The roster is starting to crystallize for the 2026-2027 season for the Providence Friars. Last night’s commitment of Northwestern big man Arrinten Page gives Providence a nice 1-2 punch at the 5 position with Page and Yale transfer big Samson Aletan.
Page’s commitment is a massive win for the Friars. His career has been up and down, but when the motor is on and engine is running consistently, he’s has shades of an NBA big. I found myself wondering why he wasn’t more of a wanted commodity and known name this portal cycle, and I have to think it was because of the following:
1. Northwestern’s lack of success
2. His hot/cold streak. One game he looks like an NBA big. Another game he is a no-show.
3. This being his first year in three years of college producing.
Whatever the case, Providence is looking to build off Page’s breakout junior season at Northwestern.
He has untapped potential that many big men do not possess. He has the tools, and you hope Hodgson and staff can turn that potential into consistent production.
We break down the commitment below and project Page’s roster fit for 2026-2027.
A Talent From High School
Big men tend to develop in college slower than guards, and Page’s emerging year last year may be a sign of his potential turning to production.
He was a blue chip recruit coming out of the Peach State, ranked 48th nationally as a 4 star and the 7th overall center in his class.
He signed with USC out of high school over prestigious schools like Miami and Indiana, amongst others.
Talent has never been a question mark for Mr. Page.
Bolstering the Friar Frontcourt
Page is a big land in a literal sense. Providence was a small team last year pretty much up and down the roster. Page’s addition to the current roster ensures that won’t be an issue in the frontcourt. Page and Aletan are both 6’10 plus, with Page measuring in at 6’11. Both importantly have size and some bulk. I don’t foresee Page getting bullied in the post.
PC is going to have size across the starting line-up and are going to be a team known for their length and defensive prowess.
Page Playstyle
Page complements Aletan well. While Aletan is your high energy big who blocks shots and gobbles up rebounds, Page brings an offensive punch to the 5 position that PC has been lacking since Josh Oduro roamed the court. Page can knock down the perimeter shot, has a face-up AND back to the basket game, and will provide firepower from the Center position. He is a really advanced offensive player from the 5 spot and brings an athleticism to that position that Providence hasn’t seen in quite some time.
Page has an ability to take his defender off the dribble, which is not something I’m used to writing about with 6’11 250 pound centers. That will be a welcome sight.
Defenders also cannot sag off him if he’s on the perimeter, like we’ve seen with Oswin. Our team the past two years has been an easier scout defensively because you didn’t have to worry at all about Oswin unless he was rim running. I’m not sure if we’ve ever seen Oswin take a shot beyond the foul line, legitimately.
Now, defenders will have to account for Page on all areas of the court because he’s shown an ability to knock down the 3 ball.
Why the Mixed Reviews?
If you scan the Northwestern message boards and general fan chatter about Page, there are mixed reviews. Some say it’s a massive loss, and Page is League bound after this upcoming season. Others take an opposing stance and are happy to see him go.
I think the consternation is around how hit or miss Page was last year.
In the first thirteen games of the season, Page was playing like an All-League big. And those 13 games were played against some high level teams like Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Virginia, to name a few. His stats those 13 games: 15 points, 6.5 rebounds.
The remaining games: 6.3 points, 2.9 rebounds.
Thus, I understand the split opinion. When he’s “on”, he’s a high end big. When he’s “off”, he is a frustrating figure because he’s not producing despite endless potential.
The fall-off may have something to do with increased competition in the Big 10, sure, and the season was essentially over for the Wildcats, but that’s no excuse for mailing it in halfway through the season.
Providence fans just need to hope they get the good version of Page.
This article below does a good job detailing the rollercoaster of a season.
Remaining Needs – Frontcourt?
In terms of remaining needs, I’ll say that the frontcourt could probably use one more body to be safe to hedge against injuries. The 5 position certainly seems secure, but I wouldn’t mind Hodgson going out and getting another big body (6’10+) whose specialty is knocking down the 3 ball. A stretch four would be a nice addition, but those type of players certainly don’t grow on trees.
If they cannot land that type of player, a bulky and bruising 4/5 who is willing to come off the bench and be a physical presence would be another welcome addition.
As things stand, I’m ecstatic with the state of the 5 position, but would love to see one more body added to the frontcourt to truly round out that area of the roster.