In case you missed it:
No PC – URI game this year: https://theprovidencecrier.com/2020/10/01/pc-vs-uri-not-happening-in-2020/#more-2599
Darius Johnson Top 3 list (prior to commitment to UCF): https://theprovidencecrier.com/2020/08/22/analyzing-the-top-3-schools-darius-johnson-decision/#more-2526
Rafael Castro set to commit October 6th
Castro, who released a Final 3 of Miami, Dayton, and PC, is scheduled to pick his college on October 6th. After the landing of Legend Geeter, I presumed we were done landing players in the 3/4 hybrid forward position and instead would focus on a big man and point guard recruit. That doesn’t appear to be the case.
Castro is longer than Geeter, and a close comparison to players on the roster is Jimmy Nichols. Castro likely slots into the 4 position, but has the length to play small ball 5.
It will be interesting to see which school he chooses, and it would be great to pluck a talent like Castro out of the Garden State. His recruitment has been relatively quiet, so this would be a pleasant surprise for all Friar fans.
Sam Ayomide Announcing Top 6 on 10/4
Pennsylvania big man Sam Ayomide will release a top 6 on October 4th. I fully expect Providence to be on this short list, but the Friars are going up against some big names in this recruitment. Ayomide recently held Zoom calls with Memphis and Kansas, so Cooley has his work cut out for him.
We wrote a few months ago about the need for a Watson successor on this roster and what Ayomide would bring to the table: https://theprovidencecrier.com/2020/06/17/closer-look-friar-big-man-target-samuel-ayomide/
Darius Johnson Commits to UCF
Johnson went the family route and chose UCF over Providence and Alabama. I think having family on staff ultimately was the deciding factor, but a path to early playing time also helped immensely. Johnson should get significant time as a freshman, potentially starter’s minutes, which cannot be said for the other two programs.
With the Friars missing on so many point guards (Pettiford, Joseph, Pass, Johnson), I wonder if they just hold off and begin to pursue their primary point guard targets in the Class of 2022. I would still like to see them add a 2021 PG, but it is getting to the point where they shouldn’t recruit a point guard just for the sake of having a point guard in this class.
Best of luck to DJ moving forward.
Christian Watson Virtual Meeting
Cooley and Staff had a Zoom meeting with this Class of 2022 6’7 small forward target from the DMV area. The Friars have been targeting him all summer, so we’ll see how this recruitment progresses.
Lucas Taylor Commitment Date
North Carolina shooting guard Lucas Taylor will be choosing his college on October 9th. Area recruiter Jamie Shaw confirmed PC is out. I don’t believe Taylor landed his coveted UNC offer, so I presume it will be Clemson, who has a few Crystal Balls.
Another swing and miss in North Carolina. Disheartening to lose another in this state.