Providence Friars 2024-25 Preview & Big East Basketball Predictions

When Bryce Hopkins suffered a season-ending injury in early January, it was clear that the Friars didn’t have the pieces to make up for such a catastrophic loss. Head coach Kim English had one major goal entering the offseason to improve his roster: Addressing his team’s lack of depth.

Big East Previews: Butler | DePaul | Georgetown | Villanova

Providence Friars Odds

Betting Market	FanDuel	DraftKings
Big East Winner	+3500	+4000
National Championship	+25000	+12000
Final Four	+8500	+3000

“We felt really good entering camp with 16 players," said English. “That was a huge area of concern after last season when we initially looked internally to address things we need to do better to put ourselves in a better position in March. And depth was at the top of that. You have to be able to withstand an injury or two."

Unfortunately, injuries have piled up in the offseason, and the Friars are already short-handed once again. Bryce Hopkins has yet to be fully cleared to return from his ACL tear in January. According to English, the team has been practicing with just six or seven scholarship players in October.

“It’s been challenging. We’ve been handling it the best we can, but we’ll be ready. I’ve had to play some [in practice], not ideal. Everyone’s going through injuries, and it’s challenging. But a hard camp usually means a good season."

Providence Friars Top Additions

Wesley Cardet Jr. (Chicago State)

Jabri Abdur-Rahim (Georgia)

Christ Essandoko (Saint Joseph’s)

Hopkins’s return is massive, with Devin Carter off to the NBA. He will be a clear leader for a team that is bringing in loads of newcomers, and he is a dark horse Big East Player of the Year candidate. Wesley Cardet Jr., Jabri Abdur-Rahim, and Christ Essandoko will likely be immediate starters and will be asked to contribute right away. Jayden Pierre returns as the team’s starting point guard and gives some familiarity to the backcourt for English.

Providence may have a sluggish start to the season with so many injuries, but English should have his men in the mix to compete for an at-large bid. His players seem to buy into everything he preaches, and he’s doing some serious culture-building at the program. The Friar faithful are in good hands with English, and there are enough intriguing pieces in place for a bright season ahead.

Providence Friars Prediction

Sixth Place in the Big East | NCAA Tournament

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