SPF's Oliver Signs with Rider University

When senior Charles Oliver scored his 1,000th point in overtime during a against in-town rival Union Catholic, Raiders coaches and officials wanted to stop the contest to honor his achievement.

 Oliver, however, wanted no part of it. He told everyone to go back to the bench – the game had yet to be decided.

This team-first focus Oliver brought to the court, combined with his scoring prowess and court awareness as a shooting guard, made him a hot college prospect. On Wednesday, he decided to keep his talent in the Garden State, signing a letter-of-intent to attend Division-I Rider University, which provided him a basketball scholarship. The school, located in Lawrenceville in Mercer County, is a member of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

“I’m a New Jersey guy,” Oliver said, adding that he also strongly considered enrolling at Mount St. Mary’s, but ultimately gave Rider officials a verbal commitment Monday night.

“It was real close,” said Oliver, who stands 6-foot-3. “What made me choose Rider was how much they really wanted me and how active they were, calling every day.”

Oliver led Union County with a 22-point scoring average, and helped the Raiders to a 20-9 record this winter – a significant improvement over last year’s 7-17 season. It wasn’t long before Rider made its interest known. Assistant coach Mike Witcoskie attended five or six games, including Oliver’s 30-point game against Roselle Catholic Feb. 1, Oliver said.

“When he came to school to speak to me after the season, he talked about how he could see me in his program and how much of an impact I could make,” Oliver said, already referring to Witcoskie as “Coach Wit.” “We had a good, long talk about the future and also academics.” Oliver added that he plans to study communications and sports management.

Rider routinely qualifies for post-season tournaments, but has only made it to the NCAA Tournament three times, most recently in 1994.

“That’s a big goal of mine, it’s always been my dream to play in the NCAA Tournament,” Oliver said. “That’s what I want to help Rider get back to.”

During his high school basketball career, he wasn’t always a Raider. After playing at St. Benedict’s his freshman year and then at Seton Hall Prep his sophomore season, Oliver decided to play his final two years at Scotch Plains.

“It was good,” Oliver said. “I was happy to come back home and play in the home town where I was raised.”

Scotch Plains head coach Dan Doherty expressed enthusiasm for Oliver’s upcoming college basketball experience. “I was fortunate enough to have two great years with Charles,” said Doherty, who, after not coaching for one season, returned as head coach during Oliver’s first year at Scotch Plains. “He has a special career ahead of him at the next level.”