Ralph Erickson is a 5’11’’ rising senior point guard at LaSalle Institute in Troy, NY. Last season Ralph competed for the Cadets and had a very successful junior campaign. Statistically Ralph averaged 15 points, 4 rebounds, 4assists, and 3 steals. Categorized as one of the top returning point guards in the Capital Region, Upstate Scout had the opportunity to sit down with Ralph’s head coach Steve Sgambelluri and discuss Ralph’s abilities, summer plans, and college interest.
What are Ralph’s plans for this summer? AAU, Camps, Exposure Events?
Ralph is a member of the Albany (New York) Dream Team. He will compete in the Elite Adidas 64 Tournament in Las Vegas this coming July. Ralph is considering attending several Elite Exposure camps throughout the summer.
What are his best attributes at a player?
Ralph is one of the top point guards in the Capital District. He is a natural point guard who has tremendous speed up and down the floor with the basketball in his hands. He has a knack for breaking down opposing defenses and getting the basketball to the paint. His court vision, especially on the dribble drive is very, very good and his consistent ability to knock down jump shots, especially from the 3 point line, make every opponent have to guard him everywhere on the floor. Additionally, his quickness and toughness allow Ralph to excel on the defensive end of the floor. He also has the ability to slide over to the shooting guard position to take further advantage of his scoring abilities. Perhaps his greatest skill is his ability to make his teammates better by utilizing his speed on the break, his ability to break a defender down off the dribble and his knack for running an offense and controlling a game’s tempo. He was honored this past season as a Big 10 First Team All Star and First Team All-City All Star (Troy, NY).
What position do you see him playing at the next level and what do you think will bring at the next level?
Ralph’s most natural position at the next level is easily the Point Guard position. He also has the ability to play minutes at the “two.” He will immediately impact the fast break game and will easily create scoring opportunities for both himself and his teammates by way of his ability to get the basketball to the paint off the dribble. Ralph will present problems for opposing defenses due to his exceptional handle on the ball, his outstanding speed with the basketball and his ability to score the ball.
What are some of the things he needs to continue to improve?
Ralph continues to work on and excel in his in between game. He also has shown great improvement on the defensive end of the floor.
Has he been contacted by any colleges? If yes, who has shown interest?
Boston University, Canisius College, The College of Saint Rose, Siena College, Robert Morris College, Elms College, MCLA, Sage College, and Hobart College.
What are his aspirations for the upcoming season?
Ralph is focused on the upcoming high school basketball season. He hopes to have another successful season both on and off the court. His efforts are centered on the team and he will try to help make this team the very best that it can be.
The Upstate Scouting Service would like to thank both Ralph and Coach Sgambelluri for taking the time to sit down with us and we wish them the best going into next year’s season!
La Salle’s Ralph Erickson (5) glides to the basket as Shaker’s Sean Duffey (15) and James Holmes (31) defend during Saturday’s Section II Class AA quarterfinial at Hudson Valley Community College. ((Jeff Couch/The Record)
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