Providence out to forge new identity vs. Central Connecticut State

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Providence will begin the second season of the Kim English era with Central Connecticut State visiting Rhode Island's capital city on Monday night.

The Friars were led to a 21-14 record, including a berth in the NIT, by eventual lottery pick Devin Carter last season, but this is a new team. Thus, an opening five-game homestand before trekking to the Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas will allow English's team to forge an identity.

"No Josh Oduro, no Devin Carter, no Davonte Gaines, who is this team going to be?" English said at Big East Media Day. "We'll play hard, we're tough, we'll defend, but it's looking (at where) we needed to improve after last season -- our ball security, free-throw shooting, rebounding, offensive efficiency."

Four transfers and seven total newcomers join the fold in 2024-25, but the return of Preseason All-Big East pick Bryce Hopkins provides the biggest boost.

Hopkins averaged 15.5 points and 8.6 rebounds per game before sustaining a season-ending knee injury in January. Though he did not play in a 63-54 Saturday exhibition win over UMass, there is optimism he could open the season on time.

"He's at a really good spot and confidence with his game," English said.

As for transfers, the Friars have Massachusetts native Bensley Joseph (Miami) and former four-star recruit Wesley Cardet Jr. (Chicago State) joining junior Jayden Pierre in the backcourt, while Christ Essandoko (Saint Joseph's) adds a 7-foot presence inside.

"A lot is still to be determined because you really don't know someone until you see them under the lights," English said.

Also returning is Rich Barron, a 42.9 percent 3-point shooter who earned Big East All-Rookie honors.

Central Connecticut State is coming off its first Northeast Conference regular-season championship in 17 years. The Blue Devils, who finished 20-11 last season, are projected atop the league's preseason poll in a tie with Wagner.

"We had an older group of guys who have been together for a long period of time," CCSU fourth-year coach Pat Sellers said. "They were really comfortable in our system. ... (Everything) came together at once."

The program's continuity continues with four fourth-year seniors returning -- a rarity in today's college basketball. The group includes big man Jayden Brown, who shot 52.6 percent from the floor in his junior season.

The lone returning NEC All-Star also belongs to Central: senior guard Jordan Jones (13.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.8 steals per game in 2023-24).

"They're really a huge part of our culture, and they do a good job of welcoming in the new guys," Sellers said.

--Field Level Media