It’s panic time in Friartown. Anybody saying otherwise has their head in the sand or is being deliberately obtuse.
Providence’s entire offseason was built on “change” – new roster, new coaching staff, new strength staff, etc. Unfortunately, four games in, it is more of the same.
Subpar defense? Yes.
Turnover prone? Yes.
2nd half deficits? Yes.
Frontcourt depth? No.
I’ll take a macro view of this roster and just state this: Providence brought in proven talent that is extremely seasoned collegiately. This roster was built to hit the ground running. After four games, there are more questions than answers, which is unacceptable. The staff has to put these players in better positions to succeed.
More importantly, the Providence administration built a non-conference schedule without any early “automatic losses”. Unfortunately, PC dropped two games they shouldn’t have. Now at 2-2, Providence can only afford to drop 1 more in the non-conference or they have to rely on a 2019-2020 run to make the tournament. Not good. That team was an outlier to the norm. You can’t bank on that happening again.
The frontcourt depth behind our starting 5 continues to be one of the most confounding issues of the English era. In three years of the English regime, we cannot seem to find even an adequate back-up 5 to play 15 minutes. I genuinely appreciate the effort Hargrove gives but our defense fell off drastically once Oswin subbed out. Hargrove couldn’t stay on the court and fouled out in 13 minutes of game time. Once again, we have to rely on our starting five man to play 30 minutes. Not ideal. A certain 7’2 islander would sure be a help right about now. Just saying.
Our offense is scoring at a high level, but I fear it is the offense that can be best defined as “empty calories”. In the game against Colorado, we scored 88 points, but shot 24% from 3. I can appreciate the pace and space style, but the free-flowing nature of the offense that gives the player’s independence is fine…until it isn’t. We need a few more play designs that can manufacture a look.
Lastly, the defense. I almost threw my phone against the wall hearing Kim English say that they need to prioritize defense more in practice. After seeing the exhibition games, 2nd half against Holy Cross, and letting up 100 plus against Virginia Tech, how do you not focus 95% of practice on improving the defense?
I’m now in “show me” mode. I don’t care what we do against the mid-majors the rest of the way. Winning by 20+ against UNH and FDU do nothing for me. We need to beat Penn State, need to at a minimum go 1-1 in the Thanksgiving tournament, and head into Big East play at 8-3.
You are what your record says you are. This team needs to have a long look in the mirror. Urgency is needed.
Spot on and you didn’t even mention starting lineup issues. PG is the problem and a blind loyalty to a mediocre player at best in CFJ. Plus end of half and game execution. Lots of holes to plug. Also saw Gtown today. One gifted big after another. Beat Clemson. Right now, it doesn’t look like a good matchup for the Friars when they meet. But I’m looking ahead. Sorry.