PROVIDENCE – Given that Providence College has two wins in as many tries with Geoff McDermott running the show, one has to wonder why the switch wasn’t made any sooner.
On the heels of collecting nearly his second double-double in a Friar uniform Sunday in Cincinnati, McDermott manned the point to the tune of 12 points, nine rebounds and five assists as PC knocked off No. 13 UConn Thursday night to keep its Big East Tournament hopes very much alive.
The junior forward, who has made it a habit of stuffing the stat sheet, also added four blocks and two steals.
The five turnovers can be overlooked, mainly because the ball was in McDermott’s hands for virtually all 39 minutes. The point, literally, is that there appears some stability at a position that has been Providence’s downfall for much of the winter, what with Sharaud Curry (foot) and Dwain Williams (high ankle sprain) both shelved.
For McDermott, the switch brings back fond memories.
“That’s my natural position; I played it at [New Rochelle High School],” said McDermott, who ranks sixth in the Big East with a 4.68 assist average.
PC coach Tim Welsh decided on moving McDermott during the seven-day break the Friars had leading into the overtime win over the Bearcats. The move really hit home when on the flight to Cincinnati, when McDermott spotted Welsh’s copy of Sports Illustrated, which just so happened to feature Jason Kidd on the cover.
“They were saying to be like Kidd out there, and they showed me the magazine,” said McDermott.
“He’s the best guy to do it,” said Welsh. “He has a lot of court savvy.”
After witnessing too many games of his players looking at each other, wondering just who was going to bring the ball up, Welsh has seen a calmer group of Friars the past few times out. The group that has benefited the most has been the perimeter players, Jeff Xavier, Brian McKenzie and Weyinmi Efejuku.
No longer does the trio have to worry about who Welsh designates to bring the ball up, which was reflective in the 53 points McKenzie, Efejuku and Xavier combined for against the Huskies.
“There’s been a lot of pressure taken off those guys,” said McDermott. “They have to worry about coming off screens and making shots.”
“Our offense has really worked the last two games,” said Xavier. “We’ve got three scorers running out there.”
Some sacrifices have been made, for PC surrendered 20 or more offensive rebounds for the second straight game. That number will hardly seem as imposing, however, if the Friars continue to flourish with McDermott manning the offense.  
“Coach said we were starting a new season, and so far we’re 2-0,” said McDermott.

Gutting it out
Xavier, the Pawtucket native, continues to plug along despite being hampered by a stress fracture in his foot, an injury that requires the guard to remain in a protective boot the day following a game.
Xavier hasn’t been able to practice much, if at all, in recent weeks, which makes his on-court numbers even more impressive. He collected 21 points on 6-of-16 shooting to along with five assists.
“I just watch practice and shoot free throws,” said Xavier. “The thing that hurts the most is my timing with my shot.”
What impressed Welsh the most was the five steals Xavier amassed.
“He comes out of nowhere,” said Welsh. “I haven’t seen that since John Linehan.”
 
Been around the world
One of the highest ranked unsigned 2008 prospects sat behind the PC bench last night in Ater Majak. The 6-foot-10 forward originally committed to Baylor last fall, but quickly pulled out.
Born in the Sudan, Majak moved to Egypt before making his way to Australia. He is also believed to have strong interest in Maryland. He was expected to make an official visit to  Connecticut last weekend, but one industry source believes that will now take place over the next few days.
Currently Providence doesn’t have any open scholarships for next season, which begs the question just how Majak would be squeezed into the fold. 
***
RIM RATTLERS: The series that makes absolutely no sense: PC has won the last three times on Connecticut’s home floor, the last two coming in Hartford. Conversely, the Huskies have owned the Friars in Providence. UConn has won four straight and seven of the last eight meetings in the Capital City. ... In keeping with the honoring the past-laced weekend, the highlight being the honoring of Jimmy Walker, Ernie DiGregorio and Marvin Barnes, an alumni basketball game will take place at The Dunk prior to Saturday’s home finale vs. Villanova. The event is not open to the public, but video from the game will be streamed live and will be available on www.friars.com. Among the commitments include Kevin Stacom, Otis Thorpe, Delray Brooks, Joe Hassett, Carlton Screen, Eric Murdock and Dickey Simpkins.