Big East Basketball: Updated WTE power rankings for 2022-23 season

5. Providence

Last season was a phenomenal effort from the Friars, who really exceeded expectations and had a great year, winning the Big East regular-season title and advancing to the Sweet Sixteen. For coach Ed Cooley, it was his sixth trip to the NCAA Tournament but by far his best season with the Friars. This upcoming season will look plenty different, especially with stars Nate Watson and Al Durham both gone.

They aren’t the only absences that will be felt, but the Friars do get another season out of guard Jared Bynum (12.2 ppg, 4.0 apg). There are a few pieces left from next season, but it’s the Transfer Portal where Providence got much of their rotation depth this offseason. They’ll introduce former Florida and Louisville guard Noah Locke, former South Carolina guard Devin Carter, former La Salle big man Clifton Moore, and former Kentucky forward Bryce Hopkins into the regular lineup.

There are new faces and new pieces in place, but still plenty of talent on this roster. It’s foolish to expect the same type of resurgence and season from these Friars, but we certainly know not to doubt the kind of team Cooley can put together. The Friars should still be in solid shape to contend for the postseason, and if everything comes together, perhaps even contend for another run in March.