PC Journal: Friars feed off Cartwright's energy

PROVIDENCE — Throughout the start of this season, sophomore guard Kyron Cartwright has been an outspoken fan of the benefits of playing alongside Kris Dunn. 

After Saturday’s 83-65 win over St. John’s, Dunn returned the favor. For the opening seven minutes of the game, the Friars were listless yet again. Slow starts have become a bit of an issue between coach Ed Cooley and his team. That’s when he turned to Cartwright and the 6-foot (maybe) guard quickly turned on the jets and ignited his teammates.

“Kyron did an amazing job. He really picked up the pace and got everybody involved,” said Dunn. “Our game is trying to rebound and get out in transition because we’re a fast team.” 

Dunn and Cartwright personify that speed. They push the ball hard and can create scoring chances for both themselves or teammates who run the lanes with them. That duo finished the first half with 20 of the team’s 43 points. 

“We play a lot together and go at each other in practice every day,” Dunn said. “We know how to feed off each other.” 

Cooley pointed out that all of the buzz and notoriety surrounding his team’s 14-1 start and No. 12 national ranking is new to everyone not only on his roster but the entire PC athletic department. He’s working to keep his players focused on the next opponent but admits getting the team up and running out of the gate needs improvement. 

“We’re one of the youngest teams in the league,” Cooley said. “We have to come out of the gates a little bit faster and that’s on me. I need to do a better job of coaching our guys and getting them ready. 

Liking what he sees 

Chris Mullin spent parts of the last decade evaluating talent for the Golden State Warriors. His first in-person look at PC’s Dunn was an eye-opener. 

“He’s a very good player,” Mullin said. “He’s quick, he can post up. He has the total package. He’s an impressive player. He’s big-time.” 

Mullin said he was also impressed with his team’s fight, a trait the undermanned Red Storm will need while fighting the Big East wars. 

“I thought our team battled,” he said. “We got down and didn’t give up. Overall I liked our effort and competitiveness.” 

Cooley said he expects similar tough battles, no matter who the opponent is the rest of the season. 

“The league is tough, no matter who you play. Every night is going to be a dogfight,” he said. “There are no easy nights in the Big East. Our league is as healthy as it’s been. We have great players and great coaches competing at an elite level. Our kids are hungry, other teams are hungry. You have to be mentally and physically tough.” 

Around the rim 

The Friars are actively chasing frontcourt help for next season and welcomed one of the prime targets for the game. Taurean Thompson, a 6-foot-9 forward from New Jersey who plays at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, sat behind the bench. Thompson is also being sought by Syracuse, Seton Hall and Pittsburgh. … Also on an unofficial visit with Thompson was Tomas Murphy, the 6-8 South Kingstown native who is a junior at Northfield Mt. Hermon. … PC missed 10 free throws, prompting Cooley to crack, “I was the free-throw coach today. I’m going to have to fire the free-throw coach.”…The Friars honored the family of Donovan Lindo before the game. Lindo had become close to the PC team and even was a guest of Cooley’s at some away games in recent years. Lindo, a 16-year old from North Attleboro, died last month from a rare form of epilepsy. “We thought about him the whole game,” Cooley said. “I know he helped us win today.”