REDS Add Former Raven In Transfer

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS men’s basketball team is adding shooting guard Ben Riley in a transfer from the Carleton University Ravens.

The 6’4” Riley, from Edmonton, will be required to sit out the 2024-2025 Atlantic University Sport season, but will work with the team. He’ll join the REDS roster ahead of the 2025-26 season.

“Ben is an elite level athlete, who will bring more versatility to our back court,” said REDS’ head coach Joe Salerno. “He’s played at a very high level the past several years, both at his prep program, Canada Prep Academy, in Edmonton, and of course at Carleton, where he won a national championship two years ago."

During the 2022-23 season, Riley appeared in 21 regular season games with the Ravens.

Before attending Carleton, he attended and played at Canada Prep Academy, in Edmonton, and was a member of Team Alberta’s U17 team in 2021.

“It seems like a close community, not just a team,” said Riley. “I feel like the group of guys and the coaching staff are building something special, and I feel like I can help them accomplish goals and be part of it.”

A multi-sport athlete, Riley won the men’s high jump title at the 2019 Alberta high school track and field championships.

“I’m a good leader and a competitive person,” said Riley. “I’ll lead by example and I’m not afraid to do whatever it takes to win.”

“He’s a high character guy,” said Coach Salerno. “He’s a good student and someone we believe will bring a positive and winning mindset to our locker room for the next couple of seasons.”

Riley says his short-term goals with the REDS include winning an AUS title. Longer-term, he wants to help bring a national championship to Fredericton.

The 21-year-old will study Psychology while attending UNB.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTO BY: Carleton Athletics