Lacy pulls off signing surprise

There was bound to be a surprise or two on the final day for signing National Letters of Intent. Fitchburg (Mass.) Notre Dame Prep point guard Johnnie Lacy pulled off a pleasant surprise for one Big East school on Wednesday.

According to Notre Dame head coach Ryan Hurd, Lacy signed with Providence College.

"Johnnie had a great level of comfort with Keno Davis. He said that was one of the reasons why he signed with them. Keno is a really approachable guy and Johnny connected with that," Hurd said.

Lacy, the No. 110 ranked player in the class of 2009, was thought to be a late signee but the Wisconsin native decided he was ready to end his recruitment. Assistant coach Rodell Davis made a strong push to land Lacy early and won out in the end.

"We saw a lot of high level schools almost begging the kid to wait [to sign]," Hurd said. "But what you had in Providence was a group that said, 'Why wait? You are our guy that we want right now.' I think when you are kid, it's nice to be loved."

For Providence, Lacy gives the program a quick and athletic presence in the backcourt that can step into the void that will eventually be left by current star Sharaud Curry.

"Here's the thing. Johnnue is a unique talent for us. I'm really, really excited about him because he can play at a pace you can play at but the challenge is finding kids that play with him," Hurd said. "He's unbelievable with the ball in his hands. He sees the floor. Twice this year he's turned the corner and dunked on kids that are 6-5. No one saw it coming. He's got such a court presence. He's really well-rounded player. He's a unique talent."

Lacy joins an impressive first full recruiting class for Davis and his Providence staff. The Friars signed big man James Still, wing Kyle Wright, big man Kadeem Batts and wing Duke Mondy

Notre Dame guard Antoine Allen is committed to the school but he will sign in the spring, Hurd said.