Providence Basketball: 3 questions facing the Friars for 2018-19

Who can be counted on to hit threes?

Floor spacing is paramount to success in college basketball. Yet, in the case of Providence basketball, the team was able to put together a solid season last year despite abysmal shooting. For reference, the Friars shot just 33.2% (223-671) from beyond the arc last season even with Jalen Lindsey shooting 73-for-185 (39.5%). This percentage ranked 267th in the nation (out of 351) and only two teams received at-large bids with less total 3-pointers made (Kentucky and Syracuse).

And, as we look ahead to this upcoming season, 3-point shooting seems to like it will be a weakness for the Friars once again. Providence returns just one player who shot better than 35% from distance a year ago and, in total, the returning roster members shot 65-for-244 from three last season. Given this, it hard to imagine that the team can post a successful year without a few players emerging as legitimate threats from beyond the arc.

However, due to the fact that the lack of returning shooters on the roster, this will likely need to come from Providence’s incoming 2018 recruiting class. In total, this class features four players, two of which rank within the nation’s top-50. And while we are yet to see just how effective these players can be as shooters, one would hope that highly-touted guards David Duke and A.J. Reeves can improve the perimeter shooting. Additionally, it would be great is Isaiah Jackson (27-for-75, 36.0%) and Alpha Diallo (15-for-70, 21.4%) developed into stronger shooters.