NCAA Basketball: Takeaways from Maryland’s dominant Hall of Fame Tip Off title

Providence Friars (4th Place): One good transfer impact, one bad transfer impact

The Friars have a bunch of newcomers and these were good opportunities to see who would emerge. On the bright end, Kentucky transfer and former top-40 prospect Bryce Hopkins has looked great, going for 20 points and nine rebounds against Saint Louis and 16 and 8 versus Miami before. He played 35 minutes in both games so he’s already become a key part of Providence’s gameplan. So is Louisville transfer Noah Locke, who struggled in both contests.

The 5th-year senior guard went a combined 15 points on 5/19 shooting and the Friars’ backcourt overall wasn’t as good as either the Hurricanes or Billikens. In fairness, not many are but unless Locke and Jared Bynum become more consistent, the team will have its ups and downs in the Big East.

Saint Louis Billikens (3rd Place): Yuri Collins remains the star, even with Perkins back

Two years ago, Javonte Perkins was the star of Saint Louis, averaging 17 ppg. Point guard Yuri Collins was a mere role player and not much of a scorer. When Perkins was out last year with an injury, Collins not only led NCAA Basketball in assists but also was a double-digit scorer. While both Perkins and Gibson Jimmerson are on the perimeter, it’s clear that the small facilitator runs the offense.

Collins led all players with 21 points and six assists in the close win over Providence to get them another solid win for their resume. The defense, especially after the Maryland letdown is a priority issue for them but offensively, it’s clear how the roles will go. Perkins looks solid in his first few games after injury, while Jimmerson hasn’t had many attempts so far. There will be some work in everyone’s new roles but Collins definitely is the top guy, whether as a passer or even as a scorer.