I spoke with Josh Friar for a few minutes this week for a story that will be in tomorrow’s paper.
Friar is one of those high-risk, high reward prospects. His high school coach told me that he has a Big 12 frame 6-8 at and a Big 12 ceiling. He just doesn’t have Big 12-level skills yet.
Friar played on the JV team at Kingwood as a freshman and sophomore, but didn’t play as a junior due some off-the-court issues that are now resolved.
When it comes down to it, he just doesn’t have a lot of game experience and needs to develop his skills.
Coaches were interested due to his potential. Tony Benford and his staff developed a good relationship with Friar and wrapped him up early.
More than just about any prospect I can remember, Friar’s development will be worth watching his senior year. He could be a steal or a bust. It all depends on the way he progresses this year at Kingwood and in the years to come.
UNT has had some pretty big success stories when it comes to developing big guys — Quincy Williams — and some pretty big busts who I won’t name.
UNT was always good at developing post players in the Johnny Jones era. Jones was a guard-first coach. Benford is a post-first coach, or at least that is my feeling from talking to him. I can’t imagine with his background that he won’t be able to develop some good guys down low.
This much is for certain. He’s loading up with some guys who have the size to be impact players in the paint with Friar, Tony Nunn, Anthony Norris and Keith Coleman.