Big East Basketball: 2024 offseason grades for each team

Providence Friars - Grade: A-

The Friars lost three of its top four scorers from last season, including star guard Devin Carter, who entered the NBA Draft. He ended up getting drafted in the first round so his departure made sense. Plus, both Davonte Gaines and Josh Oduro ran out of eligibility. 

Who is back is Bryce Hopkins, one of the best players in the Big East before suffering a season-ending injury. Assuming he’s healthy and ready to go, he’ll be a 1st-team all-league candidate to watch. Jayden Pierre, who was a standout performer down the stretch, will have an even larger role as well.

Plus, Providence landed some impact players from the portal. Bensley Joseph (Miami) and Jabri Abdur-Rahim (Georgia) are power conference starters, while Wesley Cardet Jr. is a high-level scorer from Chicago State. To replace Oduro is Christ Essandoko, a 7’0 center from St. Joe’s who has great offensive potential. If he’s a double-digit scorer, the Friars will be very balanced.

It’s hard to envision the Friars doing better than they did in the portal without landing a true star. The depth should be fine and ultimately, their ceiling will depend on the health status of Hopkins.