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Providence Basketball: 2020-21 season preview for the Friars

By Salvador Lopez

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 01: Nate Watson #0 of the Providence Friars celebrates with teammates during a game against the Butler Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse on February 1, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Providence defeated Butler 65-61. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 01: Nate Watson #0 of the Providence Friars celebrates with teammates during a game against the Butler Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse on February 1, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Providence defeated Butler 65-61. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Providence Basketball
Providence Basketball (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Season Outlook

Providence got on a roll last season and could very well transfer that momentum into this season. With multiple star players from the Big East, such as Markus Howard, Myles Powell, Saddiq Bey, Ty-Shon Alexander, and Kamar Baldwin, leaving the conference in the offseason, the door of opportunity will open to new star players to arise in the conference.

Replacing Alpha Diallo, who started 111 games during the course of his career at Providence, will be a difficult task, as well as trying to replace the production of the other four graduating seniors. However, if the trio of Duke, Watson, and Reeves can take the appropriate steps up towards improving, then the Friars will have a great opportunity to finish at the top half of the conference.

Heading into this upcoming season, there’s excitement in Friartown surrounding the impact of the two transfers with Bynum and Horchler. The duo should be able to come right into Providence and give the squad a much-needed boost. Bynum had a fantastic freshman season at St. Joseph’s and is the future of Providence since he’s eligible for three seasons. Horchler should be able to help the Friars out inside this season, as Providence will get a boost from Horchler with scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking.

Last season, Providence’s late-season surge with winning was fueled by its stifling defense. The Friars were second in the Big East in 2019-20 allowing just over 66 points per game to their opponents. Providence’s roster last season was full of grinders and battlers. I expect more of the same from Providence this season with a team that plays their opponents tough and doesn’t back down to the challenge.

Next. Preseason Big East power rankings for 2020-21. dark

Entering this upcoming season, I am confident that Cooley can bring his team together and put the Friars in line for another finish in the top half of the Big East. If all goes well coming together, I project that Providence will be in line for an NCAA Tournament berth. My preseason prediction is that Providence will fall anywhere between seeds 7 thru 11 on Selection Sunday.

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