All four sophomores are ranked in the top 50, while Nunez is rated anywhere from mid 30s-mid 70s in the class of 2011.
Davis would be wise to start making connections at the Winchendon School. While Friar fans are familiar with Birch, Nunez is a new name on the Providence recruiting scene. Nunez is a wiry and long small forward, the type of player the Friars haven't had over the past decade (see the all decade team for proof). Ranked 37th in the country on ESPN, here is what the world-wide leader (actually Scout Inc) has to say about him.
Angel is an extremely intriguing prospect. He is very long and very skilled. He can handle the ball and shoot with range to 22 feet. A legit 6-feet-7 with condor like arms he is a tough player to guard. Post players can not stay with his quickness and he is too big and long for smaller perimeter players. He has a very nice offensive package but could improve the other aspects of his game. He is a decent rebounder but with his size, length and athletic ability he should be better. Defensively he needs to improve his effort. He can also be an effective shotblocker when motivated. Angel is a little underrated right now in his class but he has the potential to be an elite, top level player.
For all of the talk about Murphy and Ricky Ledo, this site is targeting Khem Birch as the top prospect for the class of 2012. Certainly, no one would complain if Ledo or Murphy landed here, but Birch is an elite athlete who finishes and protects the rim at an elite level. A rare combination for a sophomore big man playing at the highest prep level. With the Friars working on him at such an early stage Friar fans have to hope their loyalty is rewarded as bigger schools come calling. And they will.
Vs. Rutgers
As for the game itself, the story was Greedy Peterson. Is there such a thing as a good missed dunk? When Greedy missed a one hander late in the 2nd half (he was fouled) it sent the crowd buzzing because he took off from Smithfield, but it was perhaps even more significant as it symbolized a rousing 29 point, 20 rebound effort in which he continually attacked the rim for the first time in a while.
I've taken subtle jabs at Greedy since the Big East season started. With visions of Rob Sanders running through my head I wondered if Keno would be able to reach him, getting Peterson to balance the outside game he's obviously worked so hard on, with his bread and butter - rebounding and finishing at the rim.
Last night he didn't force a single 3, dominated the glass and went back to throwing down everything he could around the rim. His 24 first half points consisted of scoring inside and taking good 3s. It was the best of Greedy and the type of effort in the paint that will keep PC afloat in the Big East.
Only 12 players in conference history have ever gone for 20-20 in a Big East game, with 24 and 11 coming in one of the most dominating halves of action Friartown has seen in a long time.
Good Half, Bad Half Once Again
As good as Providence was offensively in the first half, they were equally poor in the second. After shooting 60% from the field and 54% from 3, they went a dreadful 0-8 from 3, 36% from the field, and missed 14 free throws after halftime. A halfway decent second half and they score 115 in this one.
Point Guard Production
The Sharaud Curry hate has been quiet since the Big East started. Curry was once again solid with 21 points, four assists, and only two turnovers. Curry has scored 20 or more in 3 of 4 BE games. Vincent Council continues to impress in spurts, with all six of his assists coming in the first half.
The Bench
I'll continue to harp on it - this team has less offensive weapons than it appears. Take away Council's nine points and the bench combined for a grand total of three on the night. Of the five bench players who saw time, three didn't attempt a shot, Duke Mondy was 1-5, and Council went 3-7.
On nights like last night when Brian McKenzie sticks a few 3s, Curry puts up 20, Greedy goes off and Marshon Brooks contributes 15 it won't be as apparent, but I have concerns about this team's ability to consistently score when upper level Big East teams up their defense.
Notes
- Does anyone else in the Dunk sit there and wonder if recruits think the crowd is lame?
- The early season scheduling gods were kind to PC. DePaul, Marquette, and South Florida after a home game with Rutgers? I had this team around 5 or 6 Big East wins for the season and they might start 4-3.
- Brooks is shooting 47% from the field and 41% from 3. Sure doesn't feel like it. His emergence over the course of the season could be make or break PC.
- McKenzie is shooting 39% from 3. Sure doesn't feel like it.
- I know he needs time to get into a rhythm, but Johnnie Lacy is 0-12 from 3.
- This team doesn't turn the ball over much for one that likes to get out and run.
