by Sarah Wolff ’28 on February 5, 2026
Men's Basketball
This week, we celebrate guard Stefen Vaaks ’29, whose performance last Saturday, Dec. 6, and in recent games delivered big moments for the Friars. It hasn’t taken long for Vaaks to get Providence College basketball fans talking. His poise, energy, and clutch scoring moments don’t look like they’re coming from a freshman. Vaaks has impressive length and mobility for someone standing at 6’7”, and so far, he has taken every opportunity the coaching staff has given him.
Over the Friars’ last two games, he has averaged 13.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, while shooting a solid 44 percent from the floor and hitting four of nine threes. Contributions like these have helped the Friars take some runs and close out tight games, showing the kind of confidence and rhythm this team has been looking for in the past season. Vaaks’s impact, however, extends beyond the box score. On both ends of the court, he’s brought hustle, energy, and execution. He puts in the work on the offense, working to secure rebounds and convert them into points down at Providence’s basket. As Vaaks runs plays, he energizes not only his teammates, but the crowd as well. On the other hand he’s already shown smart instincts defensively: challenging shots, rotating quickly, and even securing a season-high three steals in a single game. The Cowl published an article at the end of last spring semester amidst the buzz surrounding his commitment. We can remember the excitement the program had installed in everyone regarding his size, international background, and potential as a versatile guard.
However, what’s truly energizing is seeing how that potential is beginning to translate into noticeable and strong contributions when Vaaks is performing his best at the AMP. The rookie’s mistakes have been small. Instead, what stands out is an intentional aggression, a willingness to win some of those tough games, and the kind of composure and confidence in high-pressure environments that often escape first-year players. Head coach Kim English commented on Vaaks’s commitment this season, noting he is “really impressed with Vaaks, especially responding with a big swing after the 14–2 start” in their Saturday home game against the University of Rhode Island. English’s confidence in the freshman guard has been evident in his rotation decisions, trusting Vaaks with important minutes and allowing him to playwhile adjusting to completely new surroundings. Vaaks has responded to this with consistency, discipline, and a maturity uncommon for a league rookie.
As Providence continues to move through in league play, Vaaks’s promise as a player feels more and more tangible with each game. Through his growth, he is slowly showing his coaches, teammates, and fans what he can become: a confident scorer, a strong competitor, and a reliable player to have on the court. If this season’s start is any indication, the Friars have found a possible piece to help them excel not only in the future, but also throughout the current season.