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Providence Basketball: Analyzing the 2018 recruiting class for the Friars

By Brad Cavallaro

DAYTON, OH - MARCH 15: Head coach Ed Cooley of the Providence Friars reacts in the first half against the USC Trojans during the First Four game in the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 15, 2017 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
DAYTON, OH - MARCH 15: Head coach Ed Cooley of the Providence Friars reacts in the first half against the USC Trojans during the First Four game in the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 15, 2017 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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DAYTON, OH – MARCH 15: Head coach Ed Cooley of the Providence Friars reacts in the first half against the USC Trojans during the First Four game in the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 15, 2017 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
DAYTON, OH – MARCH 15: Head coach Ed Cooley of the Providence Friars reacts in the first half against the USC Trojans during the First Four game in the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 15, 2017 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Providence Basketball has a strong 2018 recruiting class that will help replace their group of seniors. How will these players factor into the Friars 18-19 rotation?

Providence Basketball made their fifth straight NCAA Tournament this past season, but three of their key veterans have exhausted their eligibility. Star PG Kyron Cartwright was one of the best lead guards in the nation and displayed excellent court vision. Rodney Bullock led the Friars in scoring as a junior and senior with his inside-out skill set. Jalen Lindsey provided lockdown defense and high level three-point shooting which will be sorely missed as well.

There are some serious holes to fill, but this group of returning role players and a stellar 2018 recruiting class should be enough for a return trip to the Big Dance. It is always wise to temper your expectations for the first year of a recruiting class that is not Duke or Kentucky-esque, but the best thing about Providence’s highly rated class is that the players can be eased into the rotation.

None of these four newcomers will be thrust into the starting lineup if they are not ready. Even the highest ranked players can be brought along solely if needed because of the depth and talent of the returning roster. This mix of veterans and skilled freshmen should lead Providence to another top half finish in the Big East and a sixth consecutive tournament berth.

All heights, weights, and hometowns are from the official Providence team roster. The recruiting rankings are from the 247 composite. Each incoming player’s game and potential role are described in detail in the order of their recruiting ranking.

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