The Friars haven’t had much luck in adding players and then trying to get them eligible. It appears Coach Hodgson and staff may be taking a different approach as Matt Norlander of CBS Sports reported that Elijah Saunders is joining the program. Saunders is apart of the high school graduating class of 2022 fighting for an extra year of eligibility, but he currently already has obtained a TRO in a case in California making him currently eligible.
Saunders started his career at San Diego State, with current Friar Miles Byrd, and has since had stops at UVA and Maryland. The 6-8 stretch four averaged 7.3 PPG last year on 42.3% from the floor and 41.1% from three for the Terps.
While he started 32 of 33 games for the Terrapins last season, I wouldn’t expect that to be the case in Friartown. I would expect the guys we have seen get the start in the two exhibitions plus Devin Vanterpool to be the starting five on opening night. This is still a nice depth piece for the Friars to add and clearly Saunders three-point skillset is something the staff covets. Billy Ricci of Friar Podcast might say that Saunders only adds to the Friars “optionality”.
Friars open their regular season on Monday against the University of Maine at 7pm.
Go Friars!
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