By Dustin Dow
The Cincinnati Enquirer

It hasn't taken long for Xavier University's newest player to adjust to a new system.

DeForrest Riley-Smith has been practicing with Xavier since he transferred from Penn State two weeks ago.

"He's been amazing," Xavier coach Thad Matta said. "He watches stuff one time and picks it up. I've never had a guy like him. He's like a sponge. It's been unbelievable watching him."

Riley-Smith, who won't become eligible until the second semester next year, has spent most of the practice time on the scout team. His presence as an experienced college player immediately boosted Xavier's practice competitiveness considering the injuries of other players. Four players are being held out of practice with injuries.

Xavier's other transfer, Brian Thornton from Vanderbilt, probably will not practice this season as he recovers from October knee surgery. If Thornton does return to practice, it will be near the end of the season. Angelo Smith's arm remains in a sling after recent shoulder surgery. Freshmen Boubacar Coly and Robert Barker are both out with knee injuries.

RECRUITING VISIT: Recruit Stanley Burrell, who has signed with Xavier for next season, is on campus this weekend and will be at today's game against Richmond.

STILL RECOUPING: Another Xavier recruit for next season, Churchill Odia, has not played this season because of an ankle injury. His coach at Montrose Christian (Md.) School, Stu Vetter, said it is possible Odia might return before the end of the season.

IT'S UNANIMOUS: David West, the 2003 national player of the year, was named to ESPN's Atlantic 10 Silver Anniversary team announced Saturday. West was a unanimous selection and was joined by Massachusetts' Lou Roe and Marcus Camby, Saint Joseph's Jameer Nelson and Temple's Mark Macon.

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E-mail ddow@enquirer.com