As dissected here (https://theprovidencecrier.com/2020/11/05/rafael-castro-deep-dive-analysis-on-commitment-to-friars/#more-2616), New Jersey forward Rafael Castro committed to the Providence Friars. Castro joins the fold with Michigan 3/4 man Legend Geeter, solidifying the wing and portion of the frontcourt for years to come.
With those two on board for 2021, who is most likely to join the fold in this class? We discuss below:
A True Big Man
While landing Geeter and Castro add size and length to the frontcourt, there is still a glaring need for a true 5 in this class.
Watson and Horchler both were granted another year of eligibility due to a COVID-19, but there is no guarantee both (or either) return. Cooley should proceed as if neither are returning and recruit accordingly.
We’ve listed a few big men below that are on the 2021 radar:
Jonas Aidoo – Aidoo appears to be the top target at the 5 spot for the Friars. He put the Friars in his Final 10 schools. The problem here is he is at the top of the board for many top tier programs. Aidoo has received recent offers from Kansas and Tennessee. Landing Aidoo alongside Castro and Geeter would cement the Friar frontcourt for years to come.
Tre Vaughn Minott – I anticipate Minott receives an offer if we do not land Aidoo. The Canadian big man has been monitored closely by Cooley and has had a virtual visit with the coaching staff.
Kuluel Mading – Mading is committing to his school of choice on November 14th. I’m skeptical that Cooley considers Mading a true 5, and he may no longer have a spot in this class. We’ll see come November 14th.
Point Guard
When analyzing this recruiting class, I had thought a back-up point guard to eventually take the reins from Bynum would be a necessity. It appears as if Cooley and the staff agree, as they’ve swung and missed on the following point guard recruits in the 2021 class: Bobby Pettiford Jr., Breon Pass, Bensley Joseph, Darius Johnson.
Hold the Scholarship
With those misses, Cooley and staff seem to have pivoted their focus to the 2022 class. They’ve had a eyes on a few targets with 2022 point guards (notably Jayden Epps, Leland Walked and Corey Floyd Jr). Other prospects PC has been after is big man Donovan Clingan and forwards Alex Karaban and TJ Power. Unless a 2021 miraculously pops up on the radar, I anticipate Cooley to take a calculated risk and push all in on the 2022 class and the transfer market.
Coach keep up the great work on the recruiting trail