Providence Friars
Big East (23-10, 10-8)
Like quite a few teams in the Big East, Providence had a great nonconference slate, with their most notable win coming against Arizona, but they had a tougher time than expected in Big East action. Regardless of some rough losses along the way, like at home to Seton Hall and at DePaul, it was a very good season for Coach Ed Cooley and company. More importantly, this team has some serious talent and can be very dangerous if they get hot at the right time.
Big Wins: 11/27 vs Arizona (69-65), 12/31 at Butler (81-73), 1/24 at Villanova (82-76)
Bad Losses: 1/5 Marquette (64-65), 2/2 at DePaul (70-77), 2/10 at Marquette (91-96)
Coach: Ed Cooley
Why They Can Surprise:
Providence relies heavily on their superstar inside-outside duo of Kris Dunn and Ben Bentil. Dunn followed up his breakout 2014-2015 season with another great year as a junior, averaging 16.0 points, 6.4 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 steals. Dunn is not a great outside shooter, but he is capable of knocking down three-pointers. He will more often be found using his 6-4, 220 pound frame to attack the basket. Bentil will hit some outside shots too, but the Friars need him dominating in the paint. The 6-9, 235 pound sophomore is averaging 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game this season. Just with those two alone, Providence is a dangerous team offensively, strong on the glass and will create plenty of turnovers.
Why They Can Disappoint:
The concern is getting consistent production from the rest of the team. Forward Rodney Bullock has done a very good job this year, especially considering he missed a couple years. The sophomore averages 11.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks and has turned into a great complimentary piece to Bentil in the frontcourt. However, there is very little depth behind Bentil and Bullock. Junior Lomomba and Ryan Fazekas are inconsistent on the perimeter, while point guard Kyron Cartwright is a great passer, but not much of a scorer. The Friars need somebody else on the perimeter to be a threat and help take the pressure off of Dunn. Lomomba and Fazekas are the only options and they must step up in March.
Probable Starters:
Kris Dunn, Junior, Guard, 16.0 ppg, 6.4 apg, 5.5 rpg, 2.5 spg
Junior Lomomba, Junior, Guard, 5.5 ppg, 2.0 apg
Ryan Fazekas, Freshman, Forward, 5.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg
Rodney Bullock, Sophomore, Forward, 11.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.3 bpg
Ben Bentil, Sophomore, Forward, 21.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.1 bpg
Key Roleplayers:
Kyron Cartwright, Sophomore, Guard, 5.7 ppg, 4 apg
Jalen Lindsey, Sophomore, Guard, 7.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 74.2 (149th in nation, 7th in conference)
Scoring Defense: 69.8 (126, 3)
Field-Goal Percentage: 41.7 (279, 9)
Field-Goal Defense: 43.4 (170, 7)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 6.9 (176, 6)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 31.5 (297, 10)
Free-Throw Percentage: 73.3 (49, 4)
Rebound Margin: 0.2 (192, 9)
Assists Per Game: 16.0 (33, 4)
Turnovers Per Game: 11.6 (68, 4)
Recent Postseason Appearances:
2015 NCAA Second Round loss to Dayton
2014 NCAA Second Round loss to North Carolina
2013 NIT First Round win over Charlotte
2013 NIT Second Round win over Robert Morris
2013 NIT Quarterfinal loss to Baylor
2009 NIT First Round loss to Miami
2007 NIT First Round loss to Bradley
2004 NCAA Round of 64 loss to Pacific
2003 NIT Opening round win over Richmond
2003 NIT First round win over Charleston
2003 NIT Second round loss to Georgetown
2001 NCAA Round of 64 loss to Penn State
*all team stats through 3/6
