Two of those POY candidates are HS seniors - Franklin and Watford. They other two are 10th graders. Watford signed with Queens College, Charlotte, NC. Fowler is a 5'10 pg attending Byrnes HS, just over the county line in Spartanburg County. Leonard is a 6'6" wing from Florence. He has listed offers already from Clemson and South Carolina.
Fowler is third in the county in assists per game at around 12 per game. and has a flashy game highlight going around. He slips while driving to the hoop but somehow keeps his dribble alive, Globetrotter style,jumps back up, steps back and hits a game winning jumper. Someone to keep an eye on, especially because he is so close to campus
2025 Signing Class
Yes it is, not to mention the double dribble, but all good.
furpop16, Davemeister liked this
Anyone heard anything recently about the other 4 guys?
The players we signed are all playing mostly as we would expect based on the previous years.
We have mentioned Franklin already.
Alex Wilkins missed a few (4) games early in the season with a minor injury but has been very good since he came back. He scored 30 a few days ago and has been averaging in the 20s lately. He scored 18 per game last year. Looks good in his highlights that have been posted. His team struggled a bit when he was out but has been winning most of their games now that he is back.
Owen Ritger has also been a consistent scorer for a good team. Usually in the 20s in most games.
Colin O'Neal appears to be coming on strong his senior year. Leading his team in scoring most games. He was named best player in a recent tournament and has increased his scoring from last year.
Cole Bowser plays a lot for DeMatha HS, a very strong program, and looks like a shorter version of his brother. Lanky, slender, good athlete. He might be a candidate for a redshirt year. Could use a bit more muscle.
I expect Wilkins to be in the running for the starting job at the point. I think he chose the Paladins over the other 24 offers because he thinks so to. If Franklin comes in like the guy in the highlights he will be in the mix for playing time. Ritger reminds me of a cross between Geoff Beans and Matt Rafferty. I expect he will make a case for early playing time. O'Neal could make a case too. May depend on his shooting consistency. I htink Bowser will be good in time. As always it will depend on how fast the rookies can play defense and adapt to D1 ball. Most of these guys play against good HS competition and should be able to adapt to college ball.
FYI, Wren has a playoff game on 2/13
Will Baba start for us next season?
"Women, Wind, and Fortune change quickly."
I keep hearing Clemson is really coming after Franklin. What is keeping him from jumping ship if a team like Clemson offers him $500,000? Are any of the "signees" really signed?
From buddies or people that would actually know?
Also, would be interested to know if it's the coaching staff, or boosters with cash to burn.
It’s NIL money.RaleighDin wrote: ↑Fri Feb 14, 2025 4:08 pmFrom buddies or people that would actually know?
Also, would be interested to know if it's the coaching staff, or boosters with cash to burn.