BY DONALD HUNT
RHODE ISLAND, --It’s always good to have a player up front who can score, rebound, and play defense on a consistent basis. That’s what Ed Croswell has given the Providence College Friars’ basketball team. Croswell, a St. Joseph’s Prep product, is averaging 10.8 points and 6.7 rebounds a game this season.
The 6-8, 240-pound senior forward, was a key player on last season’s Providence team that posted a 27-6 record, which included a trip to the NCAA Sweet 16. The Friars are off to a pretty good start with a 6-3 mark. Croswell has been a major contributor to this year’s team.
“Obviously, my role has gotten a lot bigger this year,” Croswell said. “Coaches depend on me to be a leader and help these guys get to the next level. I do whatever needs to be done to help this team.”
Croswell recently earned the Big East honor roll recognition for his scoring and rebounding prowess. He credits Friars head coach Ed Cooley and assistant coach Jeff Battle and Philly basketball greats like Randy Monroe and Horace Owens for his success.
“I’ve definitely improved,” Croswell said. It’s all about the work and putting in the reps. My coaches have been a big help. Coach Cooley gets me to compete at my best every day. Jeff Battle (former Dobbins’ star) that’s my guy. I’m from 27th and Allegheny (Avenue). Dobbins is right down the street. I could walk to Dobbins from my house. That’s how close it is. The connection here is how close he is to [Horace] “Pappy” Owens (former Dobbins’ basketball star) and Randy Monroe (former St. Joseph’s Prep assistant coach) who is like a father figure to me. Those connections that I knew when I was young. I’m happy to have them.”
Croswell was an All-Catholic League standout at St. Joseph’s Prep. He led the Hawks to the semifinals of the PIAA Class 6A tournament. In 2017, he was one of the top high school players in the city.
“My mom helped me to go to St. Joe Prep,” Croswell said. “She put me in good hands and led me in the right direction. I met Randy Monroe and Speedy Morris, (former St. Joseph’s Prep head coach) and they helped me with my lifetime connections.”
Croswell started his college career at La Salle University. After two seasons, he decided to transfer to Providence. During his two years with the Explorers, he played against point guard Jared Bynum at Saint Joseph’s University. La Salle and Saint Joseph’s are Big 5 and Atlantic 10 rivals. Bynum like Croswell transferred to Providence where both are team members.
“I played against him and now we’re on the same team,” Croswell said. “We’re really close and connected. He had a breakout season last year.”
Croswell is hoping the Friars will make another run to the NCAA tournament.
“We have a better offensive team than last year,” he said.
Providence College senior forward Ed Croswell in game vs. RIder. (photo/ Providence College Athletics)
2018 St. Joe's Prep graduate Ed Croswell (photo/ Zamani Feelings for PSD)
“We just have to lock down on defense. We have the camaraderie. We’re having fun. We just go out there and compete. We got to start stacking games and getting wins in a row. I got high hopes for this team. I think we can do well.”