Mater Dei’s Rigdon Says He’ll Attend UC Irvine

Dylan Rigdon, a 6-foot 3-inch guard at Mater Dei High School, said Tuesday he will sign a letter of intent with UC Irvine during the 1-week early signing period that begins Nov. 9.

Rigdon, who averaged 11 points and 6 assists for the Monarchs last season, had visited Pepperdine before making a trip to Irvine, but he canceled trips to the University of Montana and San Diego State after meeting with Irvine Coach Bill Mulligan and his staff.

“I really like the coaches at Irvine and the way they play . . . run-and-gun,” Rigdon said. “I can play off-guard or point guard, as long as I get to shoot.”

Rigdon, who had been known primarily for his shooting skills and little else, has worked hard on the rest of his game.

“A lot of people thought all I could do is shoot because all I was asked to do was shoot,” Rigdon said. “So this was the hardest summer of my life. I worked really hard. I don’t go to football games, I work out. I take 500 shots a day, work on my dribbling and lift weights. I’ve gained 10 pounds.”

Mulligan is prohibited by National Collegiate Athletic Assn. rules from commenting on Rigdon until he signs the letter of intent, but the Anteater coach has to be happy about landing his first recruit from Mater Dei, a school that annually produces talented basketball players.