Big Week for the Friars

New England Recruiting Report | Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

Last week we went through the list of upcoming unofficial visits.  This week Providence College is putting together a list of their own as a number of the top prospects in New England are making the trip to the Big East campus. 

It began on Monday when the top ranked player in the class of 2011, Naadir Tharpe, came to town.  Also visiting on Monday was incoming St. Mark’s big man Kaleb Tarczewski whose stock has soared through the roof this summer.  Providence was the first high major school to offer this summer but after demonstrating his tremendous potential throughout the month Tarczewski now has a long list of high major suitors. 

Tuesday saw a visit from the big prize in 2012, Andre Drummond, who is not only the top ranked player in New England but also the entire country according to ESPN. 

On Friday Mike Carter Williams and Tyler Olander are both scheduled to be on campus.  Both players are among the most widely pursued in the class of 2011.  Carter-Williams is visiting a plethora of schools this month (Virginia, Villanova, Pittsburgh, Boston College) while Olander has a similar level of high major interest.

Other top local products Shabazz Napier and Ricardo Ledo have already visited Providence’s campus this month. 

Last year the Friars showed they were going to make it a priority to keep New England’s top talent at home.  First year head coach Keno Davis and his staff made a major statement when they were able to land a commitment from Massachusetts native and Tilton product Gerard Coleman, who had offers from the likes of UConn, Louisville, and others but still opted to join the Friars.  Providence also added Coleman’s BABC teammate Ron Giplaye to next year’s incoming class.