Don’t let the 1-5 record fool you into thinking this Lehigh team isn’t a formidable opponent. Three of their losses have come to Providence, North Carolina, and Penn State. Lehigh was voted preseason number 2 in the Patriot League behind Colgate and received a few first place votes. We may look back at this win and see it as a resume boosting win come March.
It would have been easy for the team to come out with a sluggishness that fits a Friday game post Thanksgiving. These players aren’t robots, and it is human nature to overlook a “down” opponent, especially after coming off a tough stretch of games in Wisconsin, Kansas State, and Georgia. Bryce Hopkins and Josh Oduro ensured that wouldn’t happen. Both guys scored 54 of the team total 78 points, as Providence was ahead in this one by 10-15 points for the majority of the game.
It was fantastic to see Hopkins get back into a rhythm and play like we know he is capable of playing. When you have three players that you can conceivably rely on to take a game over if needed, it leads to less pressure on each of those three to give a herculean effort game in and game out. Those three have a core around them that can all score in double digits as well. This team is incredibly balanced.
Below, we touch upon some other items from the game as well.
Josh Oduro’s Advanced Offensive Game
I’m done being concerned about if Josh’s game will translate to Big East play. Yes, he may have some issues guarding the trees on the defensive end, but that would be expected even if we still had Watson and Croswell. What Josh brings to this Friar program is a big man who is an offensive savant. His footwork, post moves, counters, and ability to finish around the rim via unorthodox angles are going to carry over regardless of the opponent. I came into this season thinking it would be the Bryce and Devin show, and I now think we have a legitimate trio where each of these three players could be the leading scorers on any given night.
Oduro scored 29 points on 13-18 shooting and did it in a variety of ways: up and unders, dunks, baby hooks, 3 point balls. His offensive game is so advanced, and he seems to produce without even breaking a sweat.
BHop Getting Right
This is the game that Providence fans have been clamoring for from Bryce all year. Bryce was 10-16 from the floor, finished with ease around the rim, and drained a multitude of mid-range shots. He even buried a three as a cherry on top. Hopkins has been getting to these positions on the court all year. The only difference is the shots started dropping tonight.
Oh, by the way, he is still getting hacked an inordinate amount of times without the refs calling it. It’s laughable at this point. I don’t know what the potential Big East Player of the Year has to do to get a call, but this trend has carried over from last year.
Regardless, I’m happy to see Bryce produce in a way we all know he can. Most important, I’m happy for Hopkins.
Rich Barron Continuing to Surprise
I may be the conductor of the Barron hype train, and that is fine by me. Barron played a solid 11 minutes last night, hit 1-2 three’s, and played excellent perimeter defense. For a guy of his build, he moves his feet really well and seems to stick to his man with ease. It is still way too early to make a call, but kudos to the coaching staff for sticking to their guns and trusting their evaluation.
Missing Pierre
Despite 78 total points, the offense at times seemed to be in a bit of a rut. There wasn’t the usual flow we’ve seen thus far with the Kim English Friar offense. Providence is missing the steadying hand of Jayden Pierre, in my opinion. Providence had 16 assists to 10 turnovers, but may be putting too much on the plate of Dual, Floyd Jr., and Carter as lead guards.
Given the next opponents are Wagner and Rhode Island, I’m happy giving Pierre additional time to get his injury fully healed. If he returns for Oklahoma, he will have rested for 2.5 weeks. Pierre is most needed in Big East play, not right now. It is wise for the staff to be cautious and take their time bringing Pierre back.
Corey Floyd Jr. – Injury Concerns?
Floyd Jr. may be dealing with a nagging injury as well. This is one we have to monitor. I’ve said all offseason how deep the backcourt and wings are, and they are surely putting that to the test. If Floyd Jr. is out for an extended time period, look for Barron to get more burn.
Blue Chip Recruits in Abundance
This wasn’t a marquee game by any stretch of the imagination, but you wouldn’t know it by the recruits in attendance. The following players were at the game (I may be missing some, but these are the headliners):
Ryan Mela, PC 2024 signee: He is apparently having a monstrous senior year right now. His recruiting ranking doesn’t seem to align with his production relative to some high level squads he has faced off against.
Efeosa Oliogu, 2025 Recruit – This 2025 blue chip small forward was here on an official visit
Joson Sanon, 2025 Recruit – Sanon has been on campus a handful of times. This would be one of the biggest recruiting wins in Providence history (that’s not hyperbole).
Oswin Erhunmwunse, 2025 Recruit – The stud big man plays for Putnam Science Academy. He had to have liked to see how English’s offense flows through the 5 man at times. Big Oswin would get immediate playing time regardless of class.
Providence next plays Wagner Tuesday at 7PM on FS1. Enjoy the holiday weekend, all!