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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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CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 16: Tyler Davis #34 of the Texas A&M Aggies competes for the ball against the Providence Friars during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 16, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 16: Tyler Davis #34 of the Texas A&M Aggies competes for the ball against the Providence Friars during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 16, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

David Duke – Providence, RI

Guard | 6’5” | 198 lbs| No. 46 overall

The final member of Providence’s 2018 recruiting class is the athletic combo guard David Duke. Duke is a Providence native as he played at Classical High School before transferring to Cushing Academy in the NEPSAC for his final two seasons. He played for the Mass Rivals AAU program with his current Friar teammates AJ Reeves and rising sophomore Makai Ashton Langford.

His biggest strength is his defensive ability which will allow him to guard multiple positions and make an instant impact. While his perimeter shooting is still a work in progress, his athleticism, slashing ability, and court vision make him a valuable offensive player as well.

Duke has excellent size for both guard positions (6’5”) which adds to his versatility and he could potentially play 1-3 for the Friars. He will most likely earn playing time at the PG position where he will battle with Ashton Langford and Maliek White for minutes.

Providence has one of the toughest rotations to figure out as there are 12 worthy players for only 9 (maybe 10) spots, but Duke seems to be a lock for consistent playing time. I estimate that he plays around 15 minutes per game as a freshman, but this would obviously increase if he earns the starting PG job. While he looks to be behind Ashton Langford to start the season both guards can play together, but shooting would be a major concern with this backcourt.

Duke has immense potential and should make an immediate impact this season, especially defensively. His role will only continue to grow as the season progresses and it will not be long until he cracks the starting lineup. The future is bright for the talented Providence native.

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The 2018 recruiting class looks extremely promising for the Friars. We will get our first look at the newcomers during their trip to Italy in mid-August. While there is usually minimal competition on European trips, it will be interesting to see how Coach Cooley mixes and matches his personnel as this looks like the deepest roster he’s had at Providence.

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