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Phoenix Sunnyslope senior guard Rider Portela has committed to play basketball for the University of Colorado.Portela’s recruiting gained momentum after a strong defensive performance at the Section 7 showcase in Mesa.The 6-foot-6 guard was a key player in leading his team to two Open Division state championship games.
Phoenix Sunnyslope senior guard Rider Portela has given Colorado a commitment to play basketball.
Coach Ray Portela, Rider’s dad, said that his son received nearly a dozen Division I offers over the summer. It took off for him during the Section 7 showcase in Mesa, playing against some of the top players in the country.
The 6-foot-6 Portela’s recruiting picked up because of what he showed on defense. He’s one of the top defensive players in the state who led the Vikings to the Open Division state championship game last season, making The Arizona Republic’s All-Arizona team.
He has been a part of two Open Division state championship games in his career.
“Rider ended up visiting Colorado and loved Coach (Tad) Boyle and his staff,” Ray Portela said. “Their experience in college basketball and developing players combined with the vast resources academically and athletically were appealing to him.”
Rider Portela averaged 13.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.1 steals and one block a game on a 21-9 team last season. He is averaging 11.8 points, 2.8 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 1.9 steals in his three-year varsity career.
Portela is ranked No. 146 in the country in the 2026 class by 247Sports. His offers included California, Grand Canyon, Fresno State, Nevada and New Mexico.
“He thought it was the best fit for him and his growth,” Ray said of his son’s decision to commit to Colorado. “He is eager to have a great senior year season and then help the Buffaloes in any capacity he can.”
Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. He also covers Grand Canyon University athletics and the Arizona Rattlers. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@azc_obert