Friar Basketball Newsletter: 2004 Podcast Release Date, Jayden Pierre's Visit, Reflections on the '74 Friars, and Video of Al Durham vs. Wisconsin and 2007 Friars against UConn
At long last, we are ready to roll out our podcast on the 2003-04 Friars. The multi-part podcast will take deep dive into that season with four of the team’s most critical players, including All American Ryan Gomes. We also talk with PC assistant coach Bob Walsh, who worked under Tim Welsh at the time. There is so much to talk about regarding this team, and we are extremely excited about this series. The pod will be available the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 28.
Here are a few snippets from the podcast.
Providence hosted a promising point guard prospect over the weekend in Jayden Pierre. The New Jersey native was very good on the Under Armour Association circuit this summer. Subscribers can read about Pierre producing against top competition in our article on him that was published Saturday night. The article also includes a variety of notes on other prospects, including North Carolina center Christ Essandoko, as well as a prospect from the Helsinki Basketball Academy. You can read more about the Helsinki Basketball Academy and their ties to Providence as well.
It was former Friar guard Weyinmi Efejuku’s birthday last week, so we posted highlights of his terrific game against UConn in 2007. This came during Herbert Hill’s terrific senior season, and it turned into a dunk contest for the Friars in Hartford. Efejuku’s total game was on display on that afternoon.
Continuing our look around the Big East, this week we preview Butler, who returns one of the most experienced teams in the country. The article examines Ed Cooley’s success against the Bulldogs, and details the power conference teams they have taken out in the NCAA Tournament since joining the Big East.
While all Friar fans know that Providence made the Final Four in 1973, many of them have probably forgotten how good the team was the following season. Craig Leighton reflects back on the senior seasons of Marvin Barnes and Kevin Stacom in 1974.
Finally, you can read about Al Durham’s 49-minute effort against Wisconsin last season. The highlights from that game are impressive.