On the August 30th episode of the Providence Crier Podcast BOC & The Crier drafted PC’s roster for our player preview series. We take a look at each player and what fans may expect this upcoming season.
Garwey Dual committed to Providence back in June of 2022 before his stock skyrocketed, and he became one of the top prospects in the 2023 class. Despite not signing in the spring period, he remained committed until our former coach left town, which prompted him to reopen his commitment. Recognizing Dual’s unique talent, Kim English and his staff knew they had to do whatever it took to get him to recommit to the Friars. That he did, and Providence has a unicorn freshman on its roster.
At 6-5 with long arms, Dual possesses great size for the lead guard position. He utilizes his physical attributes effectively, making him an intriguing two-way guard. Offensively, he effortlessly drives to the basket and demonstrates good court awareness by finding open teammates. He is quick with the ball and has a developing jump shot. Defensively, he poses a significant challenge for opposing ball handlers with his length and athleticism, often causing disruptions through steals, deflections, and blocks.
Coach English wasted no time in re-recruiting Dual. During the Final 4 in Houston, he made a pit stop to meet with Dual’s AAU coach, and he also flew out to California to have an in-person meeting with Dual. These efforts paid off, as Dual ultimately recommitted to Providence, solidifying his decision.
Just before reaffirming his commitment to the Friars, Dual’s stock rose once again, this time as an NBA prospect. He showcased his skills at the 2023 Nike NBA Hoop Summit in Portland, playing for the World Team and impressing The Athletic’s senior NBA Draft writer, Sam Vecenie. Vecenie was so impressed with Dual’s potential that he projected him as the 10th pick in next year’s NBA Draft.
Having a one-and-done candidate like Garwey is a rarity for the PC program. In the one-and-done era, only Ricardo Ledo left PC for the pros after his first year, despite not playing a single minute for the Friars. However, with Dual expected to take on the lead guard duties alongside Pierre, it is clear that he will make a significant impact on the team. While having a one-and-done player doesn’t guarantee team success, adding a highly regarded talent like Dual to an already skilled team should greatly elevate PC’s potential this year. If Garwey is only here for one season, I have a feeling that this team will be in a strong position come March.
BOC Take: Very rarely does PC land a blue chip recruit like Garwey Dual. You can count on one hand over the last 10-15 years the recruits PC has landed who were similarly ranked to Dual: David Duke Jr., AJ Reeves, Ricky Ledo, Brandon Austin, Kris Dunn. The list is a short one, but it shows just how big of a win this was for Kim English.
Dual is such an interesting study. Folks will see his physical dimensions and make the lazy comp to Kris Dunn. While he will be disruptive on defense like Dunn, I don’t see the high level athleticism that Dunn possessed. What is eye opening (and scary for the opposition) is that Dual is actually taller AND longer than Dunn.
I think Dual will be further along offensively than Kris was at the same stage of their careers. Dual shows an incredible passing ability. His ability to play at a different pace while still getting to his spot somewhat reminds me of the way Marshon Brooks used to play. Kyle “Slo-Mo” Anderson is another comp I see in their pace of play. I’ve also made reference to him reminding me a bit of Kadary Richmond at Seton Hall.
The best part about Garwey Dual being a Friar is we don’t have to rely on him to be a super hero like we have with past blue chip recruits. He can ease his way into big time basketball. It’s a testament to the roster build and general talent on this roster currently. There’s a very real chance that Dual starts the season coming off the bench, and that isn’t at all a slight to Garwey. If anything, it’s a testament to the talent and depth in the backcourt.
If I had to guess, Dual averages something like 7 points, 4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2 steals a game. He’s going to be a stat sheet filler and will flirt with triple doubles once or twice this season.
I personally have trouble seeing him be a first rounder, let alone a lottery pick, but I do see him being an all freshman in the Big East and signifiant contributor to the Friars.
If the talk is of him being a first rounder still in January and February, the Friars will be flirting with a very special season.