Ed Cooley opened his Providence career with a bold statement: “We want to not only win, but win and win big.” Five months later, he’s got a player who’ll help him do just that.
The Friars reportedly secured a commitment from guard Kris Dunn, one of the top recruits of the 2012 class. The 6-3 guard from Connecticut was wowed by Cooley’s commitment and the chance to play close to home. Why else would he pass on Louisville, Pitt and Georgetown for a team that hasn’t sniffed the NCAA tournament since 2004?
“Once coach Cooley went to Providence (last March) he told me he wanted me,” Dunn told the Providence Journal. “You don’t really see a lot of head coaches go to a lot of your summer league games but he was at every single one. He was showing me love. That’s what I like about him. He’s trustworthy.”
Dunn wowed scouts this summer thanks to his size and improving skill, both of which’ll be crucial in the Big East. Another important aspect of his game? He could help Cooley and Friars land another top prospect in local star Ricky Ledo.
He’s already on that, too.
“I told him this is the place you should be,” Dunn told the Journal. “We have played against each other before and he attacks the basket and is aggressive. Just like me, he is a winner. That’s the kind of person I want at Providence.”
Guessing Cooley feels the same way.
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