Friar Basketball

Who to Watch as Draft Deadline Approaches

DonteD

May 30 marks the deadline for early entrants of the NBA Draft to withdraw their name and return to school. While Providence’s roster won’t be impacted by early departures this spring, a few decisions could have a big impact on their 2018-19 opponents.

Here are some names to watch as the deadline approaches:

Donte DiVincenzo, Villanova: The breakout star of the 2018 national championship game has seen his stock soar since March. He’s tested very well athletically this spring and looks like a solid bet to go in the first round. He’s most likely gone.

Omari Spellman, Villanova: A top 20 prospect out of high school, Spellman came to Villanova overweight and then sat out his freshman season after being deemed academically ineligible by the NCAA. After completely reshaping his body last year, the 6’9 Spellman suddenly had the athleticism to match his inside-out scoring ability. He could crack the first round, potentially giving the national champs four first round picks. If scouts think he can defend on the perimeter he’ll have a future in the league, thanks to his ability to stretch the floor.

Shamorie Ponds, St. John’s: The former Friar recruit has scored in bunches at the college level, but is undersized, streaky, and will have problems defending at the next level (don’t let his steals number mislead you). A dip in 3-point accuracy won’t help his cause (25% in 2017-18).

Ky Bowman, Boston College: Bowman and fellow North Carolina native Jerome Robinson were terrific finds for Jim Christian at a time when BC desperately needed a talent upgrade. Robinson has hired an agent and is gone after three seasons, and if Bowman were to depart the Eagles will take a big step back. Bowman was terrific in BC’s upset of #1 Duke (30 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists).

Brian Bowen, South Carolina: Providence takes on South Carolina in November’s Hall of Fame Classic. Bowen made headlines for all the wrong reasons last season, transferring from Louisville after a family friend and AAU coach allegedly negotiated a $100K deal for himself to steer Bowen to Louisville. If he does return to school there is no guarantee he’ll be eligible when PC and USC play. The Gamecocks did get good news last week when big man Chris Silva announced he is returning to school. Silva was 1st Team All SEC last season.

Charles Matthews, Michigan: The Friars could potentially play national runner up Michigan at the Hall of Fame Classic. Matthews is an athletic wing who is hoping to ride a hot NCAA Tournament into a second round selection.

Markis McDuffie, Wichita State: The Shockers are rebuilding after having lost six seniors to graduation, a pair of transfers, and star Landry Shamet (early draft entry). McDuffie missed the first half of last season due to injury, and the 6’8 forward has kept his name in draft despite pedestrian stats a season ago (8.5 points, 3.1 rebounds). Providence and Wichita State will play in the Veteran’s Classic in November.

 

One Comment

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    May 28, 2018 at 3:17 pm

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