Providence Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Friars

Key Questions and Prediction

1. Can Providence get competent PG play?

The biggest question for Providence relates to their PG play. In Ed Cooley’s previous 7 seasons with the program, PG has been the area of least concern. Between Vincent Council, Bryce Cotton, Kris Dunn, and Kyron Cartwright, Providence has always enjoyed quality PG play, but this season there is significant uncertainty. Ashton-Langford and Duke will compete for the starting position, but both will play major roles regardless of who starts and who comes off the bench. Duke is an unproven freshman who can be wild with his decision making and Ashton-Langford really struggled last season. If Providence can get competent PG play, then they will be in great shape, but this far from a sure thing.

2. Will they shoot the ball well enough from long range?

Providence did not rely on three-pointers last season (304th in points off threes) and they often struggled to consistently hit long-range attempts (258th in three-point percentage). To make matters worse, Providence loses Kyron Cartwright, Jalen Lindsey, and Rodney Bullock who made the most three-pointers on the team.

However, I am more optimistic about Providence’s perimeter shooting than I am of their PG play. While they do not have any proven knockdown shooters, they have many players who are capable from long range. Isaiah Jackson and Maliek White are both good shooters and should see more minutes this season. Freshman AJ Reeves is the best shooter in Providence’s rotation and if he can translate this reputation into on-court production, he will earn major minutes. Emmitt Holt is also able to stretch the defense and is an excellent pick and pop player. Lastly, Jimmy Nichols and Kris Monroe provide even more shooting to the frontcourt. Some of Providence’s key players (Diallo, Watson, Young, Ashton-Langford) are not three-point shooters, but there are plenty of options on the roster.

3. Can Emmitt Holt return to his previous form?

Emmitt Holt was expected to be a key player last season, but he missed the entire season due to injury/illness. The severity of this loss was evident throughout the season as the Friars could have used his diverse offense game and experience. Providence needs Holt to be fully healthy and regain his previous form (12.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg) if they are to reach their full potential. He did not look out of place during Providence’s preseason game and looked to be moving well so it seems like he could be close to making a significant impact.

Ed Cooley has his deepest team yet as 11, or even 12 players, have a legitimate claim to rotation minutes. It will be interesting to see how this depth is utilized, but it certainly looks like a major strength. The Friars should make a sixth straight NCAA Tournament and I have Providence as the 33rd best team in the country which would make them a 9 seed. I also have them finishing 5th in the Big East.