The final regular season game provided a clear and straightforward analogy.
In the Big East, Connecticut is establishing a dominant standard. Ahead of the Huskies at Amica Mutual Pavilion, Providence got out to a quick start before fading away in the last 16 minutes of the first half.
The Friars have made it clear that they want to compete for more than just conference titles. They need to catch up to that monster at the top of the conference, and after losing to Boston College 62-57 on Tuesday night in the NIT, the job has already begun.
After this day, this final game, college basketball used to kind of go through a low period, according to Providence coach Kim English. But the game is on. I’m looking forward to the upcoming season.
Josh Oduro and Ticket Gaines are about to go. Devin Carter could as well; the league’s Player of the Year must choose whether to declare for the NBA Draft. The shooting guard is a fantastic example of character and player growth, thus his success should be one of English’s main recruitment pitches.
“Being the most humble guy in the NBA would be my advice to him if he does decide to go,” English stated. Attend work each day as though it were your last. That would make for a fantastic way of thinking for around twelve years.
What’s the plan for Bryce Hopkins?
After missing the previous 21 games due to a left knee injury, Bryce Hopkins plans to make a comeback. If he could replicate his 2022–2023 form, Providence would have a solid foundation right away. Prior to that tragic night against Seton Hall, Hopkins struggled with his perimeter shooting, but his output in terms of points and rebounds as well as his defensive presence couldn’t be adequately replaced.
Hopkins’ next task is to imbue this team with his own identity. After English was given a technical foul against Creighton during the conference tournament, he remained a steady presence on the sidelines. Following a foul call halfway through the first half of Madison Square Garden’s 78-73 upset victory, English was on fire.
“Bryce actually was the one who got me to move on,” English said. “He said, ‘Yo, calm down. We need you.’ That got my attention — no one else in our program. I told him that. I shared that story with his parents.
“He’s just scratching the surface with how incredible a leader he can be. I think he’s really ready to take the next step.”
Who else will be back for the Friars?
Long amounts of time have been spent by Friar fans with Jayden Pierre, Corey Floyd Jr., Rich Barron, Garwey Dual, and Rafael Castro. The group that goes unnoticed behind the scenes is one that English hopes to grow. This group consists of a midyear transfer big man, another player recovering from a long-term knee ailment, and a possible redshirt who saw only nine minutes of action in three games.
“Justyn Fernandez, Anton Bonke, Eli DeLaurier — it’s on right now,” English said. “They’ve got two weeks. I’m really excited to reload this roster and get to work with them in the spring and summer.”
Providence figures to have the program and financial backing to be active in the transfer portal. The Friars will need immediate, veteran contributors to supplement their current potential returners — any departure by Carter would leave the roster without three of its top five scorers and three of its four leading rebounders. English ticked off a list of characteristics he’s seeking — toughness, humility, work ethic, selflessness, defensive will, shooting touch, winning DNA and “people who want to be Friars.”
“Every single person who touches this program is all-in on us,” English said. “It allows me just to coach basketball and build this team. That bleeds into the fans.
“The fans are behind us at a level I’ve never seen. That’s my favorite part.”
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