Instead of publishing a simple list of PC targets in order of their ranking, this list is comprised of talent, need, fit, and possibility of the student ending up a Friar. I will update the lists after seeing kids in person or according to reports that emerge
January 11, 2010 Recruiting Power Rankings
Class of 2011:
- Shabazz Napier, Lawrence Academy: the explosive Napier would be a great fit in Keno's run and gun style. A big time scorer, who will pull up from 27 feet, the sense here is that he might be more of realistic get than Naadir Tharpe and his game might mesh better with Vincent Council, who will be a junior when Napier begins his college career. Council could cover shooting guards, Napier could be a scoring combo who takes over the PG reigns his junior year while getting big minutes as a scorer early.
- Naadir Tharpe, Brewster Academy: a true point who would create for Gerard Coleman and Joe Young for three years, Tharpe's numbers are affected by playing with a cast of stars at Brewster. A better shooter than advertised and a top notch passer, Tharpe may not be as good of fit playing alongside Council, but would be a huge get regardless.
- Tyler Olander, E.O. Smith High (CT): With Ron Giplaye on the way and Kadeem Batts redshirting, the depth of big men should improve in a year, but is there a scorer among the bunch? Olander will be tough to pry from Connecticut if they want him. Potential 2010 recruit.
- Angel Nunez, Winchendon School: sits in the four spot on talent alone. With the Friars new to his recruitment, it isn't clear how much of a shot PC has at this kid, but from a talent and need standpoint, Nunez would be a big time get for Keno. How long has it been since Providence boasted a great small forward?
- Tommie McCune, Saginaw, Michigan: Can this staff continue their success in Michigan and land this highly sought after power forward?
- Khem Birch, Winchendon School: Meets a lot of the criteria for the power rankings. Birch fills a need, is a huge talent, stands 6'11, is the type of springy athlete that PC hasn't seen in the frontcourt, and Providence has been involved from the start. Keno will be able to find scoring guards, but big men like this are a rarity at Providence.
- Alex Murphy, St. Mark's: Big time, local kid who is already being recruited by the biggest names in the country. Another young man Providence has been in on early, but will it pay off in the end? Very polished for a kid his age and size. Projects as a small forward at the D1 level.
- Ricky Ledo, St. Andrew's: Another local product that Providence will have to fight off the best of the best for. A Providence kid, so expect a bunch of "he loves Providence, I heard he wants the bright lights"speculation until he commits. Ranked below the more cerebral Murphy here. A better athlete than Alex, but not the passer nor does he have the size of his local counterpart. I believe Murphy is just the better player right now. Has a chance to prove me wrong against Gerard Coleman and Tilton next weekend.
- Nerlins Noel, Everett (MA): Once again, a big time local prospect. When has this much high level talent come from New England? I've yet to see Noel play, and had hoped to do so soon until he was injured recently. Providence will always need bigs and they are in early on this one.
- Andre Drummond, St. Thomas More: Dreamers can dream, right? Top player in his class has visited the PC campus twice. Not holding my breath.
