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Mason Opts for Auburn

AntoineMason2

The Friars received some bad news today when Antoine Mason, a 6’3 SG who is transferring from Niagara, decided to attend Auburn University next season. Antoine announced his decision on Twitter this morning:

 2h

It’s Official I Will Be Wearing Orange and Blue #14 at Auburn University

Other schools were involved, but in the end he ultimately chose Auburn over Providence College. Mason stated two of the things he was looking for in a school is playing time and the ability to make the NCAA tournament. Auburn fulfills the first need, but it is very questionable whether they have a realistic chance to go dancing next year.
What’s Next?
I am still looking for PC to add at least one more guard to the roster for next season. There are several options that they can consider:
Picking up Another High School Point Guard
Highly regarded  point guard Tremaine Isabelle has narrowed his list down to Missouri and Providence. A big plus in his favor is that he can provide outside shooting from the point guard slot. Other guards who may wind up in the picture include 6’1 Armel Potter out of Marietta, GA and 6’0 Amari Hamilton out of Durham, NC.
Naadir Tharpe
Naadir Tharpe is transferring from Kansas and still has not chosen another school. He has indicated an interest in attending PC and there have been conflicting reports on whether the Friars are interested in him. In order to be eligible next year he would need a hardship wavier. Tharpe has indicated that he is transferring because he wants to be closer to his sick child in Worcester, MA.
JUCOs or Europe
There is always a possibility of bringing in a shooting guard from the junior college ranks or from Europe. This would probably be someone Friar fans are not familiar with but someone who could come in and contribute next year. Think of a Chris Anrin type.
What if the Friars had to start today?
If the Friars had to start the season today there are still plenty of options on the roster to man the shooting guard position. Expect 6’5 sophomore transfer guard Junior Lomomba to get minutes at the shooting guard position and be a part of the rotation. Tyler Harris provided minutes at guard last season and could help provide a smothering defense at the top of the key in a zone defense this season. Freshman Jalen Lindsey is already a good outside shooter and is already a better ball handler than Josh Fortune was. You can also expect Kris Dunn to get some minutes at shooting guard when he and Kyron Cartwright are both in the game at the same time.
There is a big concern from Friar fans about who is going to replace all of the scoring left vacant by the graduation of Bryce Cotton. That concern seemed to multiply when Josh Fortune decided to transfer, but Fortune was not going to be the answer anyways.
At the end of the day look for the Friars to add at least one more guard to the roster next season and to also utilize all of the combinations listed above at the shooting guard position.
The Friars are going to be a different team with a more balanced attack. How well they do is going to depend on who is ready to step up to the plate and take their game to the next level (the same as it was before Josh Fortune decided to transfer or before Antoine Mason decided to go to Auburn).

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