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Providence Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Friars

By Brad Cavallaro

DAYTON, OH - MARCH 15: Kalif Young #13 of the Providence Friars celebrates with Rodney Bullock #5 in the first half against the USC Trojans during the First Four game in the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 15, 2017 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
DAYTON, OH - MARCH 15: Kalif Young #13 of the Providence Friars celebrates with Rodney Bullock #5 in the first half against the USC Trojans during the First Four game in the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 15, 2017 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 23: Maliek White #4 of the Providence Friars dribbles the ball against the Villanova Wildcats at the Wells Fargo Center on January 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 23: Maliek White #4 of the Providence Friars dribbles the ball against the Villanova Wildcats at the Wells Fargo Center on January 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Reserves

Maliek White, Guard, Junior

White is a combo guard who can score at all three levels and has solid court vision. He has been in the rotation throughout his Providence career and could emerge as a crucial sixth man. White is better when playing next to another lead ball handler and this will allow him to spot up and focus on scoring. He was playing extremely well to start last season before a leg injury sidelined him for over a month. Hopefully, White can become a major contributor and remain healthy for a full season.

Kalif Young, Center, Junior

Young is an energetic and active big man who has been in the rotation during both of his collegiate seasons. The 6’9” junior is not an offensive threat, but he runs the floor exceptionally well and he is a strong rebounder. Young had an up and down sophomore season, but he was quite valuable when he was engaged. Expect him to post similar production in his junior season (4.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 16.6 mpg)

David Duke, Guard, Freshman

Duke is a super athletic PG with great size for the position (6’5”). Physically, he resembles Kris Dunn, but it would be unfair to place those expectations on him so early in his career. Duke is only an average shooter and can play out of control at times, but once he reduces his sloppy mistakes he will play a significant role. His defense will ensure that he has a spot in the rotation and it will not be long before the promising lead guard earns a starting role.

AJ Reeves, Wing, Freshman

Similar to David Duke, it is only a matter of time before Reeves breaks into the starting lineup. The 6’6” wing is a great athlete and is an excellent three-point shooter. Providence will certainly need his shooting to space the floor for their interior scorers and perimeter slashers. If Reeves is defending and hitting shots, it will be nearly impossible to keep him in a reserve role for very long.

Jimmy Nichols, Power Forward, Freshman

Nichols is a long and athletic PF who can play inside and out. The 6’8” freshman is a strong perimeter shooter and can also make plays around the basket with his length and energy. These physical traits allow him to make an impact defensively and on the glass. He is a great long-term prospect who should see a consistent role off the bench during his first season.

Drew Edwards, Guard, Junior

Edwards looks like he could be the odd man out of the rotation. The defensive-minded guard will be used situationally and should see sporadic playing time. Despite averaging 10.2 mpg last season, he only averaged 6.5 mpg from February to the end of the season. Edwards will need to improve his three-point shooting (15%) no matter how much he plays.

Kris Monroe, Wing, Freshman

Monroe is an excellent long-range shooter but may have to wait his turn before cracking the rotation. The 6’8” combo forward could see a bigger role next season when Jackson and Holt graduate.

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