Providence Basketball: Analyzing the Friar’s 2018-19 rotation

Power Forward

Minutes Allocated (40 total): Emmitt Holt (12), Alpha Diallo (10), Jimmy Nichols (13) and Kalif Young (5)

Although they managed to make the Big Dance without him, Providence missed Holt last season. The team’s defense wasn’t the same and they were out-rebounded plenty of times. The former Indiana Hoosier averaged 12.5 ppg and 5.4 rpg in 2016-17 and will replace Bullock’s production from a season ago.

Holt has an explosive capability on offense, scoring at least 14 points on 15 different occasions. With only one double-digit returning scorer coming back, it’s important that he hasn’t lost his offensive touch. He isn’t the greatest individual rebounder, so expect Diallo (Providence’s leading rebounder last season) to see some time at the four-spot. He’s a very tough player who’ll if he can develop a consistent jumper will be a near-impossible matchup. Holt could slide down to the five-spot if a smaller lineup is needed.

Nichols isn’t as highly ranked as both Duke and Reeves but he’s another freshman that will be a future key piece. The 6’8 forward is a good rebounder who can score a variety of ways but might struggle to get true minutes if Holt is 100% healthy. If he plays well early on, he’ll crash his way into the rotation in Big East play. Nichols along with fellow forward Kris Monroe (likely to struggle finding meaningful minutes in year one) will set up a great frontcourt foundation for the Friars to work on in the future.