The Friars had a recruit visit this past weekend when PC took the floor Saturday against DePaul. Junjie “Barry” Wang is a 6-8 forward from China. He attended the Friars 75-64 victory over DePaul. Barry currently plays for the NBA Global Academy in Australia. Wang also has international experience competing for the Chinese U15 national team, averaging 18.7 ppg. Let’s take a look at the tape.
Wang is a forward that can score around the post and has the ability to shoot from deep. Barry also seems to be tenacious on the glass as well. He reminds me a little bit of Davidson’s Hyunjung Lee or for a more Friar reference Noah Horchler as a stretch 4.
With Kayvaun Mulready already committed for the class of 2024 this could be another nice addition. While he is similar to 2023 commit Drew Fielder, there will be plenty of opportunity in the front court. Ed Croswell is on the last year of his eligibility and Bryce Hopkins has the NBA in his immediate future whether it be after this season or next. Cooley seems to want to stack versatile pieces in the frontcourt.
It is also interesting to see Providence go the international route for recruiting, something they really haven’t done in the past outside of Canada. Sean Miller, who is back with Xavier and close with Ed Cooley, often went the overseas route in recruiting. You have to wonder if Cooley was given advice to look outside of North America for talent from Miller. Regardless, Wang looks like he can really play and seems to fit the skill sets Cooley and staff like from the frontcourt.
Regarding his recruitment, it is a bit of a mystery around next steps. There is mutual interest, and I’m always of the belief that visiting campus is a positive indicator. We’ll have to wait and see, but I believe this is somebody Cooley would happily add to the 2024 recruiting class.
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