Friartown got a major boost this week as head coach Kim English and the Providence Friars secured a key commitment from rising prospect Aiden Derkack. The mid-week announcement adds serious momentum to the program’s recruiting efforts and already sets the tone for the rapidly approaching upcoming season.
Aiden Derkack is a Top-50 wing in the 2026 class, typically ranked somewhere between 45 and 70 across most recruiting sites. Hailing from SPIRE Academy in Ohio, he’s listed anywhere from 6’5″ to 6’7″, so let’s split the difference and call him a solid 6’6″ for now. The versatile prospect just wrapped up a visit to Providence this past weekend, and clearly, Friartown made one heck of an impression.
On the court, Derkack brings a fiery competitiveness and relentless energy on both ends. He thrives around the rim, using a mix of crafty slashing, smart cutting, and high-level feel for the game to get buckets. His ability to make quick, decisive moves sets him apart, and as he continues to add strength, his already impressive footwork in traffic will become even more dangerous. He’s got great shiftiness and body control, and honestly, his finishing ability really reminds me of Ryan Mela coming out of Middlesex, a skill set of Mela’s that has clearly translated to the college level.
Derkack chose the Friars over a list of offers from programs that included the likes of Dayton, USC, Indiana, Maryland, Notre Dame, Oklahoma State, Rutgers, TCU, USF, & fellow Big East teams Creighton, Villanova, & Xavier. In the weeks leading up to his decision, he took visits to Dayton, USC, and most recently, Providence. His commitment marks the first pledge in Providence’s 2026 recruiting class, and if Kim English’s recent recruiting success is any indication, this could be the start of yet another standout class for the Friars.
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