As we continue our nationwide spotlight on rising college basketball talent, one thing remains clear: it’s never too early to talk about the next generation of Vegas players. That’s the heart of “Around the Country in Two Minutes”—a series built to highlight under-the-radar names with real potential.

Las Vegas, a city rapidly earning respect as a hotbed for Division I basketball talent. One of its emerging prospects is Tylen Riley, a 6′3″ guard who played this past season at Cal Baptist University before transferring to Tulsa for 2025–26. Riley’s not just another name in the portal—he’s a tough, poised, and versatile guard who can create offense, control pace, and make smart plays under pressure. He represents the new generation of Las Vegas hoopers that deserve attention.

These spotlights aren’t built on hype—they’re about tracking development, growth, and the players quietly preparing to make noise. And Tylen Riley is exactly the kind of player who could surprise people when the lights come on this fall.

Riley is a player with good-upside potential and a skill set that translates well to the American Athletic Conference.

🔎 Player Profile – Tylen Riley

• Height: 6′3″
• Weight: ~190 lbs
• Position: Point Guard / Combo Guard
• Class: Rising Junior
• Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
• Previous School: Cal Baptist University
• Current School: University of Tulsa

🎯 Why Tylen Riley Is a Name to Know in 2025–26

Riley played in 24 games for Cal Baptist in 2024–25, including 9 starts, averaging 7.5 points, 2.0 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game. He shot 37.3% from the field and displayed excellent control at the free-throw line with 82.1% FT shooting. His ability to come off the bench and instantly energize a game was on full display during a 25-point outburst against Grand Canyon, where he ignited a solo 9–0 run.

This isn’t just a player trying to find his way—this is a player ready to take the next step.

🔮 What He Brings to Tulsa This Season

With his transfer to Tulsa, Riley enters a program in need of backcourt depth and dynamic playmakers. He brings:

• Scoring Punch – Capable of putting up points in bunches with smooth shooting mechanics and confident drives.
• Combo Guard Flexibility – Can handle point guard duties or play off the ball as a secondary scorer.
• Defensive Effort – Hustles on both ends and contributes on the glass as a guard.
• Poise Under Pressure – Free-throw shooting and confidence show he can perform late in games.

Expect Riley to see increased minutes and more responsibility in the Golden Hurricane’s rotation. With maturity, reps, and opportunity, he could become a steady double-digit scorer and high-value contributor in the AAC.

⚠️ Development Areas to Watch

• Three-Point Consistency – Hovering around 28% from deep; an improvement here would stretch defenses and unlock new lanes.
• On-Ball Physicality – Adding more upper-body strength will help him finish through contact and defend bigger guards.
• Decision-Making – Reducing turnovers and sharpening reads in half-court settings will elevate his reliability.

🌍 Las Vegas Talent on the Rise

Riley’s growth is a great example of the pipeline of talent coming out of Las Vegas. He’s part of the next generation of players from the city that people will be talking about. There are a multitude of Division I prospects and transfers rising through the ranks right now, and it’s important to give them early recognition—not just once they arrive, but while they’re building.

That’s the heart of this series: not waiting for the spotlight—creating it.

✅ Final Take: A Rising Guard with Room to Grow

Tylen Riley might not have been a household name coming out of Cal Baptist, but make no mistake—his game is built for growth. As he enters his junior year, the opportunity at Tulsa gives him the platform to show what Las Vegas basketball followers have long known: this kid has game, and he’s only getting better.

So stay locked in. This is just one of many spotlights in our “Around the Country in Two Minutes” series. Because the truth is, the next generation of talent is already here—you just have to know where to look.