What makes Stefan Vaaks such an intriguing addition for Providence
“The more we watched him, the more we were captivated with his savvy skill set and his bravery attacking the challenges the game of basketball presents.”
Those were Kim English’s words in a press release on Friday (April 5) announcing that Stefan Vaaks, a 19-year old, 6’6 guard from Estonia will enroll as a freshman at Providence in the fall.
Playing against grown men in the Latvia-Estonia Basketball League, there isn’t much Vaaks hasn’t put on tape offensively. He shoots it with range, gets into the lane with methodical dribble moves, and has flashed very good passing ability in the screen and roll (as you’ll see in the tape we’ve pulled together below).
He averaged 14.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals in the 2024 FIBA Europe Cup, and 15 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals in the Latvia-Estonia Basketball League this year.
His club in Estonia (BC Kalev/Carmo) has had some familiar names throughout the years, including former McDonald’s All American Isaiah Briscoe, Iona star Scott Machado, and Providence legend John Linehan.
Briscoe spent two years at Kentucky and after a summer league stint with the 76ers he played his first professional season with BC Kalev/Carmo, averaging 18.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.6 steals in 2017-18.
Vaaks was drawn to Providence because the Friar staff is willing to let him serve as not only a shooter, but a creator with the ball in his hands. What could his role look like as a freshman?
Breaking down Stefan Vaaks: