Providence (21-14, 10-10 Big East)
In Kim English’s first year, the Friars had their third straight 20-win season and edged their way into The Associated Press Top 25 for two weeks. They went 3-5 against ranked teams, including two losses to national champion UConn and two to Marquette. This year’s team is without its top two scorers from last season, Big East player of the year Devin Carter and Josh Oduro. But Bryce Hopkins returns from an ACL injury that ended his season in January.
Players to watch
Hopkins was named to the preseason All-Big East team for the second straight year after averaging 15.5 points and 8.6 rebounds last season before tearing his ACL in January.
Transfer Wesley Cardet Jr., a 6-foot-6 swingman, averaged 18.7 points and 4.5 rebounds at Chicago State last season. There are three freshmen: forward Ryan Mela from Massachusetts, guard Nilavan Daniels from St. Louis and forward Oswin Erunmwunse from Nigeria.
Departures and arrivals
Carter was the Big East player of the year before becoming the No. 13 overall pick in the NBA Draft, going to Sacramento. Oduro, who averaged 15.9 points and 7.5 rebounds, graduated and got a tryout with the New Orleans Pelicans. Starting guard Ticket Gaines also used up his eligibility.
There are four transfers. In addition to Cardet, Georgia graduate forward Jabri Abdur-Rahim and Miami point guard Bensley Joseph and St. Joseph’s 7-footer Christ Essandoko could crack the starting lineup.
Top games
The season opens against Central Connecticut on Nov. 4. The Friars visit defending champion UConn on Jan. 5 and the Huskies come to Providence on March 1. Former coach Ed Cooley visits with Georgetown on Jan. 25.
Facts and figures
It’s the 98th season of Friars basketball. … English was the first coach ever to win 20 games in his first season on the Friars bench. … Returning guard Jayden Pierre averaged 9.5 points and 3.2 assists last season. … A year after setting a home attendance record with an average of 11,113 fans, the Friars have sold out season tickets for the second straight season. … Providence hosts the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament in March.
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