Hate it or love it, the transfer portal is here to stay. This is a cold, hard truth: In the NIL era of college basketball, the next couple of weeks are the most important in terms of building your program, arguably now even supplanting high school recruiting. In 2023, thirty-one thousand athletes entered the NCAA transfer portal, and that number continues to grow. Many teams will be looking to fill in needs and replace players who may have left their programs.
Providence will be no different and will probably get 2-4 portal players for the 2025-2026 program.
We breakdown this year’s primer into two categories: guys that are receiving interest from Providence and guys we’d like to see them pursue. We also provide an overview of current scholarships to date and positions of need in the portal.
We will update the primer throughout the next month or more based on what we are hearing.
Current Scholarship Situation
Reminder: the number of scholarships is going from 13 to 15 this year. It is presumed the extra two will be allocated to walk-ons, but in theory every program has two additional scholarships. We have included players below that haven’t officially entered the portal. Lastly, note the year they are grouped into doesn’t reflect their eligibility. We’ll update the below as the announcements become official.
Freshman: Jamier Jones, Jaylen Harrell
Sophomores: Ryan Mela, Oswin Erhunmwunse, Nil Daniels
Juniors: Rich Barron
Seniors/Grad Transfers: Corey Floyd Jr., Jabri Abdur Rahim*
*Pending hardship waiver
OFFICIALLY FRIARS
Jaylin Sellers: Sr 6-4 G UCF
The numbers from the 2024-2025 season don’t tell the full story on Jaylin Sellers. Sellers injured his back in an exhibition against FGCU this past season and would only appear in three games for the Knights. Sellers can absolutely play. He averaged 15.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 1.1 apg two seasons ago after transferring from Ball State. Sellers chose Providence over Illinois, Georgetown, and VA Tech.
Jason Edwards: Jr 6-1 G Vanderbilt
With Bryce Hopkins leaving for St Johns the Friars had the opportunity to grab a big name in the portal and it turned out that would be Jason Edwards. Edwards was third team All-SEC last season and was the leading scorer for a Vanderbilt team that made the NCAA Tournament. Edwards is a three-level scorer and should provide the Friars with the offensive jolt they need. Kim English also spoke towards Edwards desire to develop more as a play maker for others.
DaQuan Davis: Fr 6-1 G FSU
It feels like just yesterday I was in St. Andrews, Scotland writing a commitment article for DaQuan Davis. Davis never made it to Friartown and spent his freshman year in Tallahassee. Now he’s in the portal and Providence needs point guards so I’d certainly welcome him back. For those concerned about his height Davis makes up for it in his quickness with the ball in his hands and his creative finishing at the rim, he flashed that last year with the Seminoles.
UPDATE: DaQuan Davis Committed to Providence 4/2/25
Cole Hargrave: Jr 6-8 Drexel
The Friars are in the market for a backup big man for Oswin and Cole Hargrove could fill that role. The 6-8 forward put up steady numbers in terms of scoring and rebounding and was the Dragons leader in blocks per game at 1.8 bpg.
Update: Cole Hargrove is visiting Providence on 3/29/25, Cole Hargrove committed to Providence 4/3/25
Duncan “Shag Man” Powell: Jr 6-8 F Georgia Tech
First off, helluva nickname Mr. Powell. Powell started 13 games for the Yellow Jackets last season and averaged 12.2 ppg and 5.4 rpg. He has the ability to shoot it from three as well. Another thing I learned about him is that he is a locker room guy and brought a great deal of leadership to Ga Tech, so it’s no coincidence the Friars are interested. Update: Shag Man committed to Georgetown, then decommitted from Georgetown and committed to Providence lol
Players Providence Is Involved With
Alvaro Folgueiras: So 6-9 F Robert Morris
Alvaro Folgueiras would be an excellent replacement for Bryce Hopkins. The Spainard has really blossomed into a great power forward. He can score it, is a good three-point shooter and a good passing big man as well. It is rumored that Providence has offered him the starting spot at the 4 but expect him to be in high demand like Reed Bailey. Update: Alvaro Folgueiras committed to Iowa
Jamichael Stillwell
Jamichael Stillwell is the newest player that the Friars have had contact with. Similar to Friar commit Jason Edwards, Stillwell played two season at JUCO level before bursting into the scene in college basketball. Stillwell is very active on the glass especially offensively. He scores around the rim and while he does take jump shots he’s most effective at the basket. Against UW-Green Bay this year he went for 24 points and 19 rebounds. Update: Jamichael Stillwell committed to UCF
Nick Davidson: Jr 6-10 F Nevada
Nick Davidson is a tall forward that has a really nice game. He’s a good three-point shooter and passer for his size. He also shows an ability to put the ball on the deck and score on post ups. He has a little Austin Croshere to his game. If the Friars are in fact to lose Bryce Hopkins, Davidson would be a solid preplacement. We will monitor this one but certainly there are plenty of programs interested in Davidson. Update: Nick Davidson committed to Clemson
Bryan Etumnu: Jr 6-7 F Merrimack
Bryan Etumnu was the defensive player of the year in the MAAC this past season where he blocked over two shots a game. Etumnu is an under sized but long armed forward with the capability to finish at the rim. The Friars biggest drop off from this past season to the one prior was the defense. So its no surprise to hear the Friars involved in Etumnu.
BOC: I hope Kim emphasizes defense above all other skill sets this upcoming portal season.
Antonio Chol: JUCO 6-9 G/F Garden City Community College
Antonio Chol is rated the #5 player in the JUCO ranks. He’s a guard in a forward’s body. He plays with power and has the ability to knock down outside shots. He originally started his career at Rutgers before putting up eye popping numbers for Garden City. Update: Antonio Chol committed to New Mexico.
Taylor Bol Bowen: So 6’10 F Florida State
This may be my number 1 target for the 4 spot for a variety of reasons. For one, he’s elite defensively. For two, he appeals to the Kim English offense with his ability to knock down the three ball. Thirdly, he has two years of eligibility. Lastly, he played prep ball in New England. Need I say more? Sign me up. Update: Taylor Bol Bowen committed to Alabama
Colby Duggan – So 6’7 Campbell
The wing is in contact with Providence, but I’m not certain how serious this is. I’m a bit scarred from the portal last year, but the jump from Campbell to Providence may be too much. If he wants to come in as a bench piece, I’m okay with this add, but I don’t want to guarantee a starting spot. Update: Colby Duggan committed to College of Charleston
Izaiah Pasha: Fr 6-4 G Delaware
Pasha was Delaware’s fourth leading scorer last year and their leader in assists. He earned CAA Freshman of the Year honors and was very efficient on offense. He’s a Philly guard so I’m going to imagine he’s tough. It certainly isn’t a surprise that Providence is involved with Jayden Pierre entering the portal and Bensley Joseph graduating. UPDATE: Izaiah Pasha has narrowed his schools to four and Providence is not one of them.
Martin Somerville: Fr 6-3 G UMass Lowell
Somerville burst onto the scene at UMass Lowell this past year and took home America East Rookie of the Year. Somerville is a really good shooter off ball screens at the lead guard position. He also showed promise as a guy who can get others around him better. Update 3/25/25- PC has reached out to Somerville Update: Martin Somerville committed to FSU
Anthony Robinson: (RS)Fr 6-10 C UVA
Anthony Robinson is a redshirt freshman center who played at UVA this past season. He was only a three start recruit out of high school from Christ School. This could be a perfect backup for Oswin and probably someone who isnt expected to be handed a starting spot from a high major. Update: Anthony Robinson committed to Xavier
Bryce Lindsay: (RS) Fr 6-3 G James Madison
Bryce Lindsay originally started his career at TAMU then transferred to JMU after a redshirt season. He had a great year for the Dukes earning Sun Belt Freshman of the Year and 6th Man of the Year. Lindsay can really shoot the ball as can be seen from his 60.5% effective field goal percentage. He shot 42% from three on about 7 attempts per game. He is also originally from Baltimore, MD so perhaps Kim can use that connection to his advantage. Update: Bryce Lindsay committed to Villanova
Terrence Brown: So 6-3 G FDU
Terrence Brown lit it up for the FDU Knights this past year scoring 20.6 ppg. He is best at attacking the basket and scoring at the rim. He is a capable three-point shooter but the efficiency wasn’t there shooting 29% from three this past season. For those who question if he could make the jump to the Big East he had 19 points vs Creighton, 23 points vs Nebraska, 27 points vs Villanova, and 20 points vs Boston College. Not sure it would be the perfect fit as he’s a high-volume scorer with a high usage rate but could be a nice get for the Friars.
Isaiah Elohim: Fr 6-5 G/F USC
Providence was involved with Isaiah Elohim when he was coming out of high school, and it appears they will be courting him again. Elohim originally committed to Arkansas but would later follow Eric Musselman to USC. He played sparingly, only appearing in 18 games on the season. He is a wing with good size and explosive athleticism, it’s not a shock that Providence would be interested again. Update: Isaiah Elohim committed to FAU
Abdi Bashir Jr: So 6-7 G Monmouth
Abdi Bashir lit up the CAA this past season for Monmouth with 20.1 ppg. He is a bit of a volume scorer but led the nation in three pointers made with 127. He has tremendous size for a guard and should have no problem making the jump to high major college basketball which is evident from his 38-point outing against Rutgers and 20-point outing against Michigan St this past season. Expect a long list of schools in his recruitment. Update: Abdi Bashir Jr committed to Kansas St
Silas Demary Jr: So 6-5 G Georgia
Providence offered Demary out of high school and it appears they are after him once again. He has good size from the guard position and helped lead the Georgia Bulldogs to a NCAA Tournament appearance. Demary Jr is going to be one of the more sought-after guards in the portal and Providence probably faces an uphill climb to get him. Update: Silas Demary Jr committed to UConn
Darren Buchannan Jr: So G/F 6-7 George Washington
Buchannan is one of those hybrid forwards that the Friars have had success with in the past. He scores his points at the rim and is a solid rebounder and passer as well. Update: Darren Buchanan Jr committed to Rutgers
Jaron Pierre: Sr 6-5 G Jax State
Jaron Pierre Jr is a three-level scorer, who is a good driver, explosive finisher and can shoot it. He really is a full package in a guard that you’re going to find in the portal. He is going to have a long list of suitors and Kentucky figures to be a threat in his recruitment.
Isaiah Abraham: Fr 6-7 F UConn
Yes, it would be ironic if the Friars took an in-conference transfer after seeing Bryce Hopkins leave for St. Johns but it’s not like Dan Hurley was playing the guy. Providence also was a finalist with Virginia Tech and Marquette before he ultimately chose UConn out of high school. While he didn’t showcase much last season his versatility, athleticism and toughness to get him a 4-star ranking out of high school plus having three years of eligibility is more than enough for me to take a flyer on him. Update: Isaiah Abraham has committed to Georgetown
Players We Would Like Friars to Pursue
Joson Sanon: Fr 6-5 G Arizona St UPDATE: Sanon committed to St. Johns
Sanon probably didn’t live up to expectations out of high school but it’s clear he can play. I’m sure he’ll have plenty of suitors, but PC had offered him out of high school, and he was ranked the 24th player per 247 Sports in the 2024 class.
BOC: Sometimes, a humbling freshman season can get a player on the right track or he can bounce from spot to spot. We’ll see if the failed experiment at Arizona State gets him to focus first and foremost on hoops. Nobody questions his talent, that is for sure.
Amarri Monroe: Jr 6-7 F Quinnipiac
If you do some social media sleuthing the Friars could actually have some interest in the MAAC Player of the Year. And why wouldn’t they? The 6-7 forward is a monster around the rim, a good rebounder, and has the ability to shoot threes albeit his percentage wasn’t that high this past season. Update: Amarri Monroe decided to return to Quinnipiac
Max Green: Fr 6-6 G/F Holy Cross
Max Green put up an impressive first season up on the hill at Holy Cross. He was named 2025 Patriot League Rookie of the Year. He is a good cutter to the basket and a really good shooter from three. I’m sure he will garner plenty of interest and could see him playing back home in Kentucky Update: Max Green committed to Northwestern.
Mister Dean: Fr 6-6 G South Carolina Upstate
We really just like his name, but Mister Dean has serious game as well. He struggled with his three point shot this past season but his athleticism is on full display offensively and defensively. His tape is a ton of fun to watch.
BOC: I have to be honest, I don’t care what this guy brings on the court. I want him exclusively for his name.
Tae Davis: Jr 6-9 F Notre Dame
Tae Davis actually got his start at Seton Hall before blossoming at Notre Dame over the past two seasons. He was a bit of a late bloomer but showed and excellent ability to score the basketball and get to the free throw line. Could a return to the Big East be in the cards? Update: Tae Davis committed to Oklahoma.
Nate Calmese: Jr 6-3 G Washington State
The Washington State guard started at Loyola Marymount, then was at Washington before breaking out for the Cougars of Washington St. He is a point guard that has shown production at the high major basketball level. He gives me Devin Carter vibes and its not just due to the hairline! Calmese didn’t shoot it well from as percentage standpoint from three but could blossom under Kim English. Update: Nate Calmese committed to Wake Forest.
Drew Fielder – So 6-10 F Georgetown
Crier isn’t going to be happy I included this one! I said back in high school that he was my favorite of the SoCal Academy trio to be committed to Providence, which was somewhat of an outlier take given Dual’s high ranking. I’ve always loved Fielder for his intensity and edge he plays with. I understand he hasn’t put up all world numbers at a down Georgetown program, but he has started for two years at a Big East program. He can play on the perimeter and bang in the paint. Don’t let him play for Mr. Cooley taint your views on him. With that said, it wouldn’t shock me to see him transfer back West closer to home. Update: Drew Fielder committed to USC then signed with Boise St
Elliot Cadeau: So 6-1 G UNC
This is probably a pipe dream but for a Friar team that lacked a true floor general last season at the point guard position Elliot Cadeau is one of the best you will find. The former 5-star recruit played the past two seasons at North Carolina. The Friars did offer him out of high school. Update: Elliot Cadeau committed to Michigan.
RJ Luis: Jr 6-7 G/F St. Johns
After a poor outing in the Round of 32 where Pitino found himself benching the Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis, in a shocking move, has entered the transfer portal. It seems like an odd move but with SJ in hot pursuit of Bryce Hopkins it makes sense. So, if Pitino is going to poach Bryce Hopkins the Friars should answer by taking a look at RJ Luis. He is a great slasher, solid midrange shooter and can really defend. Make the call Kim! One thing to note Luis also entered the NBA Draft so it could be some time before he makes a decision on his future.
Yaxel Lendeborg: Sr 6-8 F UAB
Yaxel Lendeborg is an absolute beast. He can score it; he’s one of the nation’s leading rebounders and is a great passer for a big man. He would check a ton of boxes and would be an excellent replacement for Bryce Hopkins. Lendeborg also entered his name into the NBA Draft so it remains to be seen if he even goes to a new school or not. Update: Yaxel Lendeborg committed to Michigan but may remain in NBA Draft.
John Camden: Sr 6-8 F Delaware
Camden is a late bloomer. He originally started at Memphis then spent two years at Virginia Tech before breaking out this past season at UD. Camden is a really good shooter from deep and would be the stretch 4 that Kim’s offense needs. Update: John Camden committed to Cal.
Malique Ewin: Jr 6-11 F FSU
If you literally wanted to replace Bryce Hopkins, I have found the exact guy to do it. Malique Ewing is a big who can handle the rock and is a great driver of the basketball. He finishes with ease at the rim as you can tell with his 59.6% shooting percentage and he’s a really good rebounder. He probably isnt the perfect fit for Kim’s offense, the three ball is not in his arsenal, however neither was Hopkins the perfect fit and you could absolutely make it work playing him alongside Oswin Erhunmwunse. Update: Malque Ewin committed to Arkansas
Tre Holloman: Jr 6-2 G Michigan State
A surprise entry to the portal Tre Holloman appeared to be the heart and soul of a Michigan St team that made it to the Elite 8 this past season. Holloman struggled with his shot last year, but this kid is a gamer. He is a culture guy that plays with that edge that just can’t be taught. Update: Tre Holloman committed to NC State.
Reed Bailey
Friar fans are very familiar with Reed Bailey as he torched us in Atlantis this past November to the tune of 18 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Bailey is from Massachusetts and someone who has improved from the perimeter over his three-year career at Davidson. While it’s not official the Friars are in contact they are in full pursuit with even Devin Carter trying to recruit him. It may be a tough commitment to secure as Kentucky has plenty of interest. Update: Reed Bailey committed to Indiana
Mouhamed Dioubate: So 6-7 F Alabama
As a sophomore Dioubate produced in a bench roll for an Alabama team that reached the Elite 8 this past season. However, with the Tide bringing in Taylor Bol Bowen he decided he would enter the transfer portal. Dioubate does most of his work around the basket but will take the three if you give it to him. Alabama runs an offense similar to what Kim wants to accomplish at Providence, it could be a good fit. Update: Mouhamed Dioubate committed to Kentucky.
Naas Cunningham: RS Fr 6-7 F Alabama
Naas Cunningham was the 53rd rated high school recruit in the Class of 2024. He redshirted this past year and Nate Oates said that he needed to add strength and intensity. He has guard skills in a big man’s body, Cunningham could be worth taking a flyer on. UPDATE: Naas Cunningham committed to UNLV.
Portal Predictions
BOC: I said earlier in the season I ideally wanted Providence to be much more selective in the roster and take 2 portal players: a stud point guard and a back-up 4/5. With Hopkins and Pierre both likely departing, that number will probably be closer to 4 portal additions. It’s too early to give specific names; however, I’ll predict two lead guards and two front court players to join the Friars.
Providence Crier Recruiting Articles
Retention Attention: https://theprovidencecrier.com/2025/03/22/retention-attention-whos-in-whos-out-in-providence/
What Went Wrong: https://theprovidencecrier.com/2025/03/12/what-went-wrong-this-season/
Amir Jenkins: https://theprovidencecrier.com/2025/03/04/crier-recruiting-corner-introducing-2026-pg-amir-jenkins/
Crier Recruiting Corner: Abdou Toure: https://theprovidencecrier.com/2025/03/03/crier-recruiting-corner-introducing-2026-connecticut-wing-abdou-toure/
Crier Recruiting Corner: Marcis Ponder: https://theprovidencecrier.com/2025/02/26/crier-recruiting-corner-introducing-2026-center-marcis-big-show-ponder/
2026 Recruiting Primer:https://theprovidencecrier.com/2024/05/08/the-providence-crier-2026-recruiting-primer-version-1-0/
What about TJ Power from Virgina?
I’d take a flyer.