Former New London High School standout Kris Dunn is expected to make his long-awaited college basketball debut for Providence College on Dec. 18 against Colgate.

That's according to Dunn's father, John Seldon, who updated his son's status during a phone conversation on Thursday.

"Definitely, he's going to play against Colgate," Seldon said.

Dunn, a McDonald's All-American at guard, has been recovering from shoulder surgery since July. He's made gradual progress, increasing his activity level to the point where he could practice with the team this fall.

Seldon talked with Dunn on the phone on Tuesday and spoke with his son's doctor Wednesday. The doctor recommended that Dunn sit out the URI game Thursday, giving him more time to strength his shoulder before playing a game.

"(The doctor) said Kris is strong," Seldon said. "He healed quickly. He said just wait one more game."

The short-handed Friars (7-2) will certainly welcome the addition of Dunn, who was projected to be an important part of the rotation before suffering his injury.

When Dunn finally sees action, he will be the second former Eastern Connecticut Conference player to play in the Big East this season. Norwich Free Academy graduate R.J. Evans is a reserve guard for UConn.

- Gavin Keefe