By DAVE SPAHN
Special to ZAGSBLOG
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — In order for schools to compete with teams like Duke, Kentucky, Louisville, and college basketball’s other historic programs, they must substitute hard work for history and tradition.
Providence seems to be catching the drift.
After signing two top 25 players last season in Ricky Ledo and Kris Dunn, Providence head coach Ed Cooley has not taken his foot off the gas pedal. He recently hosted Nashville, Tenn., native Jalen Lindsey on an official visit and left quite an impression.
“The visit went very well,” Lindsey said at the NBPA Top 100 Camp. “Coach Cooley seems like he’s a great guy off the court. From the talks we had, he looks like he can be a great mentor.”
Lindsey listed a host of schools including Duke, Florida, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Louisville, Providence and many others. However, when asked what schools are recruiting him the hardest, Lindsey responded, “Providence. They’ve contacted me the most. They text me every day to check in and always communicate with me.”
A standout at the NBPA Top 100 Camp, Lindsey brings a combination of athleticism and basketball IQ to the table that very few players possess. His mature personality and appreciative nature show his true value as a teammate, something college coaches cannot emphasize enough.
For now, though, Lindsey will be switching high schools for his senior season. He will attempt to fill the void left by Andrew Wiggins at the small forward spot at Huntington (W.V.) Prep.
Although no one can replace a once-every-decade superstar like Wiggins, Lindsey will be a fantastic pickup for coach Rob Fulford and will certainly improve from the high-level competition.
“Going to Huntington Prep was a big move for me,” Lindsey explained. “I want to play better competition, and playing at Huntington Prep will allow me to do that.”
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