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Providence continues to add to a loaded recruiting class with forward Ben Bentil

Ed Cooley

Providence head coach Ed Cooley thanks fans after defeating Robert Morris 77-68 in a second-round NIT college basketball game in Providence, R.I., Monday, March 25, 2013. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)

AP

Ed Cooley continues to load up on talent in the Class of 2014 as the Providence head coach today earned a commitment from Ben Bentil, a 6-foot-8 forward from St. Andrew’s (DE).

Bentil, who tweeted out his decision on Monday afternoon, picked the Friars over Temple and Miami, among others.

Bentil is a powerful, 6-foot-8 forward that ranks 81st in the Class of 2014, according to Rivals. He’s got the strength and athleticism to play in the post in the Big East, and he plays a tough, physical brand of basketball. His skill level is slowly improving as well, as he can handle the ball a little bit and knock down a jumper, with time and space, out to about 17 or 18 feet.

Cooley is putting together quite a class in 2014. Bentil joins 7-foot-1 Pascal Chukwu and 6-foot-7 wing Jalen Lindsay, all of whom should fit in quite well playing together. Bentil’s physicality should compliment the lithe Chukwu, while Lindsay is a wing known for his versatility.

The future is bright for the Friars, as Cooley has completely overhauled the talent in his program. Providence has a chance to make the NCAA tournament this season, although with the likes of juniors LeDontae Henton and Carson Desrosiers, sophomore Tyler Harris and a now-healthy Kris Dunn, and freshman Brandon Austin scheduled to be back, they may be better in 2014-2015.

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