We can all collectively take a deep breath. The year 2024 couldn’t have started off worse for these Friars. Losing Bryce Hopkins to a torn ACL hurt. Losing the game to Seton Hall where Bryce was hurt. Then the Friars go on a three game losing streak, and the season seemed doomed.
However, the Friars took the first step in getting the season back on track with a commanding 100-62 victory over DePaul on Wednesday night in Chicago. For PC, it was the first win of 2024 and the first true road game of the Kim English Era. Spare me that it is only one game and it was DePaul. It is only one game, and it was against DePaul, but damn it the Friars needed this one in the worst way for their confidence moving forward.
We revisit some of the things to watch for from our preview article and how they executed those items, as well as highlight various other takeaways from the game.
Devin Carter Spectacular in TEAM Win
I’ve said it before on the podcast and on the blog, but I’ll say it again. There’s not much more you can say about how special of a player Devin Carter is. When Bryce Hopkins went down, he knew he needed to shoulder the load, and he’s done just that. In his last four games Carter is averaging a shade under 25 points per game. Carter dismantled the Blue Demons defense to the tune of 25 points. He could have set a new career high in points had Kim English not pulled Carter with the game well in hand.
While Carter was brilliant it came in a game where the entire team seemed to contribute. Pierre continued his recent success with 14 points and 5 assists to only one turnover, Corey Floyd provided sound defense and 6 points, Castro was fantastic while Josh Oduro sat with foul trouble, and Oduro himself had a nice 17 pt/9 reb performance in limited minutes.
The team took care of the ball, was +10 on the glass and turned defense into offense throughout the game. It’s going to need to be a team effort like tonight the rest of the way regardless of how far Devin Carter is capable of carrying them.
Castro Flashes In This One
Rafael Castro showed tonight what we have seen the last two offseasons, but hasn’t really been able to replicate in regular season action. We talked in the preview article about how Oduro should have his way with the frontcourt of the Blue Demons, and he certainly did. Castro played some of his best basketball of the season as well. It would be a huge development if Castro can carry over this game into the rest of the Big East season.
With the Friars thin in the frontcourt the last thing they wanted was for Josh Oduro to pick up his second foul with 15:52 remaining in the first half. Yet he did and Rafael Castro came in providing the Friars a much-needed spark. He gave great minutes Wednesday night with 12 points and 8 rebounds in 23 minutes of action. Could it have been the opponent? After all, Josh Oduro picked apart DePaul’s interior with 17 points (6/8 FG) in only 17 minutes. It could be, but this is a much needed sight to see the backup big breakout. Hopefully its something he can build on because the Friars will need him.
Role Players Emerge
The Friars also got 12 points from Richard Barron and 7 from Garwey Dual, albeit a bulk of it coming in mop up duty. The two freshmen are going to benefit with increased minutes out of necessity, and it’s exciting to envision where these two can be in about a month. As pointed out above, Providence desperately needs players outside of Carter and Oduro to produce offensively. At this juncture, you can likely bunch Pierre into the mix with Carter and Oduro as a consistent scoring option. Gaines is streaky, but is always a weapon from deep. If one of Barron/Floyd Jr./Dual can emerge as another consistent scoring threat, it changes the trajectory for this season.
Providence had 5 players in double figures. I don’t expect that to be the norm, but it’s nice to see a true team effort.
Emphasize Ball Pressure – I thought there were three keys to a victory heading into this one: more balanced scoring, Friars dominating the frontcourt, and Providence turning DePaul over. Check, check, check. DePaul had 19 turnovers, while Providence only committed 8. It was a great job by Providence to make life difficult for DePaul and in turn led to easy transition buckets.
Bryce Hopkins Has Surgery– While it didn’t have an impact on last night’s game, it was great to hear that Bryce Hopkins had successful surgery on his torn ACL Wednesday morning. Hopkins was operated on by Chicago Bulls team surgeon Dr. Brian Cole. ACL injuries aren’t as devastating to your career as they once were, but Hopkins definitely will have a long road to recovery. Typically, the recovery period is around 8 months, which would give Hopkins some time to ramp up before next season. Hopkins has decisions to make at the end of this season, and it is certainly possible he doesn’t return to PC, but regardless of that outcome know all of Friartown is rallying around Bryce and wishing him a speedy recovery.
What’s Next
The Friars will now have a week off from games and don’t return to action until making the return trip to Newark to take on Seton Hall. Hopefully the Friars can build off the DePaul game, knowing that they’ve figured out a little bit how to win without their star forward. The season still has plenty of games to be played. While Providence may not be the tournament lock they were looking like in December, you can’t count these guys out. A win at Seton Hall, and they are on a winning streak heading into THE GAME.
Curious as to why you mention if Hop is coming back? What options does he have? Pro’s forgetaboutit at this time. At last look, he couldn’t throw the ball in the ocean from beyond the block. He could of course take a better NIL deal which would be a stretch coming off of an ACL injury. No, he’s coming back to Friartown where he is beloved.
You just never know in todays landscape. Ultimately think he probably will return.
True. I’m more concerned about Carter coming back for what could be a dream season with current and incoming players. Add Sonon if he decides to come to PC and you can punch a ticket to the big time.