Providence's Junior Lomomba Won't Return for 5th Year

The Providence Friars are losing an experienced backcourt player who had a year left of eligibility. No, I'm not referring to Kris Dunn who is off to the 2016 NBA Draft. Providence announced on Wednesday that Junior Lomomba would graduate from Providence and pursue his options elsewhere. Lomomba came to Providence after one season at Cleveland State. He played 66 games for the Friars, including starting all 35 last season. Lomomba was also a team captain during the 2015-16 season. The Montreal native was part of a Big East Championship team during the year he sat as a transfer at Providence and was a key role player on the last two of Providence's NCAA Tournament teams.

"We want to wish Junior all the best in his future plans," Providence Head Coach Ed Cooley said in the release sent out by the school. "Junior provided so much to the program over the last three seasons. His leadership and work ethic were integral to our team's success. We appreciate all his contributions to Friar basketball."

"I want to thank my coaching staff and Providence College for allowing me to come in and perform on the basketball court as well as in my academics," Lomomba said. "I also want to thank my teammates and all of our supporters. My three years at Providence College have been some of the best years of my life as I have seen myself grow into a man. I've had the opportunity to build relationships that go far beyond basketball. For those reasons I will forever be a Friar. However, as I'm graduating, I have decided to explore other opportunities that would benefit both my family and me. I am looking forward to facing new challenges in my future endeavors."

This move now frees up a scholarship for Cooley as he continues to recruit for next season after getting a commitment from junior college forward Emmitt Holt on Tuesday. Providence is in hot pursuit of Brewster Academy wing Alpha Diallo and they are also looking to add more size to the frontline with Orangeville Prep big man Kalif Young. Diallo appears to be down to Providence and Oklahoma State, while Young has yet to take any visits after having to re-schedule his trip to Alabama earlier this week.