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

Is there a suitable replacement at point guard?

Kyron Cartwright was quite possibly the most important player for Providence basketball last season. Easily one of the better floor generals in the nation, Cartwright might not have led the team in scoring but could command every game with his tempo and playmaking abilities. Statistically, Cartwright posted 11.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game on shooting slashes of .427/.376/.763 last season while pacing the team throughout the season.

However, now that Cartwright has graduated, Providence basketball is in a tough spot. Cartwright was such an important part of the team last season at a vital position that finding a suitable replacement will not be easy. And although there are quite a few backcourt pieces for Coach Cooley to choose from, not even a committee of players will be able to replace the on-court leadership demonstrated by Cartwright.

Still, it is important to mention the contenders for minutes at the point guard spot. In terms of returning talent, both Makai Ashton-Langford (4.2 ppg/1.7 rpg/1.7 apg) and Maliek White (4.8 ppg/1.0 rpg/0.8 apg) seem poised to play major minutes. These two both played upwards of 10 minutes per game last season as reserves behind Cartwright and one of them will likely snag the starting role. Lastly, the previously mentioned incoming recruits David Duke and A.J. Reeves could spend a fair amount of time at point guard even if they are better off as combo/shooting guards.

On the whole, Providence has the potential to post another outstanding season. Yet, until these questions are answered on the court, the Friars have some stuff to work out. Regardless, head coach Ed Cooley seems to always lead Providence to the Big Dance and this year should be no different. The question is, though, what is the team’s ceiling?