Providence Basketball: Friars flying under the radar for 2018-19

With a strong incoming class and impressive returning talent, Providence Basketball could make yet another tournament run despite being ranked low in preseason predictions.

As we get closer and closer to the start of the college basketball season, analysts have started to produce their preseason rankings for the upcoming season. Just a few weeks ago Jon Rothstein, an analyst for CBS, tweeted out his rankings for the Big East.

In Rothstein’s tweet, he ranked Providence at the seven spot in the Big East, which is a bit of a head-scratcher. Yes, the Friars did loose Kyron Cartwright, who was clutch in big games last season, and Rodney Bullock, however, the Friars do have a strong incoming class. This class includes talents like local standout David Duke Jr, who is sure to impress this upcoming season, as well as AJ Reeves, who like Duke, was also a four-star recruit.

The Friars without a doubt have one of the best incoming recruiting classes in the Big East this season. The talent they are bringing in is sure to impress not only this upcoming season but in seasons to come as well. This class combined with the talent that is returning as well could do a lot of damage.

Providence has an impressive, nine returning players for next season. Headlined by junior Alpha Diallo, who was solid for the Friars last season, the eight returning players have a lot of experience which will certainly be beneficial for Ed Cooley and his staff. Players like Nate Watson and Kalif Young will be key for Providence down low while Isaiah Jackson and Makai Ashton-Langford look to make an impact at guard.

Another key returner for Providence is Emmitt Holt, who sat out last season due to injury. Holt, who played for Indiana in 2014-15, averaged 12.5 points per game in his first season in Providence. Holt is also proved that he can rebound, grabbing 11 rebounds in the NCAA Tournament against USC. With bullock graduating, Holt will most likely take over his spot down low this season.

Providence is also coached by Ed Cooley, who is one of the best coaches in the Big East. In his seven seasons as head coach of the Friars, Cooley has a 144-94 record and has made it to the NCAA Tournament in five consecutive seasons. Last season Cooley and the Friars took Villanova to overtime in the championship game of the Big East Tournament. Although the Friars ended up losing a heartbreaker, it was certainly impressive for the Friars to battle a team like Villanova down to the wire.

Next: Preseason Big East Rankings for 2018-19

Although Rothstein’s ranking may or may not be accurate, it is safe to say that the Friars are a team to keep an eye on this upcoming season. They have a lot of talent both returning and incoming and could finish within the top five in the Big East. Whether you’re a fan, writer or analyst, don’t count the Friars out.