Big East Basketball: 10 biggest questions for league entering 2023-24 season

Is Kim English the Answer For Providence?

The 2022/23 season for the Providence Friars was a rollercoaster ride filled with high expectations, early successes, and late-season struggles. The team’s journey was marked by dramatic shifts in performance and unforeseen challenges, ultimately ending in disappointment.

As the Friars prepare for the 2023/24 season, things have changed in Rhode Island with a new coach and a revamped roster ready to take on the Big East.

In a surprising turn of events, Ed Cooley’s departure as Providence’s basketball coach sent shockwaves throughout the Big East. Cooley had been a fixture at Providence for over a decade, and heading into the summer, the team was facing a major crossroads. Adding to the challenge, the Friars also bid farewell to several key players from the previous season.

Jared Bynum, after a tumultuous season with Providence, entered the transfer portal in search of a fresh start, leaving a substantial void in his wake. Another guard, Alyn Breed, had been dismissed by the Friars due to legal accusations at the end of the previous season. Seniors Ed Croswell, Noah Locke, and Clifton Moore, who played vital roles for Providence last season, also saw their NCAA basketball careers come to an end when they went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft. In total, Providence faced the daunting task of replacing 44 points per game due to the departure of these key players.

With a depleted roster and lacking a voice in charge, the Friars wasted no time in appointing their next leader. Welcome to the Big East, Kim English. After spending his last couple seasons coaching in the mid-majors with George Mason, English now faces a new challenge. During his tenure with the Patriots, he led his team to a 34-29 record, culminating in a 20-13 record in 2022-23.

English’s arrival injects fresh energy into a program that, despite consistent performance, has struggled to establish itself among the NCAA’s elite. As a former player with expertise in recruiting, the youngest coach in the conference has the potential to make Providence a sought-after destination for top prospects.

Due to the timing of the coaching change, a significant portion of the 2023/24 roster was constructed by English’s predecessor. However, English didn’t come alone. Three former George Mason players, Josh Oduro, Justyn Fernandez, and Davonte “Ticket” Gaines followed him to Providence for the 2023/24 season.

Josh Oduro, a 6’9″ forward coming into the year at 240 pounds, aims to continue his success in the Big East after averaging 15.6 points and 7.9 rebounds per game in the A-10. Justyn Fernandez, a sophomore guard, displayed promise despite an up-and-down season, offering some additional depth to Providence’s backcourt. Guard Davonte “Ticket” Gaines rounds out the group following a productive season with George Mason. He averaged 7.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, and is poised to flourish in a more significant role with the Friars.

In terms of returns, Bryce Hopkins, a forward entering his junior year, will need to carry over the success of his breakout season in 2022/23. Hopkins tallied 15.8 points alongside 8.5 rebounds, putting together an effective offensive attack both inside and out to earn All-Big East honours. With the addition of a three-point shot in his arsenal, Hopkins has become an even more versatile threat as his time in the NCAA ticks on.

Also returning this year is Devin Carter, an energetic and consistent guard that will be relied upon to shoulder the load as a facilitator. There’s also Jayden Pierre and Corey Floyd Jr., both dynamic bench scorers who possess impressive three-point shooting percentages. With more experience entering this season, look for this pair to see an increase in playing time.

Providence also welcomes a promising group of freshmen looking to contribute early and often. Garwey Dual, a 6’5″ combo guard, leads the charge. Dual joins the Friars as a four-star prospect known for his scoring ability and tenacious defence. Also joining the squad is Dual’s high school teammate Donovan Santoro, a 6’8″ forward that brings an immediate chemistry and a solid three-point shot. Rich “Bull” Barron is next on the list, who offers a well-rounded game with “college-ready strength” as his nickname suggests. And don’t forget about Eli DeLaurier, a 6’10” forward with a versatile skill set featuring post play and outside shooting.

The Kim English era has arrived at Providence, and the team’s future looks promising with a talented roster and an ambitious coach at the helm. The season ahead will be filled with uncertainties, but there is no doubt that Providence’s basketball program is on the cusp of an exciting new chapter.