Devin Vanterpool is a 6-4 guard who really broke on the scene this past year in his sophomore season at Florida Atlantic.
Vanterpool in his freshman season at FAU didn’t get a ton of time, as is expected for most freshman. He only averaged 8 minutes per game and 2 points per contest. This past season he took on a larger role and seized the opportunity. He started in all 24 games he was available to play, leading the Owls in scoring at 15.8 PPG. He would end up winning AAC Most Improved award this past season.
We break down his game below in more detail and how he’d fit with the Friars.
Vanterpool has good size for a combo guard and shot 35.1% from three on a high volume of shots (6.2 3PAs per game). On the defensive side of the ball he’s known as plus defender. Noticing a theme Friartown?
He rebounds well for his position (6.3 RPG) and he can rack up the steals and blocks. He had five games of at least 2 blocks and twelve games with at least 2 steals.
Providence has been adding size across the roster at the wing spot, and Vanterpool would certainly check that box physically. He and Jaylin Sellers should have a weight room showcase when Sellers makes his way back to campus if Vanterpool were to enroll. Vanterpool would bring physicality and size to the 2/3 spot. With Mela, Byrd, and Pate already in the fold, Providence would easily have one of the more physically imposing wings in the Big East.
Vanterpool isn’t currently known as a pure facilitator, only averaging 2.4 APG, and at times can be careless with the basketball. He averaged 2.1 turnovers per game and had 5 games of at least four turnovers. The good news is Vanterpool is only a sophomore and based on his jump to freshman to sophomore year, you get the sense that he would further improve.
Providence head coach Bryan Hodgson should be very familiar with his game. In two games against the USF Bulls this past season Vanterpool averaged 24 PPG (18/35 FG) and hit seven threes over those two games. USF did end up winning both games; however, in their second matchup it took them overtime and overcoming Vanterpool going for 26 points.
The Friars currently only have four players on the roster and certainly their backcourt is being rebuilt. So far, they’ve brought in Miles Bryd, Dink Pate and USF’s Gavin Hightower. Vanterpool would certainly add shooting and, that’s certainly something PC is looking for. As of this writing it was reported that Vanterpool was visiting Providence’s campus on Tuesday.
As Coach Hodgson has stated in his meetings with the press to not believe some of the guys who PC may be in contact with based on social media. However Vanterpool being on campus certainly shows there’s mutual interest. We will continue to monitor Vanterpool until he makes a decision where he will play next season.
Summary
My initial reaction to the Vanterpool visit was wondering how Vanterpool would fit in the mix with Byrd, Pate, and Mela. Is this overkill?
However, I have to be really honest: I remember saying that I thought the Sellers signing was a “luxury” signing with Floyd, Edwards, Harrell, Jamier, and Vaaks already in the fold, and I was proven wrong there. Looking back now, that seems ludicrous.
Sometimes, you just need to look to add talent and let the pieces fall where they may.
Vanterpool has a long list of suitors and will be a difficult addition; however, if the Friars are to add him, you are getting a true two way guard. I love his defensive chops, and I am always going to sign off on guys who clearly take the weight room seriously, as it shows a dedication to their craft.
We’ll keep you monitored on this one. Go Friars!