7. Providence Friars
After two straight seasons finishing under .500 a change was due and Providence is now being led by Bryan Hodgson. There just wasn’t necessary progress with Kim English and the Friars are hoping that this new direction leads to more success in the Big East. Hodgson has helped lead quick turnarounds at several programs as both assistant and head coach and he’s hoping this slew of transfers helps engineer another in Rhode Island.
In trying to reload the talent, there’s a ton of names for the Friars but there’s plenty of things to watch among these eight new Friars. Despite struggling this season at San Diego State, Miles Byrd comes to town as a fantastic defender with great potential in. Ryan Sabol averaged nearly 19 points per game at Buffalo and isn’t the only prolific guard. The sophomore season for Devin Vanterpool at Florida Atlantic was filled with productivity while former Georgetown guard Malik Mack is another name to watch for significant run thanks to his Big East familiarity.
The Friars did add size, getting 6-11 forward Arrinten Page after a solid junior season at Northwestern. Former Yale center Samson Aletan adds depth to the frontcourt alongside Jacob Bannarbie out of UNLV. The last addition came with Hodgson from South Florida, but it’s hard to picture the role Gavin Hightower will have after playing sparingly as a freshman with the Bulls.
Sometimes you just have to throw everything together and see if it sticks. Using recruiting and the transfer portal, it’s been a strategy that just keeps working for Hodgson. He built that quick success at Arkansas State and South Florida and hopes to have the right mix to succeed in the Big East. A lot will depend on a bounce back for Byrd and quick adjustments for other former mid-majors players, but there’s a lot to like here.
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