Gaels' Phillip Lawrence has Division I options
A summer spent in Pennsylvania was just what Phillip Lawrence needed to raise his profile.
Lawrence, a 6-foot-7, 180-pound forward from Mount St. Joseph, lived with his father in Philadelphia and spent the spring and summer on the circuit with Philly’s Finest.
“It went great,” Lawrence said Saturday after the Bmorehoops.com American All-Star Game at The Dome. “I had a great summer, I got a lot more looks, a couple offers. And the team was good overall. I played with Amile Jefferson.”
Playing on the same team with Jefferson – a five-star prospect and Scout.com’s No. 4 power forward in the 2012 class – ensured that Lawrence would be seen by plenty of Division I coaches. Lawrence made the most of that opportunity, particularly at the Summer Classic East in King of Prussia, Pa. The Gaels senior was named one of the "biggest stock risers" by Hoop Group Elite.
“[My role was] basically to run the floor, get rebounds, play defense and make my shots,” Lawrence said. “I’d go inside-outside, like a wing forward.”
Lawrence, who could play the 3 or the 4 in college, has picked up offers from Marist – where he was scheduled to make an unofficial visit today – and Radford. He has also received interest from Coppin State, Iona, Loyola, Rider, St. Bonaventure and a host of Ivy League schools.
A 3.5 student, Lawrence said he is “definitely” interested in playing in the Ivy League. He is taking an SAT prep course now and is shooting for a 1600 or better when he takes the test again this fall.
“I’ve visited Penn. I really like Penn,” Lawrence said. “Basically it’s Penn, Cornell, Princeton, Dartmouth [and] Yale. All those [schools] have been in contact.”
Patuxent photo of Phillip Lawrence by Drew Anthony Smith / Jan. 25, 2009
Comments
Phillip Lawrence has developed into a remarkable basketball player. His time spent not only in Philadelphia, but on Mt. St. Joseph's court under Coach Clathchey's watch has helped to shape Phillip's basketball skills. He should expect to get a lot more looks as he begins his Senior year at the MOUNT! Good Luck Phillip Lawrence!
Posted by: Watch that BALLER!!! | August 22, 2011 6:47 PM
Phillip Lawrence a quiet prospect to watch! He also played with Maryland 3D before going to visit his dad in Phila. He is back HOME in MARYLAND now and I look forward to his game at Mt. St Joe this fall. Hopefully he'll stay on the local circuit, Maryland needs more local talent at their Universities.
Posted by: Quiet Prospect | August 23, 2011 7:20 PM
Wow. Phillip Lawrence do your thing! It is all about 2012! Can't wait until you sign on the dotted line!
Posted by: Anonymous | August 23, 2011 7:26 PM
This kids hard work has paid off! Junior year was rough for this kid, but he never gave up! Mount Saint Joseph's game will be interesting again! Go Phillip Lawrence can't wait to see where he ends up!
Posted by: c.b. | August 24, 2011 10:17 PM