KeaneyBlue - The URI Basketball Forum

Joe Pridgen - F
From: Wichendon, MA
School: Governor's Academy
AAU: Expressions Elite

Ht: 6'5"
Wt: 210

RANKINGS:
247 Sports: NR



INTEREST:
Rhode Island
Arkansas
Richmond
San Diego

https://247sports.com/Player/Joe-Pridgen-46055547/
https://newenglandrecruitingreport.com/ ... idgen-2019
http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/joe-pridgen

Holy Cross Stats: https://www.espn.com/mens-college-baske ... oe-pridgen
Full Bio: https://goholycross.com/sports/mens-bas ... idgen/8817

He looks like the best we have looked at thus far.

His stats are way better than Perez.

Makes me think of Dana Tate a little bit. We all like his numbers but will they translate in higher-level play? He went 6-9 against Maryland.

Dam Holy Cross only won 3 games all year jeez

I don't care where in D1 he's putting up these numbers, those averages are nothing to sneeze at! However, he was the leader of a 3-29(!) team. Probably about right when your far and away best player is a freshman, unless you are a P5 team recruiting one-and-dones.

It also appears based on the only 28 three point attempts and high 2pt % that he played closer to the post, which at 6' 5" he can get away with in HC's conference but would not be the case here.

Worth a look for sure, if the staff can project his shooting form to produce at an efficient level with more outside attempts then he could be an effective player here.

Edit: that video popped up while I was posting this and it appears although his scoring is inside, Joe is more of a slashing player rather than "post". The video also showed like half his 3-point makes for the year.

He's athletic and he's a scorer, but definitely not a shooter. I think he'd be a good addition, but he's not someone who will take a lot of threes. 3 years of eligibility is a plus.

This kid is a difference maker. The 6'11 guy we are looking at is not.

If we lose this kid to Richmond, we are going to regret it worse than losing Bacon to VCU over the long run.

URIRecruitingInfo wrote: ↑4 years ago

Pretty sure he is good based on that. Lots of offensive ability. Looks bigger than 6'5.

Looks a lot like Tyrese in style and size. Not quite as quick but seems to
have a pretty good outside shot. Would split time on the wing with Malik & DJ.
It would be nice to have 3 wings that can hit 3's at over 40%. Could open the
inside up for JH and the twins. To quote Rod, make us "Hard to Guard".

Courtney Stockard?

CHICO 78 wrote: ↑4 years ago Looks a lot like Tyrese in style and size. Not quite as quick but seems to
have a pretty good outside shot. Would split time on the wing with Malik & DJ.
It would be nice to have 3 wings that can hit 3's at over 40%. Could open the
inside up for JH and the twins. To quote Rod, make us "Hard to Guard".

Not as athletic as Tyrese. Has a better looking shot. I mean this guys numbers are really efficient.

There's a whole lotta win over there. You get a player with a high ceiling, and you get him for 3 years and he can't go anywhere after he blows up.

This could be key in the new era. Other teams, of course, will be looking to take our incoming players after their first years, should they explode on the scene as rookies.

Pretty good ups too. On a few of those highlights he went right up from being flat footed on
passes and dunked. He's deceiving. What are our chances of signing him?

I think I'm in love.

Billyboy78 wrote: ↑4 years ago He's athletic and he's a scorer, but definitely not a shooter. I think he'd be a good addition, but he's not someone who will take a lot of threes. 3 years of eligibility is a plus.

If he shoots it at close to 40%, I sure hope he will take a lot of threes. I'm no scout, but that video combined with his percentages and efficiency tell me that he can score at all 3 levels. Where do I sign up? I'll drive the bandwagon for this guy all day every day.

58.1% FT...

58.1% FT - Wow he can replace CL!! Seriously, With practice he should be able to get that up to the 65%
range. Look at last years team % 's . Other than Fatts, Dowtin and JH. , everybody was under 66% .
Dana was 53% and Mekhi was 54%. I don't think 58% FT is a reason not to want him. But to me his one
real downside is he's not eligible if the rule change isn't immediate.

He’s a frosh too. His upside is endless....shall I say limit-le..nah, I won’t say it.

First game in college was against Maryland, put up 12 pts and 8 boards on 6-9 shooting with 2 steals.

Sign me up.

DevRam wrote: ↑4 years ago Courtney Stockard?

Great comp

Great highlights, kid gas explosion and seems to be able to shoot I hope we get him

Once again, he's not a shooter. He is a scorer. Big difference. He shot less than 1 three per game. If he was a shooter, obviously he'd shoot a lot more of them than that. And as has been mentioned, he shoots 57% from the line. I'm not saying he's not a good player, he is. But he's not a shooter.

We need a pure shooter. Grad elig.

I’d sign Pridgen in addition to Antonio right now.

I wouldn't say Pridgen is not a shooter . we may be forgetting that he was only a freshman and his percentages , especially free throw shooting may improve significantly as he goes forward . His numbers for a freshman weren't bad . He was very impressive as a freshman . When was the last URI freshman that averaged 17 points a game ? The only negative was he did have 106 turnovers in 30 games which is a lot . I would take him .

luke wrote: ↑4 years ago I wouldn't say Pridgen is not a shooter . we may be forgetting that he was only a freshman and his percentages , especially free throw shooting may improve significantly as he goes forward . His numbers for a freshman weren't bad . He was very impressive as a freshman . When was the last URI freshman that averaged 17 points a game ? The only negative was he did have 106 turnovers in 30 games which is a lot . I would take him .

I could shoot 57% when I was 10 years old. That being said, I still like him as a player.

Sign me up too

Need this guy.

Billyboy , I was a 78% shooter as a 13 year old as well , but I am sure you realize we were never under the pressure of D 1 college ball and in
front of thousands of people so I am assuming you said this in jest so don't take this as a critique. I would expect this guy to show significant improvement from the field and the free throw line . I agree that we sure could use this player.

Definitely want him over Nelson and Bryant. Looks like a kid with talent that will continue to improve

Our biggest weakness is shooting. We need shooters, not scorers.
We need wings who can shoot
By shooting comparison, Jermaine Harris (97-129) for 75.2% over his 2 years

Pridgen shot FTs poorly with a bevy of attempts, (93-160). 31 more attempts than Harris and that’s just in one year. And Harris made 4 more FTs

Pridgen is a streaky FT shooter too.
2-8 vs San Diego
9-16 vs UMASS-Boston
2-10 vs Navy
5-10 vs Loyola Md

But then
5-6 vs Mercer
8-9 vs Loyola Md
8-10 vs Lehigh

Small wing at 6’5” and a poor shooting touch. Scores at high % inside but against Patriot League competition

Horrible record at (3-29) in a weak league

Need this scholarship to grab a potential starter from a P5 team as players become available. I’ll pass for better options over the next 45 days

Looks like Cox now might have to fill the last two spots with immediately eligible transfers.

Otherwise we have only 8 eligible players right now, if they play the season.

The news about the vote on the sit out proposal isn't good.

The biggest question right now though, will the schools open in the fall?

This is the level player we need to be going after. Interestingly, SLU has no scholarship available for Francis Okoro or for a player transferring in from UNC Wilmington but Travis Ford will figure it out

Okoro had a tough year when his father unexpectedly died last December. Excellent roster addition for SLU.

https://www.stltoday.com/sports/college ... 01a07.html

The A-10 continues to get BIG. Add this kid to Bell and French? Wow.

Back to Pridgen - good player, probably worth an offer.
It may be that he was just able to bully players in the Patriot League and did not have to shoot that 3 much.
It does mean he can't shoot. I wish the staff could have him visit and work him out.

Back to Pridgen
Poor shooter
URI weakness past two years is shooting
Weak conference, terrible team at 3-29
Pridgen was ranked #58 in New England going to Holy Cross

We must do better. St Louis showing the way with Okoro

Go get Stanford Robinson and Iverson level players. Former Top 100 Players as SLU is doing with Okoro.

We don’t need roster filler. We need strong, top 4 team level players in A10. We need to compete with Saint Louis, Dayton, Richmond.

Think big.

On a somewhat Pridgeon related note to see a once king of the hill program with 3 wins and about to lose perhaps the only good player on the team is shocking and troubling.

Back to Rhody talk.

ramster wrote: ↑4 years ago Back to Pridgen
Poor shooter
URI weakness past two years is shooting
Weak conference, terrible team at 3-29
Pridgen was ranked #58 in New England going to Holy Cross

We must do better. St Louis showing the way with Okoro

Go get Stanford Robinson and Iverson level players. Former Top 100 Players as SLU is doing with Okoro.

We don’t need roster filler. We need strong, top 4 team level players in A10. We need to compete with Saint Louis, Dayton, Richmond.

Think big.

I have to comment that he looks quite a bit smoother than Long did on offense. The turnovers are the only statistical red flag for me but he was a freshman trying to do a lot. Some guys with potential fall through the cracks. If he can not play good defense than he is not worth the scholarship in my opinion but if he can play good defense he may be worth a scholarship. I will let Cox make the call on this one.

hrstrat57 wrote: ↑4 years ago On a somewhat Pridgeon related note to see a once king of the hill program with 3 wins and about to lose perhaps the only good player on the team is shocking and troubling.

Back to Rhody talk.

True. This is the school that would send players to the Celtics and proceed to win NBA Championships every year. Of course, getting that big guy out of SF helped....Even in my day they were damn good with Ronnie Perry and guys like Chris Potter and Michael Vicens.......sad.

ramster wrote: ↑4 years ago Back to Pridgen
Poor shooter
URI weakness past two years is shooting
Weak conference, terrible team at 3-29
Pridgen was ranked #58 in New England going to Holy Cross

We must do better. St Louis showing the way with Okoro

Go get Stanford Robinson and Iverson level players. Former Top 100 Players as SLU is doing with Okoro.

We don’t need roster filler. We need strong, top 4 team level players in A10. We need to compete with Saint Louis, Dayton, Richmond.

Think big.

Good thing we have two high major recruits coming with the twins then..

I got on a plane and went to our game against Maryland last year. Our guys started out hot, but clearly were overmatched. Prigden played against that same team as a freshman. He ended up with 12 pts on 6-9 shooting, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. I remember saying to myself how the hell did Holy Cross land a freshman like that. It reminded me of the first time I saw Eric Paschall play at Fordham.

It's one game, but the kid had a monster season and clearly has tremendous upside. I'd love to land him.

Yeah, he would be a great get. I'm not getting my hopes up too high with so many schools involved, but would love to see him take one of the remaining scholarships

How can anyone say they would pass on this kid? That take is asinine .

The only passing with this kid is when we need a free throw shooter. Otherwise I’m in.

DeanDome88 wrote: ↑4 years ago

ramster wrote: ↑4 years ago Back to Pridgen
Poor shooter
URI weakness past two years is shooting
Weak conference, terrible team at 3-29
Pridgen was ranked #58 in New England going to Holy Cross

We must do better. St Louis showing the way with Okoro

Go get Stanford Robinson and Iverson level players. Former Top 100 Players as SLU is doing with Okoro.

We don’t need roster filler. We need strong, top 4 team level players in A10. We need to compete with Saint Louis, Dayton, Richmond.

Think big.

I have to comment that he looks quite a bit smoother than Long did on offense. The turnovers are the only statistical red flag for me but he was a freshman trying to do a lot. Some guys with potential fall through the cracks. If he can not play good defense than he is not worth the scholarship in my opinion but if he can play good defense he may be worth a scholarship. I will let Cox make the call on this one.

I’ll let Cox make the call too.

DC_Rams wrote: ↑4 years ago How can anyone say they would pass on this kid? That take is asinine .

58% FT shooting in 160 FTs

He can’t shoot

He is only 6’5” and can’t shoot and his team was 3-29.

What is so great about him? I’m missing something.

I would take Pridgen over Antonio and Nelson any day of the week. If you want to talk about bad shooting than Nelson is your guy. He can’t shoot the three or foul shots. He stepped back last year. Antonio didn’t shoot great on a very average team and barely had any impact with one year left. He just takes minutes from younger players and doesn’t make us better. Pridgen has potential to grow and to flip it was able to produce with very little talent around him.

ramster wrote: ↑4 years ago

DC_Rams wrote: ↑4 years ago How can anyone say they would pass on this kid? That take is asinine .

58% FT shooting in 160 FTs

He can’t shoot

He is only 6’5” and can’t shoot and his team was 3-29.

What is so great about him? I’m missing something.

Dude, you can’t seriously be this short-sighted.

ramster wrote: ↑4 years ago

DC_Rams wrote: ↑4 years ago How can anyone say they would pass on this kid? That take is asinine .

58% FT shooting in 160 FTs

He can’t shoot

He is only 6’5” and can’t shoot and his team was 3-29.

What is so great about him? I’m missing something.

I think you're missing a lot.

Shot 55 percent from the field, 42 percent from 3. 17.4 points per game as a freshman. 67 assists. High turnovers, but he probably had to have the ball all the time because everyone else sucked. Teams still couldn't stop him! Not even Maryland where he shot 6-9 for 12 points 8 rebounds and had 3 assists.

He had two games with 30 points or more. Only five games under double figures scoring.

Look at the stats and watch the highlights, he's really damn good.

RamStock wrote: ↑4 years ago I would take Pridgen over Antonio and Nelson any day of the week. If you want to talk about bad shooting than Nelson is your guy. He can’t shoot the three or foul shots. He stepped back last year. Antonio didn’t shoot great on a very average team and barely had any impact with one year left. He just takes minutes from younger players and doesn’t make us better. Pridgen has potential to grow and to flip it was able to produce with very little talent around him.

What sticks out to me is that he isn't a volume scorer! He had to force the action and do a lot for his awful team, but didn't seem to force bad shots because his percentages are so good.

That bodes really well since he did that as a freshman.

Holy Cross had a new coach, who brought a different style of play with him. Someone said he is trying to run the Kentucky Derby with plow horses. It will get better as coach brings in guys better suited to play the style he envisions for the program. With that said, losing Pridgen definitely hurts.

ramster wrote: ↑4 years ago

DC_Rams wrote: ↑4 years ago How can anyone say they would pass on this kid? That take is asinine .

58% FT shooting in 160 FTs

He can’t shoot

He is only 6’5” and can’t shoot and his team was 3-29.

What is so great about him? I’m missing something.

Have you watched him or are you just looking at his stats? Just from the eye test what do you not like about his game?

When I watched him I saw a kid who knows exactly what his strengths are on the floor. He uses pump fakes and great footwork to trick his defenders. He finishes extremely well around the hoop and takes smart shots. He's constantly moving off the ball and keeping his defenders guessing. He's already very hard to defend and if he develops a 3 pt shot watch out... He'll obviously dip in production at a higher level but this kid is a good A10 player with potential to be great.