St. Anthony Gets Two More Transfers
The Friars have Added two Players from Life Center Academy
Jun 28, 2008
After receiving frontcourt help in the form of AAU teammates Devon Collier and Ashton Pankey in April, St. Anthony keeps improving their roster after losing six seniors to Division 1 colleges last year. Eli Carter and Derrick Williams have both joined the Friars, transferring from Life Center Academy.
Both Carter and Williams will start classes at St. Anthony in September, but will most likely have to sit out the first 30 days of the season. They have already joined the team, playing in the Hoop Group Showcase at Rutgers and in the Hamilton Park Summer League with St. Anthony.
Carter can play either guard spot for head coach Bob Hurley. He sees the floor well, and likes to spread the ball around to his teammates. The junior guard offers the Friars a much needed three-point threat. He will have the opportunity to get major minutes this upcoming season after the Friars graduated Jio Fontan, Mike Rosario, Tyshawn Taylor and Travon Woodall. Returning guards Devon McCloud, Willie Vaughn and sophomore Jordan Quick will also be in the mix. As well as potential All-American Dominic Cheek, who will play on the wing.
One of the reasons Carter transferred to St. Anthony was because of the guard-oriented offense. “I like how the guards get to play,” Carter said.
Carter enters a great situation for any guard. St. Anthony’s frontcourt promises to be one of the best in the state next season. Pankey and Collier are two big men from New York City that make the Friars front court a dangerous one. Returning from last season’s squad is 6’6 forward Jamee Jackson. Jackson is an unselfish and hardworking player that performed well as AJ Rogers’ backup a year ago. Carter is excited to play with Jackson.
“I really enjoy playing with him,” Carter said. “Jamee keeps getting better; his best basketball is still ahead of him.”
Williams is a powerful big man with a linebacker’s body. Williams' strength makes him difficult to defend near the rim. He can dominate in the post, but he is also a threat to step back and hit a jumper. Even with a crowded frontcourt, Williams is sure to make a huge impact for St. Anthony and coach Hurley.
The transition to the Jersey City school should not be that difficult for the two newcomers. Life Center played a very difficult schedule last season. They faced their future team, St. Anthony, as well as American Christian (PA), St. Benedict’s Prep, St. Patrick’s and Oak Hill Academy (VA.)
Carter believes he can help St. Anthony defend the state title. After noting that Paterson Catholic and St. Patrick will be tough matchups, Carter said that the goal is to win the state championship. “If we play hard and play good defense, we can win the championship.”
For a look at last season's St. Anthony team, read The 2008 St. Anthony Friars.
