BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: PROVIDENCE

September 8, 2009


VERBAL COMMITMENT ALERT: Joseph Young, 6-foot-2 shooting guard from Houston (TX) Yates

Providence picks up their third commitment for the class of 2010 as Keno Davis the Friars Snag Texan Joseph Young (Providence Journal).



Projected 2009-2010 Roster


Seniors: Sharaud Curry (PG), Brian McKenzie (SG)
Juniors: Jamine Peterson* (F), Marshon Brooks (G), Kyle Wright (G/F), Russ Permenter (PF)
Sophomres: Bilal Dixon** (F)
Freshmen: Duke Mondy (G), Kadeem Batts (PF), James Still (C), Johhnie Lacy (PG), Vincent Council (PG)
2010 Commitments: Gerard Coleman (SG), Ron Giplaye (PF), Joseph Young (SG)


Notes:
* Expected to redshirt the 2008-2009 season which would place him as a sophomore on the 2009-2010 roster

** possible 2008-2009 redshirt which would place his as a freshman on the 2009-2010 roster

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Over the last few months, it certainly looked like the Providence staff had made Tilton (NH) School and BABC standout Gerard Coleman their highest perimeter priority in the class of 2010. That fact was also not lost on Coleman as he made a verbal commitment to the Friars earlier this spring.

With the July Open Evaluation period underway, the Friars added their second verbal commitment for the class of 2010 as Coleman's BABC teammate Ron Giplaye made a verbal pledge to Keno Davis and his hard-working staff.

Now, as the summer has ended and fall begins, the Friars have added a third member to their 2010 recruiting class when they received a verbal commitment from Joseph Young, a 6-foot-two shooting guard out of Houston (TX). Many college basketball fans might be familiar with Young's father, Michael, who was a member of Houston's fabled Phi Slamma Jamma clubs that played for Guy Lewis alongside Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwan.

Joseph Young caught the attention of PC staff members early in July with his play at the Reebok All-American camp and Keno Davis was spotted watching Young again later in the month at the Reebok Summer Championships and he finished third among the top scorers at Reebok with 23.8 ppg and had 29 in the game NBE saw Davis watching.

Young is a long-distance sniper that fills a role in Davis' style of play of having multiple shooters on the floor at one time and take advantage of spreading the court. While Young is quite under the radar, he is definitely a quality recruit.

Giplaye is a physically strong and tough 6-foot-7 power forward that will do the dirty work in the paint and on the boards. Giplaye is a native of Lowell (MA) and moved to Delaware, but has returned to the region, attending Notre Dame Prep and playing with the BABC AAU program. Giplaye is accurately compared to another former Massachusetts native that starred in the Big East.

"I had Jeff Adrien and Ron's that type of player. He makes people's lives miserable," said Ryan Hurd, Giplaye's coach at Notre Dame Prep, to the Providence Journal. "He's strong; he's like a man playing with boys. Guys back down from him."

While next season might have some growing pains in store for the Friars, Keno Davis certainly seems to have them pointed in the right direction with his efforts on the recruiting trail. The 2009 class looks to have replenished the roster and the talent is starting to assemble with the 2010 class and Coleman might have been the spark needed to get things started.

“I was all set with Providence and didn’t want to risk losing my spot with them,” Coleman told the Providence Journal last month. “I like the way they play. There’s a lot of good times to come at Providence.”

The 6-foot-3 guard is a native of Mattapan (MA), near Boston, and chose to commit PC while also considering UConn and Clemson in the recruiting process.

With the PC backcourt scheduled to graduate Brian McKenzie and Sharaud Curry after the 2009-2010 season, Coleman's ability to score the basketball will be a needed trait. Coleman, right now, is a better athlete than pure basketball shooter and gets his points attacking off the dribble and in transition. He should find a very good fit in the PC system under Keno Davis as the Friars will surround him with quality shooters that will spread the floor and allow him to attack off the dribble.

The commitment from Young, on paper, fills PC's available scholarships to the NCAA maximum of 13 for the 2010-2011 season. While they will certainly continue monitoring 2010 players in case an opening arises, the Friars have been very active in getting some of the top underclassmen in New England on their campus already this fall.

Another big man from New England with an outside touch the Friars are monitoring is Tyler Olander. The 6-foot-9 lefty earned an invite to the Reebok All-American camp and has seen his stock rise this spring, with UConn reportedly offering as well.

Andre Drummond, a 6-foot-10 sophomore from Connecticut who will attend St. Thomas More this year, who is regarded as one of the top two players in the class of 2012 made a visit to the PC campus late in August.

According to the Providence Journal, another big sophomore, 6-foot-11 Kaleb Tarczewski of New Hampshire and the St. Mark’s School in Framingham (MA), visited in the same week. So did Naadir Tharpe, a junior point guard from Boston who preps at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire.

Two St. Andrew’s School stars are on the PC radar as well. Ricky Ledo and his father visited with Davis and staff last week and Mike Carter-Williams was also expected to visit before the month ended.

Other 2011 prospects mentioning the Friars earlier this summer included Penn Wood forward Aaron Brown and St. Raymond's big man Joey De La Rosa also have mentioned the Friars as early possibilities in the class of 2011 and 2012 prospect Alex Murphy did so as well. Others in 2011 listing the Friars recently include NYC guards Davontay Grace and Mike Taylor.

It certainly sounds like Keno Davis and his staff are moving in the right direction quickly on the recruiting front.

Read more!

BIG EAST RECRUITING REPORT: PROVIDENCE

July 10, 2009


VERBAL COMMITMENT ALERT: Ron Giplaye, 6-foot-7 power forward from Notre Dame Prep

Providence picks up their second big commitment for the class of 2010 by landing under-appreciated, but very good Ron Giplaye out of Notre Dame Prep. In Giplaye Friars Land Another Prized Recruit from Mass. (Providence Journal), joining AAU teammate Gerard Coleman, who committed last month.



Projected 2009-2010 Roster


Seniors: Sharaud Curry (PG), Brian McKenzie (SG)
Juniors: Jamine Peterson* (F), Marshon Brooks (G), Kyle Wright (G/F), Russ Permenter (PF)
Sophomres: Bilal Dixon** (F)
Freshmen: Duke Mondy (G), Kadeem Batts (PF), James Still (C), Johhnie Lacy (PG), Vincent Council (PG)
2010 Commitments: Gerard Coleman (SG), Ron Giplaye (PF)


Notes:
* Expected to redshirt the 2008-2009 season which would place him as a sophomore on the 2009-2010 roster

** possible 2008-2009 redshirt which would place his as a freshman on the 2009-2010 roster

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Over the last few months, it certainly looked like the Providence staff had made Tilton (NH) School and BABC standout Gerard Coleman their highest perimeter priority in the class of 2010. That fact was also not lost on Coleman as he made a verbal commitment to the Friars in the middle of last month.

Now, with the July Open Evaluation period underway, the Friars have added their second verbal commitment for the class of 2010 as Coleman's BABC teammate Ron Giplaye has made a verbal pledge to Keno Davis and his hard-working staff.

Giplaye is a physically strong and tough 6-foot-7 power forward that will do the dirty work in the paint and on the boards. Giplaye is a native of Lowell (MA) and moved to Delaware, but has returned to the region, attending Notre Dame Prep and playing with the BABC AAU program. Giplaye is accurately compared to another former Massachusetts native that starred in the Big East.

"I had Jeff Adrien and Ron's that type of player. He makes people's lives miserable," said Ryan Hurd, Giplaye's coach at Notre Dame Prep, to the Providence Journal. "He's strong; he's like a man playing with boys. Guys back down from him."

While next season might have some growing pains in store for the Friars, Keno Davis certainly seems to have them pointed in the right direction with his efforts on the recruiting trail. The 2009 class looks to have replenished the roster and the talent is starting to assemble with the 2010 class and Coleman might have been the spark needed to get things started.

“I was all set with Providence and didn’t want to risk losing my spot with them,” Coleman told the Providence Journal last month. “I like the way they play. There’s a lot of good times to come at Providence.”

The 6-foot-3 guard is a native of Mattapan (MA), near Boston, and chose to commit PC while also considering UConn and Clemson in the recruiting process.

With the PC backcourt scheduled to graduate Brian McKenzie and Sharaud Curry after the 2009-2010 season, Coleman's ability to score the basketball will be a needed trait. Coleman, right now, is a better athlete than pure basketball shooter and gets his points attacking off the dribble and in transition. He should find a very good fit in the PC system under Keno Davis as the Friars will surround him with quality shooters that will spread the floor and allow him to attack off the dribble.

With commitments from Coleman and Giplaye, the Friars got a nice start for the class of 2010. With assistant Pat Skerry combing the New England prep and high school ranks for talent, the Friars are in very good shape to land the cherry to top off the class the right way with their last open scholarship. The current top target has been Carson Desrosiers, a 6-foot-10 big man from Lawrence (MA) Central Catholic. With his ability to handle, pass and shoot from the perimeter, as well as finish inside, Desrosiers looks to be ideal for the PC system under Davis. The competition will not be asy as Syracuse, Marquette, Purdue, Arizona State and others have offered and recruited him heavily and now Florida looks to be getting involved as well.

Another big man from New England with an outside touch the Friars are monitoring is Tyler Olander. The 6-foot-9 lefty has earned an invite to the Reebok All-American camp and has seen his stock rise this spring, with UConn reportedly offering as well.

Brentwood High School on Long Island is the home of J.J. Moore and the class of 2010 small forward is one of the fastest risers in the class while playing with the NY Panthers this spring. With many in the Big East interested, Moore expressed a desire to visit PC in the near future while playing at the Rumble in the Bronx.

Another talented small forward with a variety of skills is NY Gaucho and Rice HS small forward Shane Southwell. The Friars have offered him a scholarship and many in the Big East are very intrigued by the long and athletic 6-foot-5 Southwell. Shaq Thomas has also been on the PC radar for 2010 as a small forward, however, the nephew of former Villanova star Tim Thomas indicated to NBE at the Rumble in the Bronx he will reclass into the class of 2011 this fall.

More of a power forward than a small forward, Ashton Pankey also claimed a PC offer at the recent Rumble in the Bronx. Ryan Rhoomes of Cardoza is also on the radar.

With the signings of Johnny Lacy and Vincent Council in the class of 2009, point guard is not a priority for the Friars in 2010, however, Tyreek Duren and Russ Smith have both seen PC bring some attention on the trail their way as well as Denzel Brito. However, with their last scholarship likely going to a frontcourt player, it seems they are no longer top targets of the PC staff

The interest from players in the class of 2010 in the Friars seemed strong at the Rumble in the Bronx, but also 2011 prospect Majok Majok mentioned PC and at the recent Hoop Group Elite team camp, Penn Wood forward Aaron Brown and St. Raymond's big man Joey De La Rosa also have mentioned the Friars as early possibilities in the class of 2011 and 2012 prospect Alex Murphy did so as well. Others in 2011 listing the Friars recently include NYC guards Davontay Grace and Mike Taylor, Sidiki Johnson, a teammate of De La Rosa's at St. Ray's, Myles Davis of St. Peter's Prep and NJ forward Jerelle Reischel.

It certainly sounds like Keno Davis and his staff are moving in the right direction quickly on the recruiting front.

Read more!

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: PROVIDENCE

June 14, 2009


VERBAL COMMITMENT ALERT: Gerard Coleman, 6-foot-4 SG from Tilton (NH) School

Providence picks up a big commitment for the class of 2010 by landing one of their top targets and Keno Davis continues to plow ahead in putting his stamp on the PC program. PC, Davis Score Major Recruiting Victory by Landing Tilton's Gerard Coleman this weekend.



Projected 2009-2010 Roster


Seniors: Sharaud Curry (PG), Brian McKenzie (SG)
Juniors: Jamine Peterson* (F), Marshon Brooks (G), Kyle Wright (G/F), Russ Permenter (PF)
Sophomres: Bilal Dixon** (F)
Freshmen: Duke Mondy (G), Kadeem Batts (PF), James Still (C), Johhnie Lacy (PG), Vincent Council (PG)
2010 Commitments: Gerard Coleman (SG)


Notes:
* Expected to redshirt the 2008-2009 season which would place him as a sophomore on the 2009-2010 roster

** possible 2008-2009 redshirt which would place his as a freshman on the 2009-2010 roster

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Read More...Click 'Read More' Below!!!

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Over the last few months, it certainly looked like the Providence staff had made Tilton (NH) School and BABC standout Gerard Coleman their highest perimeter priority in the class of 2010. That fact was also not lost on Coleman as he made a verbal commitment to the Friars over the weekend.

“I was all set with Providence and didn’t want to risk losing my spot with them,” Coleman told the Providence Journal Sunday night. “I like the way they play. There’s a lot of good times to come at Providence.”

The 6-foot-3 guard is a native of Mattapan (MA), near Boston, and chose to commit PC while also considering UConn and Clemson in the recruiting process.

With the PC backcourt scheduled to graduate Brian McKenzie and Sharaud Curry after the 2009-2010 season, Coleman's ability to score the basketball will be a needed trait. Coleman, right now, is a better athlete than pure basketball shooter and gets his points attacking off the dribble and in transition. He should find a very good fit in the PC system under Keno Davis as the Friars will surround him with quality shooters that will spread the floor and allow him to attack off the dribble.

With Coleman's commitment, the Friars get a nice start for the class of 2010. With assistant Pat Skerry combing the New England prep and high school ranks for talent, the Friars are in very good shape to land a couple more players with their remaining two open scholarships. Along with Coleman, the other top target has been Carson Desrosiers, a 6-foot-10 big man from Lawrence (MA) Central Catholic. With his ability to handle, pass and shoot from the perimeter, as well as finish inside, Desrosiers looks to be ideal for the PC system under Davis. The competition will not be asy as Syracuse, Marquette, Purdue, Arizona State and others have offered and recruited him heavily and now Florida looks to be getting involved as well.

Another big man from New England with an outside touch the Friars are monitoring is Tyler Olander. The 6-foot-9 lefty has earned an invite to the Reebok All-American camp next month and has seen his stock rise this spring. Will Regan of the City Rocks AAU program and Buffalo-Nichols is a big man PC is in the mix with as well.

At the small forward position, Fuquan Edwin is a player the Friars have been following often. Edwin is a standout with Paterson (NJ) Catholic and the NJ Playaz. Reportedly, Edwin will likely decide between Seton Hall and PC and could do so by July as he plans to visit both schools before the end of June. The Friars have a great need for a player of his position in the class of 2010.

Brentwood High School on Long Island is the home of J.J. Moore and the class of 2010 small forward is one of the fastest risers in the class while playing with the NY Panthers this spring. With many in the Big East interested, Moore expressed a desire to visit PC in the near future while playing at the Rumble in the Bronx.

Another talented small forward with a variety of skills is NY Gaucho and Rice HS small forward Shane Southwell. The Friars have offered him a scholarship and many in the Big East are very intrigued by the long and athletic 6-foot-5 Southwell. Shaq Thomas has also been on the PC radar for 2010 as a small forward, however, the nephew of former Villanova star Tim Thomas indicated to NBE at the Rumble in the Bronx he will reclass into the class of 2011 this fall.

More of a power forward than a small forward, Ashton Pankey also claimed a PC offer at the recent Rumble in the Bronx.

With the signings of Johnny Lacy and Vincent Council in the class of 2009, point guard is not a priority for the Friars in 2010, however, Tyreek Duren and Russ Smith have both seen PC bring some attention on the trail their way as well as Denzel Brito.

The interest from players in the class of 2010 in the Friars seemed strong at the Rumble in the Bronx, but also 2011 prospect Majok Majok mentioned PC and 2012 prospect Alex Murphy did so as well. It certainly sounds like Keno Davis and his staff are moving in the right direction quickly on the recruiting front.

Read more!

PC INTERESTED IN LEGACY RECRUIT

Corey Wright Jr. displays all the 'wright' moves on the court

by Zach Smart


Corey Wright Jr. dribbled through traffic and broke down the defense, his head up and eyes burning.

When the CBC 17U unit tried to put the clamps on the small, but cat-quick guard, they were too late.

Wright Jr., widely regarded as one of the top 2010 guards across the New England basketball landscape, whipped a precision pass to an open teammate.

He provided his teammates with buckets easier than Sunday morning and sliced his way to the cup.

Simply put, Wright Jr.'s court vision, ability to alter his speed, propensity to fend off defensive pressure, better his teammates and fuel a number of momentum-swinging runs turned heads at the Freeman Athletic Center.

Short in stature, Wright Jr.'s heart seems to pump lion's blood at a frantic pace. Hellbent on winning, Wright Jr. is the prototypical true point guard.

The Providence-bred youngster has run the show at Marianapolis Prep.

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It's helped him launch a stock that a bevy of high-end Division-I programs are now reaching into their pockets and buying into.

"He's received a couple offers so far," said Corey Wright Sr., referencing Fordham and Delaware.

"But he's starting to get looks from the bigger schools like Vanderbilt, Rutgers and Providence. We're not even feeding into it yet. When it's time, in the summer, then we'll take it more seriously. (Recruiting) is a process."

Pops knows from experience. The Harlem, N.Y. product was recruited by Bobby Gonzalez when he was an assistant on Pete Gillen's staff to Providence College.

Wright Sr. was also a point guard and was part of a tornado of talent recruiting class which featured God Shammgod.

That squad put the Friars back on the college basketball map, advancing all the way to the elite eight in one of the most prosperous seasons in PC history.

Providence has shown heavy interest of the legacy, albeit they have yet to offer.

If I was a betting man, I'd say it's because they already secured Notre Dame Prep PG Johnnie Lacy in the 2009 recruiting class, as well as Vincent Council.

Wright Jr. handled Lacy, significantly, the last time the two guards with a similar make-up encountered each other.

Based on the way Wright Jr. thoroughly scraped the competition at the Hoophall Classic at Wesleyan University (Middletown, Conn.) this past weekend, his stock certainly won't plummet.

The kid has the necessary tools to evolve into a considerable Big East prospect.

With maturity and poise, mastering the intangibles should be no problem for the neophyte.

His father has noticed his son's progression as a playmaker.

As time progresses, a flock of coaches will too.

I can bet my bottom dollar on that one.

Read more!

FRIARS CLASS INKS TWO, UP TO SEVEN SIGNED

April 17, 2009


Providence has been busy recruiting under Keno Davis and this week PC Signs Two Recruits (Providence Journal) as Vincent Council of the Patterson (NC) School and JUCO forward Russ Permenter of Temple (TX) College have signed with the Friars in the spring period as the PC staff hopes that the latest additions will help the Friars return to America's newest favorite past time in the near future, the college basketball betting pools of March Madness!

Council and Permenter join Kadeem Batts, Johnnie Lacy, Duke Mondy, James Still and Kyle Wright (JUCO) as newcomers for the Friars next season.

Kevin McNamara of the Providence Journal also adds some Transfer Talk, speculating that the Friars could be in the mix to add a high-profile transfer. With Alex Kellogg leaving the program, PC still ahs a scholarship open and a couple transfer candidates could be Allen Chaney, a CT native, who is leaving Florida and Quintrell Thomas, who is moving on from Kansas.

Thomas could look to the Big East or A-10 schools, while Chaney indicated that he would consider PC, URI and Georgetown, among other schools.

Read more!

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: PROVIDENCE

February 19, 2009


VERBAL COMMITMENT ALERT: Russ Permenter, 6-foot-9 PF from Temple (TX) College

Keno Davis continues to re-shape the future Providence basketball roster as Russ Permenter Commits to Providence (Providence Journal) following a weekend visit to the school for their game with Rutgers.



Projected 2009-2010 Roster


Seniors: Sharaud Curry (PG), Brian McKenzie (SG)
Juniors: Jamine Peterson* (F), Marshon Brooks (G), Alex Kellogg (F), Kyle Wright (G/F), Russ Permenter (PF)
Sophomres: Bilal Dixon** (F)
Freshmen: Duke Mondy (G), Kadeem Batts (PF), James Still (C), Johhnie Lacy (PG), Vincent Council (PG)


Notes:
* Expected to redshirt the 2008-2009 season which would place him as a sophomore on the 2009-2010 roster

** possible 2008-2009 redshirt which would place his as a freshman on the 2009-2010 roster



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The Providence Friar recruiting class is now seven deep with the latest addition of 6'9, 235-pound forward Russ Permenter of Temple (TX) College. Permenter is a product of Temple (TX) High School and spent his freshman season at the University of Texas-San Antonio before coming back home for his sophomore season. At Temple College, Permenter was leading the Leopards with 18.9 points a game and also 8.5 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game.

A preseason hand injury limited Permenter's freshman season at UTSA to just 14 games, averaging just over 3 points a contest. At one time, Permenter was committed to TCU, but reopened his recruitment and chose UTSA.

Back Home in Temple, Permenter Hoped a Big Season Created a Second Division 1-A Shot (Temple Daily Telegraph) and it worked well as he is headed to the Big East. Permenter also had interest from Pepperdine, Santa Clara, South Alabama, Idaho, Tennessee-Chattanooga and Gardner-Webb while Penn State had begun to call as well.

So while Davis Adds yet Another Recruit in the 6'9 Permenter (Providence Journal), making seven in the class, things look to be finally completed in the PC class of 2009 with five incoming frosh and two JUCO transfers.

One of the quickest ways a new coach can resurrect the program he inherits and increase the of success is finding the perfect point guard to run his system. Keno Davis believes he has succeeded in such a quest by adding two candidates now in the 2009 class to fill that role. Back in early January, the first year PC head coach received a verbal commitment from Brooklyn native Vincent Council and, along with the last minute signing of Johnnie Lacy in the early signing period, the Friars should have their backcourt of the future.

Council has been gaining more and more recruiting interest as a prep student at the Patterson School in North Carolina. Playing for coach Chris Chaney at the high profile school, Council picked up serious recruiting interest from Rutgers, UCF and Arkansas.

Council is a tough point guard with good size for the Big East in the typical NYC point guard mold. Council previously attended Lincoln HS in NYC where he was a tammate of Lance Stephenson, among others, on a very highly successful team.

The addition of Lacy and Council had made it pretty clear that Antoine Allen, who was verbally committed to the Friars through the summer, is not part of the Future plans for PC. As the signing period passed, it was noted by Allen's prep coach at Notre Dame Prep that he had academic work to accomplish before he could think about signing a commitment with a school. Allen then left Notre Dame Prep and in recent weeks, he has de-committed (publicly) and is now committed to Miami.

Lacy, a native of Milwaukee (WI) is a jet-quick point guard that is finishing up his prep career at, incidentally, Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg (MA). In the uptempo attack that Davis hopes to install with the Friars, having a point guard with the jets that Lacy possesses is a must. Lacy will be asked to push the ball and find the shooters on the wing that Davis will hope to have lined up for him, similar to the attack he used at Drake last season. Over the summer, Lacy played very well for the Playground Elite AAU team and had been hearing from schools such as Tennessee, Marquette, Minnesota, Purdue and Cincinnati during the recruiting process.

Council and Lacy offer a different skill set and compliment each other in their style, so they could play together in the future backcourt.

The recruiting action around the Providence Friar program happened fast and furious this past fall as Keno Davis locked up four other commitments for the class of 2009. Prior to Lacy and Council, Detroit big man James Still was the latest addition to the program. Still is a 6-foot-10 center from Community High School in Detroit and averaged over 14 points and 12 rebounds as a junior. Still visited PC back in September and chose the Friars over Duquesne and Detroit. Still is an athletic big man that is very comfortable running the floor and stepping away from the basket.

Still needs to get stronger to battle in the paint in Big East match-ups. He has a lot of potential because of a high skill level and the ability to move well at 6'10. His best days are certainly ahead of him on the basketball court.

Just prior to Still, Monroe College wing Kyle Wright, who originally began his career at Stony Brook and spent last year as a redshirt with Colorado, committed to PC. Wright previously prepped at Brewster Academy where he played for coach Jason Smith at the New England prep power.

After Brewster, Wright spent one season at Stony Brook where he averaged just under three points a game, appearing in 23 contests and averaging nearly 11 minutes a game. Wright is a skilled backcourt player that has versatility and can shoot it from long range, a skill that fits well in Keno Davis' preferred system. for more on Wright, see the story on the Newest Friar: Kyle Wright.

Earlier this fall PC got a little bigger by receiving a verbal commitment from Kadeem Batts out of Powder Springs (GA) while he was on an official visit to the school. In the July evaluation period, Batts turned heads playing for the Smyrna Stars and had several high-major schools checking him out. The NBE Basketball Report was impressed with Batts' play this summer on Wednesday at the Reebok All-American Camp where he showed the tools necessary to compete in the Big East. Batts is athletic and with a strong body can mix it up inside on the boards and defensively he can block and alter shots. He also showed his offensive game is coming around as well, too.


The commitment from Batts came just a week after another commitment from a campus visit came from Michigan native Duke Mondy. Mondy is a 6-foot-3 guard out of Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids (MI). As a junior, Mondy averaged about 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for coach TJ Carnegie at Catholic Central and his Coach Had Nothing but Praise for Mondy on and off the court.

Mondy had already been familiar with coach Davis prior to him taking the PC head coaching job last April as Davis was recruiting Mondy to Drake, where he was previously the head coach. Mondy decided on Providence over Western Michigan and also had offers from Ohio, Toledo, Central Michigan and others.


The Friars are also keeping a watchful eye on the class of 2010 as interest has been evident in players such as NYC's David Coley, BF Carson Desrosiers of Lawrence (MA), Evan Smotrycz of the New Hampton School, Tilton School guard Gerard Coleman and small forward Shaquille Thomas, now at Mountain State Academy.

The current PC staff, led by hard-working assistant Pat Skerry, have been working the New England prep schools really hard and recently welcomed Coleman, Smotrycz, class of 2011 guard Naadir Tharpe of Brewster Academy and highly regarded 2012 recruit Nerlins Noel of Everett (MA) High School who already stands 6'8, to campus when PC played DePaul in a Big East conference match-up.

Desrosiers and Coleman seem to be getting the most attention from PC in the class of 2010, according to a recent Providence Journal article. Desrosiers was expected to visit recently as well, but was ill.

With many positions open to fill, we expect the PC recruiting news to be plentiful this fall as Keno Davis looks to make his mark on the Providence program and Big East recruiting battles. We will follow these stories closely as they begin to develop.

Read more!

ANTOINE ALLEN DE-COMMITS FROM FRIARS

February 11, 2009


The first player to commit to Keno Davis in his 2009 class at Providence is no longer committed to the Friars. It was not a very well-kept secret that Antoine Allen and PC had parted ways, but it is official now as the Recruit from Jack McClinton's AAU Team Picks Miami (Miami Herald).

Allen, a product of Baltimore's Cecil Kirk AAU program, had committed to PC late this summer as he was preparing for a prep season at Notre Dame Prep. However, due to some academic concerns, Allen never signed a letter of intent with the Friars and then he left ND Prep. Apparently he is now attending Mississippi Elite Christian Academy and will be part of the Miami Hurricanes' recruiting class.

PC filled his spot already when they received a verbal commitment from Patterson (NC) School guard Vincent Council.

Read more!

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: PROVIDENCE

January 7, 2009


COMMITMENT ALERT: Vincent Council, 6-foot-1 PG from Brooklyn, current attending Patterson (NC) School

Keno Davis continues to re-shape the future Providence basketball roster as the Friars Strike Again with Vincent Council (Providence Journal) on the recruiting trail.



Projected 2009-2010 Roster


Seniors: Sharaud Curry (PG), Brian McKenzie (SG)
Juniors: Jamine Peterson* (F), Marshon Brooks (G), Alex Kellogg (F), Kyle Wright (G/F)
Sophomres: Bilal Dixon** (F)
Freshmen: Antoine Allen*** (G), Duke Mondy (G), Kadeem Batts (PF), James Still (C), Johhnie Lacy (PG), Vincent Council (PG)


Notes:
* Expected to redshirt the 2008-2009 season which would place him as a sophomore on the 2009-2010 roster

** possible 2008-2009 redshirt which would place his as a freshman on the 2009-2010 roster

*** is currently a verbal commitment, but did not sign in the fall and is unlikely to end up at PC


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One of the quickest ways a new coach can resurrect the program he inherits and increase the of success is finding the perfect point guard to run his system. Keno Davis believes he has succeeded in such a quest by adding two candidates now in the 2009 class to fill that roll. Yesterday, the first year PC head coach received a verbal commitment from Brooklyn native Vincent Council and, along with the last minute signing of Johnnie Lacy in the early signing period, the Friars should have their backcourt of the future.

Council has been gaining more and more recruiting interest as a prep student at the Patterson School in North Carolina. Playing for coach Chris Chaney at the high profile school, Council picked up serious recruiting interest from Rutgers, UCF and Arkansas.

Council is a tough point guard with good size for the Big East in the typical NYC point guard mold. Council previously attended Lincoln HS in NYC where he was a tammate of Lance Stephenson, among others, on a very highly successful team.

The addition of Lacy further indicates that Antoine Allen, who was verbally committed to the Friars through the summer, although he did not sign a LOI in November, is not part of the immediate plans for PC. As the signing period passed, it was noted by Allen's prep coach at Notre Dame Prep that he had academic work to accomplish before he could think about signing a commitment with a school. Council, if he signs, would be the sixth member of the incomign class and take up the final open scholarship that is currently availanle, leaving Allen on the outisde.

Lacy, a native of Milwaukee (WI) is a jet-quick point guard that is finishing up his prep career at, incidentally, Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg (MA). In the uptempo attack that Davis hopes to install with the Friars, having a point guard with the jets that Lacy possesses is a must. Lacy will be asked to push the ball and find the shooters on the wing that Davis will hope to have lined up for him, similar to the attack he used at Drake last season. Over the summer, Lacy played very well for the Playground Elite AAU team and had been hearing from schools such as Tennessee, Marquette, Minnesota, Purdue and Cincinnati during the recruiting process.

Council and Lacy offer a different skill set and compliment each other in their style, so they could play together in the future backcourt.

The recruiting action around the Providence Friar program happened fast and furious this past fall as Keno Davis locked up six commitments for the class of 2009. Prior to Lacy and Council capping off the class, Detroit big man James Still was the latest addition to the program. Still is a 6-foot-10 center from Community High School in Detroit and averaged over 14 points and 12 rebounds as a junior. Still visited PC backin September and chose the Friars over Duquesne and Detroit. Still is an athletic big man that is very comfortable running the floor and stepping away from the basket.

Still needs to get stronger to battle in the paint in Big East match-ups. He has a lot of potential because of a high skill level and the ability to move well at 6'10. His best days are certainly ahead of him on the basketball court.

Just prior to Still, Monroe College wing Kyle Wright, who originally began his career at Stony Brook and spent last year as a redshirt with Colorado, committed to PC. Wright previously prepped at Brewster Academy where he played for coach Jason Smith at the New England prep power.

After Brewster, Wright spent one season at Stony Brook where he averaged just under three points a game, appearing in 23 contests and averaging nearly 11 minutes a game. Wright is a skilled backcourt player that has versatility and can shoot it from long range, a skill that fits well in Keno Davis' preferred system. for more on Wright, see the story on the Newest Friar: Kyle Wright.

Earlier this fall PC got a little bigger by receiving a verbal commitment from Kadeem Batts out of Powder Springs (GA) while he was on an official visit to the school. In the July evaluation period, Batts turned heads playing for the Smyrna Stars and had several high-major schools checking him out. The NBE Basketball Report was impressed with Batts' play this summer on Wednesday at the Reebok All-American Camp where he showed the tools necessary to compete in the Big East. Batts is athletic and with a strong body can mix it up inside on the boards and defensively he can block and alter shots. He also showed his offensive game is coming around as well, too.


The commitment from Batts came just a week after another commitment from a campus visit came from Michigan native Duke Mondy. Mondy is a 6-foot-3 guard out of Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids (MI). As a junior, Mondy averaged about 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for coach TJ Carnegie at Catholic Central and his Coach Had Nothing but Praise for Mondy on and off the court.

Mondy had already been familiar with coach Davis prior to him taking the PC head coaching job last April as Davis was recruiting Mondy to Drake, where he was previously the head coach. Mondy decided on Providence over Western Michigan and also had offers from Ohio, Toledo, Central Michigan and others.


The Friars are also keeping a watchful eye on the class of 2010 as interest has been evident in players such as NYC's David Coley, BF Carson Desrosiers of Lawrence (MA), Evan Smotrycz of the New Hampton School and NJ products such as guard Isaiah Epps, Tilton School guard Gerard Coleman and small forward Shaquille Thomas.

The current PC staff, led by hard-working assistant Pat Skerry, have been working the New England prep schools really hard and recently welcomed Coleman, Smotrycz, class of 2011 guard Naadir Tharpe of Brewster Academy and highly regarded 2012 recruit Nerlins Noel of Everett (MA) High School who already stands 6'8, to campus when PC played DePaul in a Big East conference match-up.

Desrosiers and Coleman seem to be getting the most attention from PC in the class of 2010, according to a recent Providence Journal article. Desrosiers was expected to visit recently as well, but was ill.

With many positions open to fill, we expect the PC recruiting news to be plentiful this fall as Keno Davis looks to make his mark on the Providence program and Big East recruiting battles. We will follow these stories closely as they begin to develop.

Read more!

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: PROVIDENCE

November 19, 2008


COMMITMENT ALERT: Johnnie Lacy, 5'10 PG from Notre Dame Prep

On the final day of the early signing period, Providence coach Keno Davis went one for two, but that is just fine with him as the final piece of the recruiting puzzle for his first class PC Signs Top Point Guard Recruit (Providence Journal) Johnnie Lacy of Notre Dame Prep. The Friars were also a finalist for Chris Colvin and he made his choice late this afternoon for Iowa State over PC.



Projected 2009-2010 Roster


Seniors: Sharaud Curry (PG), Brian McKenzie (SG), Ray Hall (C)
Juniors: Jamine Peterson* (F), Marshon Brooks (G), Alex Kellogg (F), Kyle Wright (G/F)
Sophomres: Bilal Dixon** (F)
Freshmen: Antoine Allen*** (G), Duke Mondy (G), Kadeem Batts (PF), James Still (C), Johhnie Lacy (PG)


Notes:
* Expected to redshirt the 2008-2009 season which would place him as a sophomore on the 2009-2010 roster

** possible 2008-2009 redshirt which would place his as a freshman on the 2009-2010 roster

*** is currently a verbal commitment, expected to sign LOI in the spring


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One of the quickest ways a new coach can resurrect the program he inherits and increase the NCAA Basketball Odds of success is finding the perfect point guard to run his system. Keno Davis believes he has succeeded in such a quest with the last minute signing of Johnnie Lacy to close out the early signing period.

Lacy, a native of Milwaukee (WI) is a jet-quick point guard that is finishing up his prep career at Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg (MA). In the uptempo attack that Davis hopes to install with the Friars, having a point guard with the jets that Lacy possesses is a must. Lacy will be asked to push the ball and find the shooters on the wing that Davis will hope to have lined up for him, similar to the attack he used at Drake last season. Over the summer, Lacy played very well for the Playground Elite AAU team and had been hearing from schools such as Tennessee, Marquette, Minnesota, Purdue and Cincinnati during the recruiting process.

The recruiting action around the Providence Friar program to happened fast and furious this fall as Keno Davis locked up six commitments for the class of 2009. Prior to Lay capping off the class, Detroit big man James Still was the latest addition to the program. Still is a 6-foot-10 center from Community High School in Detroit and averaged over 14 points and 12 rebounds as a junior. Still visited PC backin September and chose the Friars over Duquesne and Detroit. Still is an athletic big man that is very comfortable running the floor and stepping away from the basket.

Still needs to get stronger to battle in the paint in Big East match-ups. He has a lot of potential because of a high skill level and the ability to move well at 6'10. His best days are certainly ahead of him on the basketball court.

Just prior to Still, Monroe College wing Kyle Wright, who originally began his career at Stony Brook and spent last year as a redshirt with Colorado, committed to PC. Wright previously prepped at Brewster Academy where he played for coach Jason Smith at the New England prep power.

After Brewster, Wright spent one season at Stony Brook where he averaged just under three points a game, appearing in 23 contests and averaging nearly 11 minutes a game. Wright is a skilled backcourt player that has versatility and can shoot it from long range, a skill that fits well in Keno Davis' preferred system. for more on Wright, see the story on the Newest Friar: Kyle Wright.

Earlier this fall PC got a little bigger by receiving a verbal commitment from Kadeem Batts out of Powder Springs (GA) while he was on an official visit to the school. In the July evaluation period, Batts turned heads playing for the Smyrna Stars and had several high-major schools checking him out. The NBE Basketball Report was impressed with Batts' play this summer on Wednesday at the Reebok All-American Camp where he showed the tools necessary to compete in the Big East. Batts is athletic and with a strong body can mix it up inside on the boards and defensively he can block and alter shots. He also showed his offensive game is coming around as well, too.


The commitment from Batts came just a week after another commitment from a campus visit came from Michigan native Duke Mondy. Mondy is a 6-foot-3 guard out of Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids (MI). As a junior, Mondy averaged about 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for coach TJ Carnegie at Catholic Central and his Coach Had Nothing but Praise for Mondy on and off the court.

Mondy had already been familiar with coach Davis prior to him taking the PC head coaching job last April as Davis was recruiting Mondy to Drake, where he was previously the head coach. Mondy decided on Providence over Western Michigan and also had offers from Ohio, Toledo, Central Michigan and others.


Previously, the Friars got a verbal commitment from 6-foot-2 guard Antoine Allen late in the summer. Allen was also visiting PC the weekend Batts made his official. The Baltimore native cited schools such as Rutgers, Maryland, Rhode Island, Auburn, Towson and others as schools interested in him during July. Playing for the Cecil Kirk AAU program, Allen caught the eye of the NBE Basketball Report at events such as the Pittsburgh Jam Fest and the Nike Main Event in Vegas. Each time, Allen showed a high-level athletic ability with speed and strength to get to the basket and rack up points. At times, he also showed the ability to knock down the deep ball and is a very confident offensive player.

The NBE Basketball Report previously caught up with Anthony Lewis, head man of the Cecil Kirk AAU program, for a Closer Look at Antoine Allen.

The Providence Journal has reported that PC received signed letters of intents during the early signing period from Batts, Still, Mondy, Wright and then Lacy to finish off the week. Allen remains a commitment for the Friars, but he is looking to shore up his academic standing at Notre Dame Prep, where he is a teammate of Lacy's, before signing with the Friars this spring.


The Friars are also keeping a watchful eye on the class of 2010 as interest has been evident in players such as NYC's David Coley, BF Carson Desrosiers of Lawrence (MA), Evan Smotrycz of the New Hampton School and NJ products such as guard Isaiah Epps and small forward Shaquille Thomas.

With many positions open to fill, we expect the PC recruiting news to be plentiful this fall as Keno Davis looks to make his mark on the Providence program and Big East recruiting battles. We will follow these stories closely as they begin to develop.

Read more!

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: PROVIDENCE

October 8, 2008


VERBAL COMMITMENT ALERT: James Still, 6'10 C from Detroit Community High School

Keno Davis and PC Strikes for Fifth Time (Providence Journal) on the recruiting trail with the class of 2009 as James Still of Detroit makes a verbal commitment to the Friars. Still's verbal comes one day after JUCO wing Kyle Wright pledges to Providence as well.



Projected 2009-2010 Roster


Seniors: Sharaud Curry (PG), Brian McKenzie (SG), Ray Hall (C)
Juniors: Jamine Peterson (F), Marshon Brooks (G), Alex Kellogg (F), Kyle Wright (G/F)
Sophomres: Bilal Dixon (F)
Freshmen: Antoine Allen (G), Duke Mondy (G), Kadeem Batts (PF), James Still (C)




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Read More...Click 'Read More' Below!!!

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The recruiting action around the Providence Friar program continues to happen fast and furious as Keno Davis locks up his fifth commitment for the class of 2009 as Detroit big man James Still is the latest added to the program. Still is a 6-foot-10 center from Community High School in Detroit and averaged over 14 points and 12 rebounds as a junior. Still visited PC backin September and chose the Friars over Duquesne and Detroit. Still is an athletic big man that is very comfortable running the floor and stepping away from the basket.

Still needs to get stronger to battle in the paint in Big East match-ups. He has a lot of potential because of a high skill level and the ability to move well at 6'10. His best days are certainly ahead of him on the basketball court.

Thus far, Davis has been working quickly on the recruiting trail securing five verbal commitments from the class of 2009 in just over the last month. Just prior to Still, Monroe College wing Kyle Wright, who originally began his career at Stony Brook and spent last year as a redshirt with Colorado, committed to PC. Wright previously prepped at Brewster Academy where he played for coach Jason Smith at the New England prep power.

After Brewster, Wright spent one season at Stony Brook where he averaged just under three points a game, appearing in 23 contests and averaging nearly 11 minutes a game. Wright is a skilled backcourt player that has versatility and can shoot it from long range, a skill that fits well in Keno Davis' preferred system. for more on Wright, see the story on the Newest Friar: Kyle Wright.

Last month, PC got a little bigger by receiving a verbal commitment Kadeem Batts out of Powder Springs (GA) while he was on an official visit to the school. In the July evaluation period, Batts turned heads playing for the Smyrna Stars and had several high-major schools checking him out. The NBE Basketball Report was impressed with Batts' play this summer on Wednesday at the Reebok All-American Camp where he showed the tools necessary to compete in the Big East. Batts is athletic and with a strong body can mix it up inside on the boards and defensively he can block and alter shots. He also showed his offensive game is coming around as well, too.


The commitment from Batts came just a week after another commitment from a campus visit came from Michigan native Duke Mondy. Mondy is a 6-foot-3 guard out of Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids (MI). As a junior, Mondy averaged about 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for coach TJ Carnegie at Catholic Central and his Coach Had Nothing but Praise for Mondy on and off the court.

Mondy had already been familiar with coach Davis prior to him taking the PC head coaching job last April as Davis was recruiting Mondy to Drake, where he was previously the head coach. Mondy decided on Providence over Western Michigan and also had offers from Ohio, Toledo, Central Michigan and others.


Previously, the Friars got a verbal commitment from 6-foot-2 guard Antoine Allen late in the summer. Allen was also visiting PC the weekend Batts made his official. The Baltimore native cited schools such as Rutgers, Maryland, Rhode Island, Auburn, Towson and others as schools interested in him during July. Playing for the Cecil Kirk AAU program, Allen caught the eye of the NBE Basketball Report at events such as the Pittsburgh Jam Fest and the Nike Main Event in Vegas. Each time, Allen showed a high-level athletic ability with speed and strength to get to the basket and rack up points. At times, he also showed the ability to knock down the deep ball and is a very confident offensive player.

The NBE Basketball Report previously caught up with Anthony Lewis, head man of the Cecil Kirk AAU program, for a Closer Look at Antoine Allen.

The Keno Davis system, which causes College Basketball Odds of winning to increase by spreading the floor, was on display at Drake last season and showed how effective it could be. Getting up and down the floor and attacking the basket is what Allen does well. At this point, he is definitely in the classification of a scoring guard, but he also shows the ability to drive and dish. Mondy, according to his high school coach, is an excellent passer who can do many things well as PC spreads the floor and can score from the perimeter at every position. They are both quality additions to the Friar program that will have a very useful skill set for PC and their new direction. Batts adds an interior body that is also athletic and can play in the system and hit the boards.

Keno Davis now has one scholarship open for the class of 2009 at this point and some impressive players are listing the Friars on their recruiting lists. Some of the top targets emerging for the Friars include Samford (CT) forward Tevin Baskin, Delaware prospects Isaiah Philmore, a 6-foot-7 forward, and Erique Gumbs, a 6-foot-8 big man, Michigan prospect Ben Simons and Maine big man Thomas Knight.

Looking for an attacking point guard to draw defenders and dish to the spot-up shooters or take it to the rim himself is a key element of the PC system going forward under Davis. One player who seems perfect for such an assignment as point guard is Chicago's Chris Colvin who made a visit to PC the last weekend of September as PC is Still Busy With Prospects. The Friars' staff has also made regular stops at Worcester Academy and have taken a strong interest in 6-foot-9 Blake McLimans, who could be visiting the campus in the near future as well.

The Friars are also keeping a watchful eye on the class of 2010 as interest has been evident in players such as NYC's David Coley, BF Carson Desrosiers of Lawrence (MA), Evan Smotrycz of the New Hampton School and NJ products such as guard Isaiah Epps and small forward Shaquille Thomas.

With many positions open to fill, we expect the PC recruiting news to be plentiful this fall as Keno Davis looks to make his mark on the Providence program and Big East recruiting battles. We will follow these stories closely as they begin to develop.

Read more!

NEWEST FRIAR: KYLE WRIGHT

October 7, 2008

As reported earlier today in our Providence Recruiting Update, Keno Davis has added another verbal commitment to his 2009 recruiting class, this time dipping into the JUCO ranks as Hartford (CT) native Kyle Wright made the decision to pledge to the Friars.

"Yes, I believe Kyle committed yesterday," Jason Smith, head coach at Brewster Academy told the NBE Basketball Report this morning. "He took his official visit this past weekend."

At Brewster, Wright averaged about 13 points and 6 rebounds a game at the New Hampshire school.

"Kyle is a very, very skilled guard," coach Smith remarked. "He's 6'5 and has really gotten stronger since he graduated from Brewster in '06. He's a versatile player."

After Brewster, Wright made a stop at Stony Brook where he appeared in 23 games as a true freshman, averaging 2.8 points a game. Last season, Wright transferred to Colorado and sat out the season per NCAA transfer rules. However, now he has come back east and is enrolled at Monroe College in the Bronx, where he will play this season.

After an impressive summer playing in the Hartford Pro-Am, schools began looking closer at Wright. Schools such as Central Florida, Fordham, UMass and George Mason made their interest known, but the Friars sealed the deal.

"Providence was his first visit and he really wanted to go there," Monroe College assistant coach Brock Erickson told NBE. "He really wanted to go somewhere that his dad could go see him play."

With a very large senior class on the roster, the Friars needed some experience to be ready for the big East from the get-go in the class of 2009. It also helped that Wright has a skill set that seems ideal for the type of system that Keno Davis will be utilizing going forward with the Friars.

"They (PC) are going to be very young next year and they wanted someone who was a junior, had some experience at the D-1 level, and can step in to fit what they're trying to do," coach Erickson said.

Look for Wright to be used on the wing at PC. His verstility will be used by Monroe this season as they will use him at all three backcourt positions. PC assistant Pat Skerry had developed a bond with the Monroe staff through his recruitment of 6-foot-8 forward Charles Bunches, a native of Bayonne (NJ) who played last seson at Paris (TX) Junior College and Wright caught his eye as he continued to work on Funches.

"He can really shoot, he's intelligent, versatile, and has a good mid-range game," Erickson said of Wright's strengths that will assimilate into the Friar system.

No matter what happens on the court, the Friars are getting a quality addition to their program that everyone is universal in their praise of as a person. "Wonderful kid and family," coach Smith commented. "He will be a great addition to the PC community."

Keno Davis is working on putting his stamp on the Providence basketball program, and players like Kyle Wright should allow him to do so successfully.

Read more!

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: PROVIDENCE

October 7, 2008


VERBAL COMMITMENT ALERT: Kyle Wright, 6'5 G/F Monroe College of the Bronx

The Friars Strike Again (ProJo Hoops Blog) on the recruiting trail as Providence College and keno Davis pick up their fourth commitment for the class of 2009 as Kyle Wright, a 6-foot-5 guard from Monroe College, has made a verbal commitment to the Frars following a recent visit.



Projected 2009-2010 Roster


Seniors: Sharaud Curry (PG), Brian McKenzie (SG), Ray Hall (C)
Juniors: Jamine Peterson (F), Marshon Brooks (G), Alex Kellogg (F), Kyle Wright (G/F)
Sophomres: Bilal Dixon (F)
Freshmen: Antoine Allen (G), Duke Mondy (G), Kadeem Batts (PF)




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Read More...Click 'Read More' Below!!!

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Keno Davis takes over a situation at Providence that is both good and bad. The good part is he inherits a program with a very experienced line-up. The Friars will open the 2008-2009 season with seniors Weyinmi Efejuku, Geoff McDermott, Jonathan Kale and 5th year seniors Randall Hanke and Jeff Xavier. Also, juniors Ray Hall and Brian McKenzie return and point guard Sharaud Curry will be back in the line-up after missing last season with a foot injury. As for the bad news, coach Davis and his staff must make quick work on the recruiting front to replace the talent and depth of the roster that will not be here much past this season.

Thus far, Davis has been working quickly on the recruiting trail securing four verbal commitments from the class of 2009 in just over the last month. The latest is Monroe College wing Kyle Wright, who originally began his career at Stony Brook and spent last year as a redshirt with Colorado. Wright previously prepped at Brewster Academy where he played for coach Jason Smith at the New England prep power.

After Brewster, Wright spent one season at Stony Brook where he averaged just under three points a game, appearing in 23 contests and averaging nearly 11 minutes a game. Wright is a skilled backcourt player that has versatility and can shoot it from long range, a skill that fits well in Keno Davis' preferred system.

Last month, PC got a little bigger by receiving a verbal commitment Kadeem Batts out of Powder Springs (GA) while he was on an official visit to the school. In the July evaluation period, Batts turned heads playing for the Smyrna Stars and had several high-major schools checking him out. The NBE Basketball Report was impressed with Batts' play this summer on Wednesday at the Reebok All-American Camp where he showed the tools necessary to compete in the Big East. Batts is athletic and with a strong body can mix it up inside on the boards and defensively he can block and alter shots. He also showed his offensive game is coming around as well, too.


The commitment from Batts came just a week after another commitment from a campus visit came from Michigan native Duke Mondy. Mondy is a 6-foot-3 guard out of Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids (MI). As a junior, Mondy averaged about 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for coach TJ Carnegie at Catholic Central and his Coach Had Nothing but Praise for Mondy on and off the court.

Mondy had already been familiar with coach Davis prior to him taking the PC head coaching job last April as Davis was recruiting Mondy to Drake, where he was previously the head coach. Mondy decided on Providence over Western Michigan and also had offers from Ohio, Toledo, Central Michigan and others.


Previously, the Friars got a verbal commitment from 6-foot-2 guard Antoine Allen late in the summer. Allen was also visiting PC the weekend Batts made his official. The Baltimore native cited schools such as Rutgers, Maryland, Rhode Island, Auburn, Towson and others as schools interested in him during July. Playing for the Cecil Kirk AAU program, Allen caught the eye of the NBE Basketball Report at events such as the Pittsburgh Jam Fest and the Nike Main Event in Vegas. Each time, Allen showed a high-level athletic ability with speed and strength to get to the basket and rack up points. At times, he also showed the ability to knock down the deep ball and is a very confident offensive player.

The NBE Basketball Report previously caught up with Anthony Lewis, head man of the Cecil Kirk AAU program, for a Closer Look at Antoine Allen.

The Keno Davis system, which causes College Basketball Odds of winning to increase by spreading the floor, was on display at Drake last season and showed how effective it could be. Getting up and down the floor and attacking the basket is what Allen does well. At this point, he is definitely in the classification of a scoring guard, but he also shows the ability to drive and dish. Mondy, according to his high school coach, is an excellent passer who can do many things well as PC spreads the floor and can score from the perimeter at every position. They are both quality additions to the Friar program that will have a very useful skill set for PC and their new direction. Batts adds an interior body that is also athletic and can play in the system and hit the boards.

Keno Davis still has two scholarships open for the class of 2009 at this point and some impressive players are listing the Friars on their recruiting lists. Some of the top targets emerging for the Friars include Samford (CT) forward Tevin Baskin, Delaware prospects Isaiah Philmore, a 6-foot-7 forward, and Erique Gumbs, a 6-foot-8 big man, fellow Michigan prospects James Still, a 6-foot-8 big man from Detroit who visited with Mondy earlier this fall, and 6-foot-7 forward Ben Simons. Maine big man Thomas Knight is also receiving heavy interest from PC.

Looking for an attacking point guard to draw defenders and dish to the spot-up shooters or take it to the rim himself is a key element of the PC system going forward under Davis. One player who seems perfect for such an assignment as point guard is Chicago's Chris Colvin who made a visit to PC the last weekend of September as PC is Still Busy With Prospects. The Friars' staff has also made regular stops at Worcester Academy and have taken a strong interest in 6-foot-9 Blake McLimans, who could be visiting the campus in the near future as well.

The Friars are also keeping a watchful eye on the class of 2010 as interest has been evident in players such as NYC's David Coley, BF Carson Desrosiers of Lawrence (MA), Nate Lubick, another NEPSAC product as well as Evan Smotrycz of the New Hampton School and NJ products such as guard Isaiah Epps and small forward Shaquille Thomas.

With many positions open to fill, we expect the PC recruiting news to be plentiful this fall as Keno Davis looks to make his mark on the Providence program and Big East recruiting battles. We will follow these stories closely as they begin to develop.

Read more!

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: PROVIDENCE

September 14, 2008


VERBAL COMMITMENT ALERT: Kadeem Batts, 6'8 PF from McEachern HS in Georgia

The visits continued at Providence as over the weekend PC Was Hosting Two Recruits (Providence Journal), including already committed Antoine Allen and Georgia big man Kadeem Batts. As the weekend ends, both players are now committed to the PC as the Friars Nab Third Recruit (Providence Journal).



Projected 2009-2010 Roster


Seniors: Sharaud Curry (PG), Brian McKenzie (SG), Ray Hall (C)
Juniors: Jamine Peterson (F), Marshon Brooks (G), Alex Kellogg (F)
Sophomres: Bilal Dixon (F)
Freshmen: Antoine Allen (G), Duke Mondy (G), Kadeem Batts (PF)




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Read More...Click 'Read More' Below!!!

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Keno Davis takes over a situation at Providence that is both good and bad. The good part is he inherits a program with a very experienced line-up. The Friars will open the 2008-2009 season with seniors Weyinmi Efejuku, Geoff McDermott, Jonathan Kale and 5th year seniors Randall Hanke and Jeff Xavier. Also, juniors Ray Hall and Brian McKenzie return and point guard Sharaud Curry will be back in the line-up after missing last season with a foot injury. As for the bad news, coach Davis and his staff must make quick work on the recruiting front to replace the talent and depth of the roster that will not be here much past this season.

Over the past weekend, Providence took another step toward re-stocking the program by receiving a verbal commitment Kadeem Batts out of Powder Springs (GA) while he was on an official visit to the school. In the July evaluation period, Batts turned heads playing for the Smyrna Stars and had several high-major schools checking him out. The NBE Basketball Report was impressed with Batts' play this summer on Wednesday at the Reebok All-American Camp where he showed the tools necessary to compete in the Big East. Batts is athletic and with a strong body can mix it up inside on the boards and defensively he can block and alter shots. He also showed his offensive game is coming around as well, too.


The commitment from Batts come just one week after another commitment from a campus visit came from Michigan native Duke Mondy. Mondy is a 6-foot-3 guard out of Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids (MI). As a junior, Mondy averaged about 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for coach TJ Carnegie at Catholic Central and his Coach Had Nothing but Praise for Mondy on and off the court.

Mondy had already been familiar with coach Davis prior to him taking the PC head coaching job last April as Davis was recruiting Mondy to Drake, where he was previously the head coach. Mondy decided on Providence over Western Michigan and also had offers from Ohio, Toledo, Central Michigan and others.


Previously, the Friars got a verbal commitment from 6-foot-2 guard Antoine Allen. Allen was also visiting PC this past weekend along with Batts. The Baltimore native cited schools such as Rutgers, Maryland, Rhode Island, Auburn, Towson and others as schools interested in him during July. Playing for the Cecil Kirk AAU program, Allen caught the eye of the NBE Basketball Report at events such as the Pittsburgh Jam Fest and the Nike Main Event in Vegas. Each time, Allen showed a high-level athletic ability with speed and strength to get to the basket and rack up points. At times, he also showed the ability to knock down the deep ball and is a very confident offensive player.

The NBE Basketball Report previously caught up with Anthony Lewis, head man of the Cecil Kirk AAU program, for a Closer Look at Antoine Allen.

The Keno Davis system, which causes NCAA Basketball Odds of winning to increase by spreading the floor, was on display at Drake last season and showed how effective it could be. Getting up and down the floor and attacking the basket is what Allen does well. At this point, he is definitely in the classification of a scoring guard, but he also shows the ability to drive and dish. Mondy, according to his high school coach, is an excellent passer who can do many things well as PC spreads the floor and can score from the perimeter at every position. They are both quality additions to the Friar program that will have a very useful skill set for PC and their new direction. Batts adds an interior body that is also athletic and can play in the system and hit the boards.

Keno Davis seemed to get off to a slow start on the recruiting trail, but of late, more and more players are listing the Friars on their recruiting lists. Some of the top targets emerging for the Friars include Samford (CT) forward Tevin Baskin, DC-area big man Talib Zanna, Torrington (CT) BF/C Jordan Williams, James Padgett of NYC, Delaware prospects Isaiah Philmore, a 6-foot-7 forward, and Erique Gumbs, a 6-foot-8 big man, fast rising Maryland guard Devon Saddler and fellow Michigan prospects James Still, a 6-foot-8 big man from Detroit who visited with Mondy earlier this fall, and 6-foot-7 forward Ben Simons. Maine big man Thomas Knight is also receiving heavy interest from PC. With three recruits committed, PC can now fill in the openings and maybe go aggressively after a couple of these higher rated talents.

The Friars are also keeping a watchful eye on the class of 2010 as interest has been evident in players such as NYC's David Coley, BF Carson Desrosiers of Lawrence (MA), Nate Lubick, another NEPSAC product as well as Evan Smotrycz of the New Hampton School and NJ products such as guard Isaiah Epps and small forward Shaquille Thomas.

With many positions open to fill, we expect the PC recruiting news to be plentiful this fall as Keno Davis looks to make his mark on the Providence program and Big East recruiting battles. We will follow these stories closely as they begin to develop.

Read more!

COACH HAS NOTHING BUT PRAISE FOR MONDY

September 10, 2008



Keno Davis thinks he has another overacheiving diamond in the rough in Duke Mondy. Mondy's high school coach agrees. Grand Rapids Catholic Central coach T.J. Carnegie thinks that Mondy is a perfect fit for Keno Davis' system that puts a premium on good guard play and ability to knock down open shots.

"Duke is just a complete player. He can play both guard spots. He's legitamately 6-3. He can knock down shots and also penetrate and kick to other open shooters. He's the best passer I've ever coached.", says Carnegie who also had nothing but praise for Mondy's character off the court as well as his leadership skills.

Mondy, who also set a school record last year with 70 steals, will team with fellow D-1 recruit Sultan Mohammed to make up one of the more formidable backcourts in the state of Michigan. Mohammed, a 6-3 junior complements Mondy's shooting and playmaking skills with the ability to slash and get to the rim. Catholic Central hopes to build on last year's 18-6 District Championship run with an even further run in 2008-09.

Duke Mondy sounds like a winner, someone that will help Keno Davis and Providence improve their NCAA Basketball Odds at reaching the NCAA Tournament in future seasons.

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BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: PROVIDENCE

September 10, 2008


VERBAL COMMITMENT ALERT: Duke Mondy, 6'3 G from Grand Rapids (MI) and Catholic Central High School


Keno Davis has been very busy of late hosting prospects from the local New England corridor, New York City area and also branching out his recruiting efforts to his Midwest roots. The connections to the Midwest paid off over the weekend while Duke Mondy was on an official visit to the campus. Catholic Central's Mondy Commits to Providence (MLive.com) and becomes Davis' second commitment in the class of 2009.


Projected 2009-2010 Roster


Seniors: Sharaud Curry (PG), Brian McKenzie (SG), Ray Hall (C)
Juniors: Jamine Peterson (F), Marshon Brooks (G), Alex Kellogg (F)
Sophomres: Bilal Dixon (F)
Freshmen: Antoine Allen (G), Duke Mondy (G)




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Read More...Click 'Read More' Below!!!

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Keno Davis takes over a situation at Providence that is both good and bad. The good part is he inherits a program with a very experienced line-up. The Friars will open the 2008-2009 season with seniors Weyinmi Efejuku, Geoff McDermott, Jonathan Kale and 5th year seniors Randall Hanke and Jeff Xavier. Also, juniors Ray Hall and Brian McKenzie return and point guard Sharaud Curry will be back in the line-up after missing last season with a foot injury. As for the bad news, coach Davis and his staff must make quick work on the recruiting front to replace the talent and depth of the roster that will not be here much past this season.

Over the past weekend, Providence took another step toward re-stocking the program by receiving a verbal commitment from Michigan native Duke Mondy after he completed an official visit to the campus. Mondy is a 6-foot-3 guard out of Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids (MI). As a junior, Mondy averaged about 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for coach TJ Carnegie at Catholic Central.

Mondy had already been familiar with coach Davis prior to him taking the PC head coaching job last April as Davis was recruiting Mondy to Drake, where he was previously the head coach. Mondy decided on Providence over Western Michigan and also had offers from Ohio, Toledo, Central Michigan and others.


Previously, the Friard got a verbal commitment from 6-foot-2 guard Antoine Allen. The Baltimore native cited schools such as Rutgers, Maryland, Rhode Island, Auburn, Towson and others as schools interested in him during July. Playing for the Cecil Kirk AAU program, Allen caught the eye of the NBE Basketball Report at events such as the Pittsburgh Jam Fest and the Nike Main Event in Vegas. Each time, Allen showed a high-level athletic ability with speed and strength to get to the basket and rack up points. At times, he also showed the ability to knock down the deep ball and is a very confident offensive player.

The Keno Davis system, which causes college basketball betting trends to be skewed, that he used at Drake last season should fit players like Allen and Mondy well. Getting up and down the floor and attacking the basket is what Allen does well. At this point, he is definitely in the classification of a scoring guard, but he also shows the ability to drive and dish. Mondy, according to his high school coach, is an excellent passer who can do many things well as PC spreads the floor and can score from the perimeter at every position. They are both quality additions to the Friar program that will have a very useful skill set for PC and their new direction.

Keno Davis seemed to get off to a slow start on the recruiting trail, but of late, more and more players are listing the Friars on their recruiting lists. Some of the top targets emerging for the Friars include Samford (CT) forward Tevin Baskin, Torrington (CT) BF/C Jordan Williams, NYC forward Kevin Parrom, James Padgett of NYC, Delaware prospects Isaiah Philmore, a 6-foot-7 forward, and Erique Gumbs, a 6-foot-8 big man, fast rising Maryland guard Devon Saddler and fellow Michigan prospects James Still, a 6-foot-8 big man from Detroit who visited with Mondy last weekend, and 6-foot-7 forward Ben Simons. Maine big man Thomas Knight is also receiving heavy interest from PC.

The Friars are also keeping a watchful eye on the class of 2010 as interest has been evident in players such as NYC's David Coley, BF Carson Desrosiers of Lawrence (MA), Nate Lubick, another NEPSAC product and NJ guard Isaiah Epps.

With many positions open to fill, we expect the PC recruiting news to be plentiful this fall as Keno Davis looks to make his mark on the Providence program and Big East recruiting battles. We will follow these stories closely as they begin to develop.

Read more!

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: PROVIDENCE

August 18, 2008


VERBAL COMMITMENT ALERT: Antoine Allen, 6'2 G from Baltimore (MD) and Notre Dame (MA) Prep


Keno Davis is on the board as a recruiter as PC Hoops Nabs Recruit (Providence Journal) Antoine Allen out of Baltimore.


Projected 2008-2009 Roster


Seniors: Sharaud Curry (PG), Brian McKenzie (SG), Ray Hall (C)
Juniors: Jamine Peterson (F), Marshon Brooks (G), Alex Kellogg (F)
Sophomres: Bilal Dixon (F)
Freshmen: Antoine Allen (G)




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Read More...Click 'Read More' Below!!!

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Keno Davis takes over a situation at Providence that is both good and bad. The good part is he inherits a program with a very experienced line-up. The Friars will open the 2008-2009 season with seniors Weyinmi Efejuku, Geoff McDermott, Jonathan Kale and 5th year seniors Randall Hanke and Jeff Xavier. Also, juniors Ray Hall and Brian McKenzie return and point guard Sharaud Curry will be back in the line-up after missing last season with a foot injury. As for the bad news, coach Davis and his staff must make quick work on the recruiting front to replace the talent and depth of the roster that will not be here much past this season.

Over the weekend, Providence took their first steps toward re-stocking the program by receiving a verbal commitment from 6-foot-2 guard Antoine Allen. The Baltimore native cited schools such as Rutgers, Maryland, Rhode Island, Auburn, Towson and others as schools interested in him during July. Playing for the Cecil Kirk AAU program, Allen caught the eye of the NBE Basketball Report at events such as the Pittsburgh Jam Fest and the Nike Main Event in Vegas. Each time, Allen showed a high-level athletic ability with speed and strength to get to the basket and rack up points. At times, he also showed the ability to knock down the deep ball and is a very confident offensive player.

The Keno Davis system that was used at Drake last season should fit a player like Allen well. Getting up and down the floor and attacking the basket is what Allen does well. At this point, he is definitely in the classification of a scoring guard, but he also shows the ability to drive and dish. He is a quality addition to the Friar program that will have a very useful skill set for PC and their new direction.

Keno Davis seemed to get off to a slow start on the recruiting trail, but of late, more and more players are listing the Friars on their recruiting lists. Some of the top targets emerging for the Friars include Samford (CT) forward Tevin Baskin, Torrington (CT) BF/C Jordan Williams, NYC forward Kevin Parrom, James Padgett of NYC, Delaware prospects Isaiah Philmore, a 6-foot-7 forward, and Erique Gumbs, a 6-foot-8 big man, fast rising Maryland guard Devon Saddler, Michigan prospects Duke Mondy, a 6-foot-3 guard, and 6-foot-7 forward Ben Simons and Maine big man Thomas Knight.

The Friars are also keeping a watchful eye on the class of 2010 as interest has been evident in players such as NYC's David Coley, BF Carson Desrosiers of Lawrence (MA) and NJ guard Isaiah Epps.

With many positions open to fill, we expect the PC recruiting news to be plentiful this fall as Keno Davis looks to make his mark on the Providence program and Big East recruiting battles. We will follow these stories closely as they begin to develop.

Read more!