Providence Basketball: 2017-18 season preview
Non-Conference Schedule
Nov 13 Minnesota
Nov 16-17 2k Classic (Washington, Saint Louis, Virginia Tech)
First round vs Washington
Nov 22 Belmont
Nov 25 Boston College
Dec 2 @ URI
Dec 20 (N) Houston
Providence has a solid non-conference slate with three potential top 50 teams. This schedule gives the Friars some margin for error because they have multiple opportunities to grab a coveted quality win in the early portion of the season.
Their first chance comes on Nov. 13 when Minnesota comes to Providence as part of the Gavitt Games. Minnesota should be a top 15 team lead by senior lead guard Nate Mason and sophomore wing Amir Coffey. The Golden Gopher defense is anchored by one of the best rim protectors in the country, Reggie Lynch. This will be an extremely difficult game for Providence, but, playing at The Dunk, could give the Friars the edge.
If Providence gets by Washington, which they should, they will square off against the winner of Saint Louis and Virginia Tech. While SLU should be a solid NIT caliber team, playing Virginia Tech would give Providence another crack at a top 50 win. The Hokies are very thin inside but have a collection of talented and experienced guards in Justin Robinson, Ahmed Hill, and Justin Bibbs. Small ball PF Chris Clarke is a key piece for Virginia Tech and, if he is healthy, this potential game will go down to the wire.
Lastly, playing @ URI will give Providence its third opportunity at a signature win. URI is a top 30-35 team, but beating the Rams on the road will be a major boost to Providence’s resume. The Rams have many senior standouts including guards EC Matthews and Jared Terrell, but look for Cyril Langevine to have a breakout season at the center position.
Providence will also play Houston at a neutral site which will be a difficult contest. The Cougars look like a NIT team on paper, but the Rob Gray and Gaelen Robinson backcourt is quite formidable. Beating Houston would help their resume, but not as much as the previously mentioned games.
The non-conference schedule also includes games against Belmont and Boston College, both borderline top 100 teams. Belmont is a perennial mid-major power that shoots the three-ball incredibly often. PG Austin Luke is among the national leaders in assists. Boston College seems to always give Providence trouble and this Eagles team should be much better than in recent years. Ky Bowman and Jerome Robinson are two of the most undervalued players in the country and grad transfer Deontae Hawkins will make an immediate impact.
Overall, this is a strong schedule that will test the Friars before their grueling Big East slate.