Providence has gone overseas and landed one of the most dominant international players available. That isn’t hyperbole. See below:
He was a name that Kim English and staff wanted to keep on the down-low before other programs would catch wind and get involved in his recruitment.
Stefan Vaaks, from Estonia, announced he is committed to Providence College today. Vaaks is a 19-year old 6-6 guard who played extremely well in the FIBA Europe Cup averaging 14.8 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.2 apg playing for his club team Kavel/Cramo. He also shot 38.7% from three on just under 7 attempts per game. Vaaks has great size, is fluid with the ball in his hands, and can really shoot it.
Providence has been looking for more pure wing scorers post Devin Carter, and this guy may heavily factor into the equation. He has elite size at the wing level, can shoot from deep, and can create off the dribble. He’ll immediately factor into playing time at PC.
It doesn’t appear Vaaks will come overseas right away, as he will remain in Estonia so he can compete in the Adidas EuroCamp May 31st-June 2nd and then FIBA EuroBasket August 27th-September 14th, where he will represent his country and go against the likes of Jokic, Giannis, Luka and other NBA pros. Not bad prep for Big East basketball, huh?
Him not being on PC’s campus will likely hurt him from earning a starting spot immediately, as the rest of the roster will be practicing together all summer long. We saw with the disaster of last season how important actually playing together is in terms of starting the season off on the right note. English can ease him in as he acclimates to collegiate basketball. If he is as good as advertised, he‘ll be starting anyways before season’s end.
With this addition, Providence likely has solidified its rotation and personnel for the wing position. Vaaks joins a deep roster of wings with Corey Floyd Jr., Ryan Mela, Rich Barron should he return, Jabri Abdur Rahim (should he get a waiver), Jamier Jones, and Jaylen Harrell. This is the deepest aspect of the Friar roster, by far.
Now, Providence only needs a high level frontcourt player to threaten Hargrove for the starting 4 position alongside Oswin, and they should be complete in the portal.
Vaaks appears to be worth the wait though and could really be a diamond in the rough find for the Friars as they look to re-set their roster after a rough 2024-2025 season.
Providence Crier Recruiting Articles
Crier Recruiting Corner: Jason Edwards: https://theprovidencecrier.com/2025/04/04/crier-recruiting-corner-introducing-vanderbilt-guard-jason-edwards/
Daquan Davis Commits to Providence: https://theprovidencecrier.com/2025/04/02/second-time-is-the-charm-one-time-friar-commit-daquan-davis-transfers-to-providence/
Crier Recruiting Corner – Introducing Cole Hargrove: https://theprovidencecrier.com/2025/04/01/crier-recruiting-corner-introducing-drexel-forward-cole-hargrove/
2025 Portal Primer: https://theprovidencecrier.com/2025/03/24/the-providence-crier-2025-portal-primer-1-0/
Retention Attention: https://theprovidencecrier.com/2025/03/22/retention-attention-whos-in-whos-out-in-providence/
What Went Wrong: https://theprovidencecrier.com/2025/03/12/what-went-wrong-this-season/
Amir Jenkins: https://theprovidencecrier.com/2025/03/04/crier-recruiting-corner-introducing-2026-pg-amir-jenkins/
Crier Recruiting Corner: Abdou Toure: https://theprovidencecrier.com/2025/03/03/crier-recruiting-corner-introducing-2026-connecticut-wing-abdou-toure/
Crier Recruiting Corner: Marcis Ponder: https://theprovidencecrier.com/2025/02/26/crier-recruiting-corner-introducing-2026-center-marcis-big-show-ponder/
2026 Recruiting Primer:https://theprovidencecrier.com/2024/05/08/the-providence-crier-2026-recruiting-primer-version-1-0/
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