Why Northview star Cam Ryans chose to play at Austin Peay

Northview’s Cam Ryans competes in a Division 1 regional semifinal at Caledonia on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Ryans committed to play college basketball at Austin Peay. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - When Cam Ryans re-opened his recruitment, he had as many as 25 college basketball coaches calling him.

The Grand Rapids Northview High School senior chose Austin Peay University out of all of them.

“I chose Austin Peay because the coaching staff made me a priority,” Ryans said. “It’s a good opportunity. I like their playing styling. It’s just a good fit.”

Austin Peay is a Division I program in Clarksville, Tennessee, and plays in the Atlantic Sun Conference.

Ryans, a 6-foot-5 guard/forward averaged 23.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists for Northview and finished as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,894 points. 

Ryans had verbally committed to play for Western Michigan University. But when head coach Dwayne Stephens was fired, Ryans put his name back in the ring. 

“It’s tough,” Ryans said about changing his commitment. “But once you understand it’s a business, you just deal with it. It’s like jobs in everyday life. You just move on.”

If Ryans had stuck with WMU, he could have played with his brother E.J. Ryans, who just finished his sophomore year with the Broncos. But E.J. Ryans entered the portal and recently signed with South Dakota State.

Is Cam Ryans disappointed he isn’t going to play with his brother again?

“Anyone would want to play with their brother,” he said. “But at the same time, I had to do what was best for me. You just can’t just make a decision based on that.” 

How did Austin Peay hear about Ryans?

“They saw me play on the UAA circuit,” he said. “It’s a small world. Coaches talk and they saw that I was available. It’s a big relief. I’m very excited and ready to win a (conference) championship with these guys.”

Ryans was second in the voting for the Michigan Mr. Basketball Award. But he did win the Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year Award.

“It means a lot,” Ryans said. “It’s a blessing that a lot of guys strive for and few get. It’s something I can have forever.”

Austin Peay is coached by Corey Gipson and were 22-9 overall last season and were tied for first place in the ASUN during the regular season at 15-3.

"It’s just a better fit,” Ryans said. “I like their head coach. And they play their freshmen.”