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

Center

Minutes Allocated (40 total): Kalif Young (16), Nate Watson (16) and Emmitt Holt (8)

As mentioned earlier, expect there to be smaller lineups with Holt at the five-spot. Two years ago he shot 21/61 from three-point range and could spread the floor on a team who may desperately need it. One concern who be how the team does on the boards but offensively they could make up for that potential weakness.

The bulk of the minutes will go to the team’s big men, with the incumbent starter Young getting the nod again. He benefitted the most from Holt’s absence and got to start most of last year. The 6’9 rising junior is very limited offensively but is a solid defender and really good rebounder. Look for him and Holt to be paired in the frontcourt a lot in 2018-19.

Watson is a true center at 6’10 and 260-pounds and showed promise as a freshman last season. He’s the complete opposite of Young, averaging 19.6 ppg and just 5.6 rpg per 40 minutes last season. That’s why I split their minutes at the center position. If Providence needs some instant offense than Watson will be on the court. If defense and rebounding are preferred then look for Young on the court. Watson/Diallo and Young/Holt are good frontcourt pairs but Watson and Holt should avoid playing together against bigger teams.

Despite what was lost, the Friars do have depth with both experience and potential. The key will be both Diallo’s continuing development as well as the freshmen chipping in early on to make up for the missing production. If that happens, expect Providence to go dancing once again.