Northview star E.J. Ryans said WMU ‘wanted me the most’

Northview’s E.J. Ryans competes against Romulus Summit Academy at the BCAM top prospect team camp at Grand Valley State on Sunday, June 18, 2023. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

ALLENDALE, Mich. - E.J. Ryans wanted to go to a college that felt like a second home, since he’ll be spending at least four years there. 

The Northview High School senior-to-be said he found that place with the Western Michigan University basketball team.

“I made the decision based on who wanted me the most,” the 6-foot-4 guard said. “Coach DJ (Dwayne Stephens) and the entire staff would text me after every AAU game and every (regular-season) high school game and ask me how I’m doing. And I feel like they really wanted me when I was on campus (for an official visit). So I just liked the feeling I got when I was there.”

Ryans, who was first-team all-state in Class A, averaged 12 points and seven assists per game last season. He also had offers from Grand Valley, Ferris State and Northwood.

He said he didn’t need to play out his final summer season to wait for more college offers. 

“I feel like, when you know you wanna go somewhere, then you just know,” Ryans said. “When I took my last visit (to WMU), I was like ‘yeah, this is the place I want to go.’”

Ryans said making the decision early is a relief. 

“It feels really good because now I’m not playing for more offers and scholarships,” he said. “You can just play stress free out there. I’m just trying to get better now.”

Ryans’ younger brother, Cam Ryans, started on the Northview varsity team as a freshman last season. The 6-foot-5 guard/forward is one of the top players in the state in the 2026 class. He picked up his first offer last week, too. It also was from WMU.

“Maybe he can come with me!” E.J. Ryans said with a smile. “I definitely want to play with him in college. But (the offer) is a really big step for him. He’s going to have a lot of offers when it’s said and done.”

So what is Ryans’ goal for the high school season?
“Make it as far as we can,” he said. “I want to win districts. I hope I can also help Brady (Swartz) and Cam get as many (college) looks as they can. Make them look good.”