It’s been a great Easter weekend for Friar fans. After landing Louisville transfer Noah Locke on Friday, Cooley and staff got two more pledges to Friartown on Sunday. Both Clifton Moore and Devin Carter visited campus this weekend and both announced their intentions to play for Providence.
Devin Carter, who we featured in our portal spotlight, is a 6-3 guard who played his freshman season at South Carolina this past year. Carter averaged 9.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 1.8 apg. Carter plays downhill, consistently showing the ability to attack the basket and finish in traffic.
Carter also excels at getting to the free throw line, something that Al Durham did a great job of in his one season in Providence. He also is known as a solid defender, which probably is a prerequisite playing for Frank Martin. Carter should be able to slide into the two-spot as a guy that can give the Friars additional ball handling alongside Jared Bynum.
Clifton Moore is a 6-10 big man who played two years at Indiana before playing the last two years at LaSalle. Last year for the Explorers Moore averaged 12.9 ppg and 6.1 rpg. He runs the floor well for a big and has the ability to hit a three-pointer if left open.
Probably the biggest asset he brings to PC is his rim protection, as he blocked 83 shots last year. Providence really hasn’t had a big that could protect the rim since Carson Derosiers. It will be interesting to see how Cooley will utilize the bigs in the rotation, with Croswell sliding into Watson’s role.
Providence has absolutely hit a home run in the portal and it’s no coincidence as they built a team last season that made a Sweet 16 run off the backs of many transfers. From an eligibility prospective Locke and Moore only have one year left, thus giving roster flexibility for the future. Carter has three years of eligibility and will look to develop into a star guard for the Friars.
After Justin Minaya and AJ Reeves decided to pursue professional careers, Matteus Case entered the portal and Christ Essandoko decomitting from his NLI the Friars had five open scholarships. Locke, Carter and Moore now take three of those spots, it will be interesting to see what Cooley and staff do with the remaining two openings. I’d expect them to dip into the portal for at least one more player.
It is safe to say the Friars are positioning themselves to build upon their momentum. This upcoming season is big one for the program. If you look at schools like Villanova and Gonzaga it’s important to keep making the NCAA Tournament, with the hope you break through for a deep run. This weekend was a massive step in that direction for PC.
Ironic Coach has RISEN BIG on EASTER SUNDAY.Hope last 2 will be just as good.