In case you missed it:
Maui Invitational Preview: https://theprovidencecrier.com/2020/10/08/maui-invitational-bracket-released/#more-2620
Sam Ayomide Deciding on 10/13
Ayomide recently released a final 6, with Providence making the cut. Shortly thereafter, the Pennsylvania big man announced his decision date of October 13th. All signs point to Memphis as being the favorite. We’ll see if Providence can pull off the upset here, but Penny and the Tigers staff will most likely land the 5 man.
If Ayomide decides on Memphis, look for Cooley and staff to put the press on North Carolina big man Jonas Aidoo. His recruitment has blown up after several impressive AAU tournament showings, and it will be tough to get him out of the ACC.
The appeal of big minutes as a true frosh at the 5 position hasn’t led a commitment, but I’m certain Cooley is selling that to every recruit.
We wrote about both big men here:
Ayomide: https://theprovidencecrier.com/2020/06/17/closer-look-friar-big-man-target-samuel-ayomide/
Castro Deciding Delayed
Castro was supposed to decide today, but has pushed that decision back a week or so. It wouldn’t shock me if this was originally a two team race between Dayton and PC, but Miami assisted in getting him to delay the decision. Dayton has been rumored to be the leader here, but this recruitment has been relatively quiet.
Castro would be a valuable add to the Friar program, but another hybrid frontcourt player isn’t exactly as much of a necessity as a point guard and true big man. We’ll see what happens over the next week.
Christian Watson Offered
In last week’s Friar Friday’s, we wrote about the virtual Zoom call with Watson. Things have escalated with an offer on Wednesday to the 2022 4 star wing from the DMV area. It is always nice to see Cooley and staff get in early on recruits on the rise, and this feels no different.
Joe Lunardi Latest Bracketology
Joe’s latest bracket has Providence as a play in 11 seed. http://m.espn.com/ncb/bracketology?src=desktop
Two quick thoughts on that:
1. I think all Friar fans would be disappointed if come tourney time this team is only a play-in seed. To me, that means a year on and off the bubble. With the talent and experience returning, I’m of the belief that the ceiling can be a 4 seed and floor should be an 8-9.
2. Can’t blame Lunardi for this seeding. Providence lives on the bubble, and it is a fair assumption of an outsider of the program to see that trend unfortunately continue.