Freshman Focus is an A10talk series that takes a look at some of the incoming freshman for the upcoming 2016-17 season.We take a closer look at some of the more talented first year players who will take the court for the first time next season.
Player Profile
Though La Salle’s 2016-17 focus is certainly on the plethora of incoming transfers John Giannini has added, we can’t forget about some solid freshman that will make immediate impacts to this program. The 6-4, 210 lb. shooting guard Saul Phiri out of Haverhill, Maryland has some serious game, and he’ll add to an already lethal Explorer backcourt this coming season. Phiri comes from Putnam Science Academy, the alma mater of Dayton point guard Scoochie Smth and Fordham incoming freshman Chuba Ohams.
Saul Phiri boasts the ability to fill it up from deep in a hurry, knocking down shots from all over the floor. This should be huge for the Explorers whose 33.6% team shooting percentage from downtown ranked 223rd in the nation last season. Getting to the rim seems to be no issue for Phiri, as he has both the body and the handles to maneuver through the lane with ease. Given his complete skill set as a guard and an offensive player, Saul Phiri could become La Salle’s go-to shooting guard in a couple of seasons.
Potential Impact
With all of the outside talent La Salle is bringing in and returning, it’s tough to see Saul Phiri getting a ton of minutes this coming season. He’ll likely see some court time, but the Explorers have a lot of backcourt options, especially at the 2. Jordan Price and Cleon Roberts will both be finishing up their senior seasons this year, so expect them to take the majority of the minutes in the backcourt. Saul Phiri could redshirt this coming season, but he’s definitely capable and ready to become an impact player in Philly. Give him a couple of seasons, and he could turn into a real star in the Atlantic 10.
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