes in the world. They can run, jump, their hand-eye coordination is phenomenal. So I don’t think it’s that hard of a transition for someone like Rico’s size and statue,” said Rousse.
“For me, the NFL was more appealing because I haven’t played in a minute. So my passion, my excitement for it has skyrocketed real high,” said Gathers.
Gathers will be at a pro-day at Tad Gormley Stadium in less than a month. Just one week before the NFL Draft.