Interview with Providence transfer Forward Ed Croswell

After two very productive years of college ball at LaSalle University, Ed Croswell hit the transfer portal and will be taking his talents to the Big East to play for Providence College. In an interview with Ed he breaks down what went into the transfer, his ability to dominate the glass, and what his playing days at Providence could be looking like.

Q: "Ed, thanks for taking some time to talk with the Beef Up Front. What has quarantine life been like for you, and have you been able to get in the gym at all?"

A: "Quarantine has been good. I have been able to spend more time with my family and it feels like I’m back in high school. I have been working out 6 days a week. I do conditioning with Coach Tone and I get on the court and work out."

Q: "During your high school years you attended St.Joseph’s Prep, and played under legendary coach Speedy Morris. Can you explain what playing for Coach Morris was like?"

A: "Playing for coach Speedy was a great experience and it helped position me for college and what to expect from coaching. It felt like every game I played I was playing for something bigger than myself. Coach was very passionate on the court and a great person off the court. The time I spent at the prep also helped me in the classroom in college making my transition easier."

Q: "How do you feel playing your high school years in the Philadelphia Catholic League prepared you for the college level?"

A: "In certain ways this did help me from a mental standpoint. It helped me build mental toughness and being ready to compete every night."

Q: "In your two years at LaSalle you were one of the best rebounding big men in the A-10 conference. Can you describe how you constantly found a way to dominate the glass?"

A: "There is no secret to it. It’s just about positioning and reaction to the ball. You just have to want it more the anyone else in the court."

Q: "After two years of pretty substantial playing time at LaSalle, you hit the transfer portal. What was the reasoning behind that?"

A: "My parents just wanted me in a better situation where I can get better and continue to develop on and off the court."

Q: "After deciding to transfer, you committed to Providence. What was the recruiting process like in light of the pandemic, and were you ever able to visit campus?"

A: "The pandemic slows everything down. I was in the process of planning visits but it didn’t stop Providence from recruiting and showing me a virtual tour of the school and getting other players to explain their experience. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to visit Providence."

Q: "Ed Cooley is regarded as one of the best coaches in the country. What are his plans for you once you start playing for the Friars?"

A: "His plans for me are to bring me to first bring in rebounding and toughness. He wants me to play in the pinch post and low post area at the 4 position. Also bring leadership from my experience in college."

Q: "The A-10 is always a very competitive league, but the Big East is another level. How do you feel your game will translate to having success up at Providence in a higher level of college ball?"

A: "I will be great in the Big East. My talents will translate through hard work and studying the game. This next year I get to sit out and add more tools to my game and get bigger and stronger. I will be great at Providence."

Q: "In basketball today it is becoming more and more important for the big man to be able to knock down the three point shot. In your college career you haven’t made a three pointer yet. Is that something you are trying to develop to make you a more versatile player?"

A: "Like I said this sit out year will help me develop my skills and add a consistent jump shot to my game."

Q: "Ed, I appreciate you answering these questions and I have one more to ask. How do you envision the rest of your college career shaping out and projecting your professional career going forward?"

A: "I want to be a winner in college. I want to win the Big East and play in the tournament. I want to be the best forward in college basketball first before starting thinking about playing professional. The better my team does I will have more opportunities to play professionally after college."