Providence Basketball: Top 3 confirmed non-conference opponents to watch for 2024-25

Last season, Providence Basketball went 21-14 overall, making an NIT appearance. In the non-conference alone, the team went 9-2, including wins over Georgia and Wisconsin, as well as Kansas State and Oklahoma.

The non-con schedule for the Friars has been released and outside of the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament, the rest of the confirmed opponents will be played in the Rhode Island area. The Atlantis event features teams like Gonzaga, Arizona, Indiana, and Louisville, who'd all be better than the other teams they'll face in the first couple of months of the season.

But who else should Friar fans keep watch on? Here are three teams that could put up a fight with the Big East program.

3. St. Bonaventure - Dec 14th (N, Mohegan Sun)

In the Coach Mark Schmidt era, the Bonnies have consistently been a top-half team in the A-10. That's going to be hard to continue, having lost nearly 100% of their production from last season. They brought in transfers such as Chance Moore, Melvin Council Jr. and Dasonte Bowen. Compared to the "buy games" on the schedule, St. Bonaventure should put up a challenge. But there's a chance this also could be blowout.

2. Rhode Island - Dec 7th (A)

The other Atlantic 10 opponent the Friars have on the schedule is regional foe Rhode Island, who has struggled in the past few years. They do bring back two key starters and double-digit scorers in Jaden House and David Green. Albany transfer Sebastian Thomas returns to give them a capable ball-handler to run the offense as well. With this being a true road game, Providence should be careful.

1. BYU - Dec 3rd (H)

From a talent standpoint, BYU is easily the best confirmed opponent for the Friars, despite the massive roster changes. New coach Kevin Young is now in charge, adding Utah transfer forward Keba Keita to pair with Fousseyni Traore inside, while incoming freshmen, Kanon Catchings and Egor Demin, give them a needed backcourt boost after losing Jaxson Robinson.

There are plenty of unknowns with the Cougars with a new staff and overall roster. But they have a high ceiling. They're likely the lone Quad 1/2 game outside of the Battle 4 Atlantis event and will need to get this win to feel good about their non-con schedule performance.