We wrote here (https://theprovidencecrier.com/2022/09/15/drew-fielder-official-visit-preview-friars-looking-to-land-another-horchler/#more-5089) about Drew Fielder officially visiting this past weekend.
Well, the visit must have went well. Fielder commits to the Friars, joining Garwey Dual as commitments in the Class of 2023. Both play at Southern California Academy and have exploded this past AAU season.
We break down how the Friars won this recruitment and what this means for the Providence Friars.
Recruitment
https://247sports.com/player/drew-fielder-46125613/
Providence was in the hunt heading into the official visit weekend. PC beat USC, Iowa, and Syracuse for his services. This is a monster win in terms of landing a player whose stock is rising, while also beating out a few Top 25 ranked programs.
Make no mistake, this kid was a take at all of the schools above. It is important to land kids who are still on the rise before the blue chips try to swoop in. Providence has been burned on that too many times in the past. Cooley identified a talent on the AAU circuit and sealed the deal. Excellent job by the staff all around.
Class Fit – Filling a Need
The frontcourt is in dire need of replenishment, and this commitment is a heck of a start. I’m sure the pitch of early playing time was given to Fielder, as the only other frontcourt player he’d have to compete with for minutes is Rafael Castro. Even if Fielder isn’t lights out as a freshman, he will be leaned on to play early. Realistically, he plays anywhere from 15-25 minutes a game the moment he steps on campus.
Moore and Croswell are out of eligibility after this year. I’d anticipate Cooley try to land a true 5 man in this class, as well as identify a veteran college transfer big man so the frontcourt isn’t too green heading into next year.
National Perception – Team Rankings
Landing Fielder with Dual gives Providence a nationally ranked Top 20 class in the Class of 2023. Fielder and Dual are both 4 stars on 247. If Providence can land another 4 star big man, this will be up there as one of Cooley’s highest ranked classes in his Providence tenure.
As silly as it sounds, having a nationally ranked class is important for perception. Kids recognize this and want to play alongside other good players.
Who’s Next?
We’ll continue to monitor the 2023 class. I’d anticipate Cooley to push hard for Nwoko or another 5 man.
I would think that Cooley & staff have to be ranked the best ever at P.C. in getting TOP of the line players. Continue the GREAT work guys.
Thanks Jack, appreciate it