Providence Basketball: Analyzing the 2018 recruiting class for the Friars

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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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 09: Head coach Ed Cooley of the Providence Friars communicates to his team in the first half against the Xavier Musketeers during semifinals of the Big East Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 9, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Kris Monroe – Creedmor, NC

Wing | 6’8” | 220 lbs | No. 325 overall

Monroe is the lowest ranked of Providence’s 2018 recruiting class, but his shooting could earn him some early playing time. He is a combo forward who could carve out a role as a stretch four and floor spacer. Monroe can also rebound at a high level so he is more than just a one-dimensional player.

The Friars rotation lacks proven shooters, especially the starting lineup. Makai Ashton Langford, Alpha Diallo, and Nate Watson are all sub-par three-point shooters. Emmitt Holt can hit three-pointers, but he is more of a pick-and-pop player. Isaiah Jackson and Maliek White are probably the best perimeter shooters, but their percentages dropped significantly as last season progressed.

So there is absolutely a need for Monroe, but it is unclear where he will get these minutes. Diallo will see most of the minutes at the three and Holt will consume most of the minutes at the four. Monroe also has to compete with the other three members of the 2018 class who are all higher ranked players and a couple of the players are comparable shooters.

If Monroe hits shots and rebounds, then he could carve out playing time at PF, but this looks unlikely at this point. Like all four of these players, I like Monroe’s potential and I think he fits well with the roster. However, there just aren’t enough minutes for everyone this season, barring any injuries or late defections.

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