ESPN.com - How Lawrence helps Cincinnati

ESPN.com: College Basketball Rumors

Monday, February 4, 2013
How Lawrence helps Cincinnati

By Matt Giles

Though almost nothing is certain in the college basketball recruiting world, many seemed confident that Jermaine Lawrence would eventually commit to St. John's. It was surprising, then, that Lawrence, a 6-foot-9 forward who is from the NYC-area, decided to commit to Cincinnati over the weekend. We will discuss what Lawrence's decision means for Cincy, but first, St. John's does not have any 2013 recruits committed to the Queens-based program. There is a chance that Jakarr Sampson and D'Angelo Harrison both declare for the NBA draft following the season, which would leave the Johnnies with a hole in the frontcourt -- Sampson is the only Red Storm big capable of putting the ball on the floor from fifteen feet out and get to the bucket -- and on the perimeter. Harrison has worked hard on his mid-range game, and now has an offensive profile that includes pull-up shots and jumpers in the lane.

For the Bearcats, this news continues to reaffirm the pipeline Mick Cronin and his staff, particularly Darren Savino, has built to the Big Apple. Jermaine Sanders, Sean Kilpatrick, and Lance Stephenson are several Cincinnati players who are New York natives. While Lawrence hasn't played much in the past several months due to a hand injury, ESPN's Reggie Rankin has an in-depth look at how he helps the squad.

Reggie Rankin

Lawrence boosts Cincy's transition game

"[Lawrence] has tremendous athletic ability and versatility. He excels in transition, where he is an above-the-rim finisher and spot-up shooter with 3-point range ... Lawrence can rebound on the defensive glass and ignite the break and also hit the offensive glass ... Lawrence immediately makes the Bearcats' fast break a more lethal weapon because of his ability to run the floor and finish or accept the advance pass for an open 3."