If you checked the temperature of Riley Kugel’s recruitment this summer, it was as hot as a summer day in his hometown of Orlando on a steamy July day.

The 6-foot-4 guard from Dr. Phillips HS/Southeast Elite has been one of the most trending players in the Southeast this summer, shining in both NCAA Live Periods in June and in July. He’s a shot-maker supreme and one of the most skilled players at his position nationally.

The recruiting pulse beat even stronger as the summer grew older. We saw glimpses of what was to come at the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions. From there, he unleashed a game that was founded on skill development, size and shot-making that attracted college coaches from all levels and from around the country.

The top 150 national prospect recently narrowed his recruitment down to Auburn, Florida Gulf Coast, Houston, Miami, Mississippi State, and Overtime Elite.

With all of his official visits still available, the next step will be setting up trips to the finalists. Kugel said he hasn’t set any visits up yet, however. What will he be searching out?

“Basically where they can develop me and my game. That’s what’s important to me,” Kugel said. “I want to know how can I fit into their future and ultimately play for a winning program.”

He’s a key member of the loaded Dr. Phillips team in Orlando. The Panthers will play an aggressive schedule during the scholastic season.