By KEVIN McNAMARA
It’s never too early to grab wins on the recruiting trail and Ed Cooley and his staff are hoping for a very busy summer with the Class of 2023.
On Sunday the Friars took their first step on that path by securing a verbal commitment from Garwey Dual, a thin 6-5 guard from Carmel, Indiana. Dual grew up in Houston but moved to suburban Indianapolis to play for a traditional state powerhouse at Carmel High. Dual averaged just 6.4 points and 1.7 steals on a balanced team that lost in a sectional final in March.
Here’s a link at Dual in action in the Indiana State Tournament:
Dual’s recruiting profile took off this spring playing with George Hill All-Indy. He quickly earned offers from the likes of TCU, Arizona State, Dayton, VCU, DePaul and Butler. Providence also came in strong and Dual quickly built a relationship with the Friar coaching staff.
Dual is not known as a shooter but is a creator on offense and offers a long, quick and athletic defensive option for the Friars. Dual will continue his breakout off-season this week in the 17-Under Team USA tryouts at USA Basketball in Colorado Springs. Dual is now seen as a top-100 national recruit in both the 247Sports (No. 71) and Rivals (No. 82) rankings. His star could continue to rise this summer as scouts flock to watch his teammate, Xavier Booker, who is a top 10 prospect in the 2023 Class.
“Coaches say they like how I play on both sides of the ball,” Dual told the Indianapolis Star. “I can facilitate and score the ball. I see myself as a point guard. I like to pass more than score.”
Here is a Scouting Report on Dual from Indianapolis Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep:
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Providence is getting the type of player in Dual that the Friars have performed well with under Cooley. He is quick and long and a problem for guards defensively. The area of his game that has really impressed — and perhaps, surprised — college coaches this spring is his ability to create on offense. Dual is lightning-quick with the ball in his hands as a playmaker and is a willing passer who can also create space for himself to score. He did not shoot a lot of 3-pointers for Carmel (11-for-28) but showed that he can knock down the outside shot, too. The best is probably ahead for Dual.
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The Friars have four players who will use their final season of eligibility in 2022-23. They include guards Jared Bynum and Noah Locke and big men Ed Croswell and Clifton Moore. With Garwey Dual in the fold, the focus clearly needs to be on wing scoring and frontcourt help. PC has been in tight with Top 50 recruit Taylor Bol Bowen for two years and are a finalist but recent reports indicate a commitment to Florida State may be in the offing.