The Providence Friars secured a verbal commitment from Kris Dunn (New London, Conn./New London), the top remaining point guard, during an unofficial visit Wednesday.
"Providence is a special place for me," Dunn said. "I have a great connection with the coaches but most importantly with [coach Ed Cooley]. He made my family and I feel at home and like we were wanted." Cooley, according to Dunn, attended every one his AAU games in July.
The 6-foot-3 point guard, rated No. 30 overall in the 2012 class and No. 2 point guard, is arguably the biggest addition to the program since 1995, when the Friars signed God Shammgod. In the history of Friars basketball, Providence has signed just three McDonald's All-Americans (Shammgod, Michael Smith and Delray Brooks). As one of the nation's best point guards, Dunn warrants serious consideration for the game.
Next season, the Friars will have an electric lead guard who possesses the ability to get into the lane and make plays. Hard to guard and equally difficult on defenders, Dunn possesses arguably the most long-term potential of any point guard in the class.
The ascension of Dunn up the ranks in the 2012 class began in the spring. During an AAU tournament in Little Rock, Ark., Dunn erupted onto the national scene. He closed the summer with a strong performance in Las Vegas and cemented his status as a must-sign recruit for Providence, Louisville or Georgetown. Connecticut offered him prior to the start of July but did not follow up with him in August.
Cooley, the local product turned Friars coach, recruited Dunn when he was the head coach at Fairfield. He stuck with Dunn, and now Dunn has returned the favor.
"I think [Cooley] is a great man who will show me how to become a better player," Dunn said. "I can't wait to play with the players and get things rolling."
Dave Telep is the senior basketball recruiting analyst for ESPN.com. His college basketball scouting service is used by more than 225 colleges and numerous NBA teams. He can be reached at espndt@gmail.com. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter.