Sanders’ commitment to BC was a stinging blow to a Friar fanbase who followed his recruitment from its earliest stages and read reports that PC was his long-time leader. Sanders’ senior year coincided with the final years of the Tim Welsh era, a time when Providence fans had learned to accept losing out on recruiting battles for the highest rated players. There was instability at Providence; one of his mentors, Preston Murphy, joined Al Skinner’s staff and the decision was probably easier than Friar fans hoped.
Ironically, the coaching staffs at BC and Providence that competed for his services when he was starring at St. Andrew’s have both turned over and now it looks as though there is a chance for Sanders to play for both.
While Andy Katz reported that Sanders is most likely headed for Fairfield, it would make a lot of sense for the PC staff to reach out and make sure that his decision is final.
How does this make sense for Providence?
On the court in 2011-12: How does a lineup of Vincent Council (Jr), Gerard Coleman (So), Sanders (Sr), Greedy Peterson (Sr), and Bilal Dixon (Jr) sound? They would make up one of the most experienced, physical, and most importantly, talented starting lineups in the Big East. When is the last time Providence had a “power” 3 they could match with the likes of Peterson and Dixon who can both pull down 15 rebounds on any given night? How good would that frontcourt look alongside the pure speed and play-making ability of Council and Coleman?
The bench wouldn’t be too shabby either with Naadir Tharpe, Joe Young (assuming he’s not starting), Duke Mondy, Kadeem Batts, Ron Giplaye, and whoever else Providence brings in with Tharpe in the class of 2011. If the staff can bring in another top 100 type they would have two top 100 freshmen coming off of the bench along with a top 100 sophomore.
Recruiting: Get Sanders to Providence and you already have two key additions to the 2011-12 season - Sanders and Tharpe – and you’ve got them both committed very early in the game. This would allow the coaching staff to be extremely selective with another 2011 commitment.
Assuming they want at least two scholarships open in 2012, this allows PC to add Tharpe, Sanders, and third player in two seasons, and the immediate departure of Sanders opens up a scholarship for the class of 2012, a powerful New England class that could be key in shaping the future of Providence basketball. PC would then have two scholarships available for 2012.
Why does it make sense for Sanders?
Sentimentalists will point to a local kid coming home, how he rooted for Providence as a youngster and that would be a key factor in his decision making process.
More realistically, Sanders will be looking for an opportunity to play and showcase his game on a winning team in his final season. Yes, location could play a factor, but just as importantly is the style of play that Keno Davis can sell to Sanders. There would be playing time available at small forward, a good core around him, and an opportunity to showcase in offensive game in a wide open offense (as opposed to Al Skinner’s Flex).
2011-12 is a long way away and rosters are constantly evolving, but if Providence can maintain the core they have now (Coleman/Young/Giplaye included) and add a great prep point, a proven small forward, and another highly regarded high school prospect then this has the potential to be a very deep and very good team in March 2012.
