Butler Basketball: Keys to success at Providence in 2019-20

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 04: Sean McDermott #22 of the Butler Bulldogs passes the ball in the second half of the game against the Creighton Bluejays at Hinkle Fieldhouse on January 4, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Butler defeated Creighton 71-57. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 14: Coach Cooley of the Friars reacts. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /

Opponent Intel: Providence Friars

Providence has hit its stride as of late. After starting the season looking disjointed on both ends of the floor despite a ton of returning pieces, it appears as though the Friars are starting to look like the team many thought they would be in the preseason. Of course, there are definitely still areas for improvement but the Friars have reinserted themselves into the NCAA Tournament bubble conversation with their four-game winning streak (three in the Big East).

Per T-Rank, Providence ranks fourth nationally in performance since Dec. 21st (the start of its winning streak). This ranks only behind the likes of Duke, Michigan State, and…Butler.

It’s fair to say this has the makings of a potentially really fun matchup.

Providence has regrouped on both ends of the floor as of late and its current run has been quite impressive. The Friars are connecting on a higher percentage of their 3-pointers and are defending the paint at an exceptionally high level. It appears as though the team is looking to slow down its pace a bit compared to the opening month of the season and that is paying dividends.

With regard to individual leaders, Alpha Diallo is clearly the player to monitor for Providence. A strong all-around contributor, the senior forward is averaging 13.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. He is the top offensive option for the Friars and is absolutely superb on the glass. Joining him in the frontcourt is an upperclassmen big man tandem of Kalif Young (4.9p/4.6r) and Nate Watson (9.8p/4.2r).

Emmitt Holt has also started the last four games for the team and contributes in many ways. He has not yet returned to his form from prior to injury (2016-17) but can still be quite dangerous as a 6-foot-7 forward capable of scoring both inside and out while rebounding at a high rate.

In the backcourt, David Duke and Luwane Pipkins share the primary playmaking duties for the team. They have started every single game together so far this season and combining to average 21.1 points and 8.1 assists per game. Both can be reliable shooters from beyond the arc in the starting lineup while A.J. Reeves and Maliek White come off the bench. Reeves is shooting just 25.9% from three this season but can get hot from deep while White is a strong defender and reliable playmaker.

Highly-touted freshman forward Greg Gantt rounds out the rotation.