Providence Basketball: 2017-18 season preview

Starters

Kyron Cartwright– Cartwright is Providence’s best player and the main offensive catalyst. The lefty PG showed major improvements as the full-time starter, averaging 11.4 ppg and 6.7 apg as a junior compared to 5.9 ppg and 4.0 apg as a sophomore. His 6.7 apg ranked fourth nationally which shows his skill as a distributor. Cartwright significantly improved his outside jumper to the point where he is a consistent threat (31 makes at 39%) but does most of his damage inside the arc. He has excellent speed which he uses to thrive in transition, but also to create space in the half-court. Cartwright had an amazing junior season, but he could be in store for an even better senior season.

Alpha Diallo– Diallo is the X-factor for the Friars and averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.2 rpg in his freshman season. The 6’7’’ wing entered the starting lineup in the middle of conference play and provided a major boost down the stretch. Diallo is an excellent defender and can guard multiple positions due to his length and versatility. He can also use his size advantage to score over smaller wings around the basket. Even though Diallo struggles to shoot from the perimeter (24% 3pt), his solid free throw percentage (74%) suggests that he can become a capable long-range threat. Diallo can create for others, especially from the middle of the zone, which makes him a solid secondary playmaker.

Jalen Lindsey– Lindsey improved by leaps and bounds between his sophomore and junior seasons. His scoring increased from 7.0 ppg to 10.4 ppg, but, most importantly, his three-point shooting skyrocketed from 27% to 46%. Lindsey is also the team’s best defender and does an excellent job of using his size and length (6’7,’’ 220 pounds) to harass the opposing team’s best perimeter scorer. While he made some strides last season, Lindsey still struggles to create his own shot which limits him offensively. If he can put the ball on the floor more effectively, you may start seeing Lindsey on NBA Draft boards as he is the prototypical 3 and D wing.

Rodney Bullock– Bullock had a wildly inconsistent junior season but still led Providence in scoring (15.7 ppg) and rebounding (6.4 rpg). The 6’8’’ combo forward was often Providence’s go-to guy on offense as he could score in a variety of ways. Bullock excelled around the basket where he could post up smaller defenders and score with push shots and baby hooks. He also can face up and straight-line drive from the high post and from the perimeter with his killer pump fake. Bullock is a very streaky three-point shooter and, while his percentage is a little low (32%), opposing defenses must account for him. If Bullock can add more consistency and more aggressiveness to his game, he will be among the best players in the Big East.

Emmitt Holt– Holt will be the starting center for the second straight year if he is healthy. Here is an in-depth look at Emmitt Holt’s injury and the options to replace him.

Holt is a skilled big man who can score both inside and out. He is adept inside and has an array of post moves, but also can stretch the floor in the pick-and-pop. Holt has a quickness advantage over most centers which he uses to attack the basket and get to the free throw line. He averaged 12.5 ppg and 5.4 rpg last season. With Holt out, Kalif Young should be the opening day starter at center and his game will be analyzed in the “Reserves” section.