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Will Triggs

Forward
6’6”, 220 lbs
Edwardsville High School, Edwardsville, IL
AAU/Travel Team: Team Ramey Basketball
ESPN/Scouts Inc. Grade: 82

Will Triggs is “a beast down low” according to his AAU coach Terrell Ramey. “He’s going to remind a lot of people of Drake Reed.” This has to be music to the ears of Governors fans, as Triggs verbally committed to Austin Peay earlier this year. In our ten minute conversation with Coach Ramey, he used the word “tough” five times to describe Triggs, who also plays wide receiver and linebacker for Edwardsville High School. “He’s a 6’6” tweener. He mixes in a lot of power, and has a really nice physique. I mean when you look at him that is the first thing you’re going to notice. His chest, arms, and body type. He’s a real strong kid.”

Triggs certainly played like a beast last season, averaging 15.9 points and 10.7 rebounds a game. He posted 15 double-doubles in 28 games, while leading his team to a record of 22-6. Some of the accolades that Will has been awarded include the 2009 Telegraph Large-School Boys Basketball Player of the Year, 2009 News-Democrat Class 3A-4A Player of the Year, and Honorable Mention for the Class 4A Boys Basketball All-State Team.

As would be expected from a young man who averages a double-double, Will is an intense competitor. “When it’s gametime he is highly intense and highly competitive. He loves pressure, he loves to put things on his shoulders. He leaves everything on the court every time he plays. Even off the court, when it is time to weight lift and prep for the game he brings it,” said Coach Ramey. Off the court, Ramey describes Will as a respectful young man who has been known to joke around. “You can’t ask for much more in a kid.”

On the court, Will should be able to defend the three and four positions, and potentially the five depending upon the matchup. Offensively, his versatility should create matchup problems. His strong mid-range game will pull larger defenders away from the basket, opening up driving lanes for the Govs’ talented guards. His size and ability to score with his back to the basket will allow him to punish smaller defenders in the post. Will is very talented but as with all young players, there are always areas for improvement. Coach Ramey identified his perimeter game, ball handling, and jump shot as potential areas. He also said, “Will needs to get better lateral quickness so that he can guard more perimeter oriented kids.”

On Choosing Austin Peay
Coach Ramey said Will chose Austin Peay because he felt comfortable during his visit and because it was not too far away from home. He also mentioned the work put in by assistant coaches Scott Combs and Bubba Wells as being instrumental in making Will feel at ease in Clarksville. This is a sentiment echoed by several coaches we have spoken to and should make fans glad to know the coaching staff is putting in the time to bring in the best recruits they can. If the staff misses on a kid, it will not be from lack of effort.

Another reason for Will choosing APSU is current player Anthony Campbell, a former high school teammate. In an interview with David Wilhelm of the News-Democrat, Triggs said Campbell helped recruit him and seeing Campbell contribute as a freshman played a big role in him committing. He also considered Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Missouri State.

ESPN/Scouts Inc. Grade
ESPN and Scouts Inc. gave Will a grade of 82. Below are the relevant descriptions of ESPN’s grade ranges for those not familiar with their ranking system. Will is considered a mid-major minus prospect meaning ESPN believes he could be a three to four year contributor at a mid-major program. APSU is generally considered a low-major program, meaning ESPN believes Will should be a significant contributor as a freshman and a steal for Coach Dave Loos.

ESPN/Scout Inc. Grade Descriptions

• 83-86: Mid-major prospect
  • Player should be a solid contributor and two- or three-year starter at a mid-major program.
• 80-82: Mid-major minus prospect
  • Player could be a three- or four-year contributor with an opportunity to eventually start at a mid-major program.
• 77-79: Low-major plus prospect
  • Player could contribute at a mid-major school but should be a significant contributor as a freshman at a low-major program.

This is how ESPN/Scouts Inc. describes Will:

“Triggs has a big time body, good strength and is a very good athlete. He has improved in all aspects of the game as he plays inside and outside. But he still needs to develop his handle and improve his consistency on his perimeter shot to make the move to being a straight small forward. With a improved stroke and handle he will become more versatile. He scores in the low post and has a nice turnaround jumper and jump hook. He can hit the 15-17ft jumper and will attack the basket off the dribble.”

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*We would like to thank Coach Terrell Ramey for taking the time to talk to us.