by Sarah Wolff ’28 and Dorothée Durivage ’28 on February 12, 2026

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Sports

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Kawhi Leonard

There were more than just a few snubs in the initial 2026 National Basketball Association All-Star Game roster. However, Kawhi Leonard’s absence was one that gained the most attention, so much so that he was later added to the roster as a corrective measure for the new format. I do recognize this reform, as
key players like James Harden have been left completely off the list. Still, to not include a player
like Leonard in the initial voting process was absurd. He has had arguably the best statistical season
of his career, and for coaches to find that other Western Conference players were better equipped
for the challenge felt unfair. This was a decision that many basketball fans, analysts, and even 
Los Angeles Clippers’ head coach Tyronn Lue have called out. As the first half of the 2025–2026 season comes to a close, Leonard has undoubtedly proved himself. He is currently averaging a career-high 28 points per game (No. 7 in the NBA), with 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.1 steals (No. 2 in the NBA). These numbers are tangible evidence that not only make him one of the best league performers, but also place him on par with, or even better than, the players who were initially selected. There were two key points that critics of the voting highlighted. First, amidst all the players not initially selected for the game, Leonard’s scoring average was the highest. It’s the first time in NBA history that someone with his averages has not been selected for the team. Second, despite being out a few games due to injury, Leonard was actually on the court more than several selected All-Stars. For example, Damian Lillard is participating in the 3-point contest, although he hasn’t played a minute this season. Among all NBA fan communities, Leonard was no doubt one of the most deserving All-Stars, disregarding any sort of fame narrative. Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue publicly expressed his dismay about this decision, saying, “But Kawhi, I think, to me, the last six weeks has been the best player in the NBA. Like you said, 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from three, and 90 percent from the free throw line, averaging 28 points per game, and what he’s done to bring his team out of the hole. We started 6–21 and to be where we’re at today, it was just tough to see.” Lue’s attitude was shared by many fans and commentators, many of whom felt that Leonard’s greatness was overlooked to secure legacy picks such as LeBron James. As I mentioned, Leonard was not initially selected through the traditional voting process, but was later added to the All-Star player pool by Adam Silver, commissioner of the NBA commissioner.. So what does this mean? Does a player performing at an All-Star level not get the chance to be recognized until the league steps in? Leonard was an obvious pick for the 2026 All-Star game, and his snub is the blueprint example of how reputation and relationships may matter just as much as performance in the league.
– Sarah Wolff ’28
Sports Staff

Michael Porter, Jr.

Brooklyn Nets player Michael Porter, Jr. was snubbed from a spot on this year’s National Basketball Association All-Star Team. 27-year-old Porter is having his best personal season to date, which led many to think that he might be deserving of his first spot on the All-Star roster this year. However, no Nets players were selected to be a part of this year’s team, which is surprising considering the Eastern Conference votes. Porter was ranked No. 9 in fan votes and No. 10 by both players and the media. Ultimately, NBA coaches also decided not to name Porter as a reserve, which may be the most shocking choice of all considering his season so far. Porter is leading the team in terms of points, averaging 25 per game. After starting 48 games this season, he has started the most out of any player on the Nets. This season, Porter has also been averaging 7.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 47.4 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three-point range. His best month of the season was in December when he averaged 28.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Sadly, Porter’s performance since then has not been as stellar. Since the new year, he is down to averaging 23.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, which could not have helped his chances of making it to the All-Star game. After hearing that he did not make the roster, Porter, who has been a very important player in the Nets’ rebuild this season, said, “I thought I had a chance, for sure. But I knew it was out of my control. I know the record probably plays a part in it, even though there’s guys that are in there that don’t have the most amazing record.”. His reaction shows that he was a deserving athlete for this year’s All-Star game, making his absence even more surprising. 
– Dorothée Durivage ’28
Sports Staff

by Sarah Wolff ’28 on February 5, 2026

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Sports - NBA

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At this point, professional basketball has become just as much about business as it is about athletic excellence. However, few ventures display that better than the empire of player-started basketball shoe lines. Among the most successful are Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry. While each line differently depicts each player’s philosophy, they all illustrate how shoes can uphold legacy, success, and fan loyalty.

First and foremost, Jordan’s Air Jordan line remains the groundwork of the NBA sneaker industry. In 1984, when Nike made a revolutionary partnership with Jordan, they took a huge risk by centering their marketing around one athlete. As we know, that gamble paid off immensely. Nike built the Air Jordan brand to present Jordan as not only a player, but also as a symbol of excellence and hard work. The shoes were designed to stand out visually and technologically, and they did just that. Decades after Jordan’s retirement, the Air Jordan brand still makes billions of dollars annually, testifying that its culture and trade are unbeatable.

James entered the shoe business in a very different era. James first debuted his model with Nike in 2003, with his business technique focusing heavily on progression and evolution. 

James’s shoes are made for durability and power, calling to athletes who value performance as much as style. Business-wise, with each development of his personal brand and career milestones comes a sneaker. This works to keep the line relevant year after year, championship after championship. The key to the effectiveness of James’s shoes is their ability to adjust while maintaining a legacy that isn’t over.

Bryant’s sneaker line lived up to the precision and performance he taught through his trademark phrase, “Mamba Mentality.” Bryant worked hard on his shoe and was involved in the design process as he wanted to make sure the shoe was lightweight and receptive. His shoes may not have been best sellers, but because of his strategy, they are certainly some of the most respected on the court.

Durant’s shoe line, especially with his Nike KD models, reflects a different approach from the previous three. With a modern, character-driven strategy, Durant’s brand works closely with his unique story and journey as a person and player. His shoes are typically more popular among younger athletes because they seem to be more accessible in price and style.

The last addition to this list is Curry’s brand. Unlike some professional athletes, Curry’s brand is not surrounded by media hype or celebrity culture. Instead, it’s built on his absolute obsession with the game and unwavering work ethic. His deal with Under Armour, although he has just joined the previous four at Nike, mirrored Curry’s style of play—prioritizing support, comfort, and movement. His authenticity earns him a spot on this list, as fans and players see Curry as someone who simply wants to be on the court, perfecting his craft.

In terms of cultural impact, sustainability, and business effectiveness, to claim that any brand but Jordan’s is the greatest overall would be hard to get behind. However, each player’s process and approach express a different path to success, and together, they prove how Basketball shoes can become powerful testaments to a player’s identity and legacy.

by Emilia Farrall ‘28 on November 20, 2025

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Sports

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Women’s Basketball

The women’s basketball team is off to a 2–1 start this season. On Monday night, Nov. 10, the team defeated Central Connecticut State University with an impressive score of 65–40. Teneisia Brown ’26G had her first double-double as a Friar with 12 points, 14 rebounds, and three steals. On Saturday afternoon, the team earned their second win of the season against Boston College, 70–61. Payton Dunbar ’28 scored in double figures with a career-high 22 points. Looking ahead, the team will face Northeastern University on Nov. 18 and Yale University on Nov. 21, both at home in Alumni Hall.

Men’s Ice Hockey

Last weekend, the men’s ice hockey team went 1–1 against Merrimack College. On Friday, Nov. 14, the team won 4–2 at pinkout night at Schneider Arena. Roger McQueen ’29 scored his first two NCAA goals. Tanner Adams ’27 and Logan Sawyer ’28 also registered one apiece. The team traveled to Merrimack on Nov. 15, but ultimately fell 3–2. After the weekend, the team is 5–4–2 on the season and 3–2–1 in Hockey East play. Next up, the Friars will face the University of Massachusetts twice, home on Thursday, Nov. 20 and away on Saturday, Nov. 22. 

Women’s Cross Country

On Friday, Nov. 14, the women’s cross country team competed in the NCAA Northeast regional race in Hopkinton, New Hampshire. The team had three runners in the top 10 on the 6k course; Anna Gardiner ’28 placed No. 6, Cara Laverty ’26 placed No. 7, and Gabrielle ’28 Schmidt placed No. 9 for the Friars. In addition to the three in the top 10, Niamh O’Mahony ’26 and Kate Currie ’29 earned NCAA-All Northeast Region honors for their finishes. This resulted in the team placing No. 2 out of 37 teams and earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Championships on Nov. 22. This will be their fifth consecutive appearance at the championships and their 33rd overall appearance.

Men’s Soccer

The men’s soccer team finished their season with a 2–0 loss to first-seeded Georgetown University in the Big East Semifinal game. Ryan Carney ’29 had five saves in net for the Friars, two in the first half and three in the second half, making this his second-highest save total of the season. The team did not give up; they had six shots on goal in the second half compared to their four in the first half. The Friars finished their season 6–7–3 overall and with an impressive 4–2–2 in Big East play.

by Connor Whalen ‘28 on October 9, 2025

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If you paid attention to Kim English’s upgrades to his team this offseason, you are already fully aware of the excitement this year in Friartown. If not, this article will help familiarize you with this year’s team, as I will lay out what I predict to be the team’s rotation to start the year.

Jason Edwards ’G26 and Jaylin Sellers ’G26 are guaranteed to feature in the backcourt together as the two most dynamic scoring threats on English’s roster. Edwards should see the most field goal attempts on the team, able to create his own looks and shoot off the dribble. Sellers is a capable secondary scoring option and should alleviate some of Edwards’ offensive responsibility. Corey Floyd Jr. ’26 is another expected starter and, as the only returning senior on the team, his leadership and experience will be crucial on and off the court. Floyd will serve as another primary ball-handler and should get open looks from behind the arc with defenses focused heavily on Edwards and Sellers. This backcourt is outrageously explosive and athletic, and, on the defensive end, will be a tough matchup for opposing offenses. 

Duncan Powell ’G26 looks suited to slide into the Friars’ power forward role. At 6’8” and 240 pounds, Powell gives the team another rebounder and a physical defender. He should serve as the third scoring option for the team, mostly cashing in on catch-and-shoot looks and post-up situations. Next to Powell, sophomore returnee Oswin Erhunmwunse ’28 looks set to round out the starting five at the center position. Standing at 6”10’ and weighing in at 235 pounds, he showed promise in his freshman year as a rebounder and shot-blocker. With one year of experience under his belt, and seemingly having put on some muscle, Erhunmwunse’s development could be crucial to this team’s success on defense. 

Jamier Jones ’29 will receive significant minutes from day one; the freshman is one of the most exciting prospects to ever commit to PC, and his athleticism and raw talent gives English a burst of energy off the bench. He could even start for this team by March if all the hype around him truly was real. Stefan Vaaks ’29 is another intriguing freshman set to come off the bench to begin the season. Scouts and analysts have praised English’s move to bring in Vaaks, a potential hidden gem from Estonia. He is a three-level scorer and an able ball-handler, and his background as a pro in Europe makes him NCAA ready off the bat. Daquan Davis ’28 is a gifted playmaker and rugged defender off the bench. He provides backup to Sellers and Edwards as a ball-handler and should get solid minutes. Ryan Mela ’27 returns, giving English the perfect depth option at the small forward /power forward position. Mela displayed impressive playmaking and rebounding skills in his freshman season, offering this team a unique skillset off the bench. Lastly, Cole Hargrove ’26 provides cover for Erhunmwunse at the center position. Measuring at 6’8” and 245 pounds, Hargrove is certain to play tough defense and give the Friars an energy boost off the bench. 

As a result of Jones’ arrival as one of the top recruits in PC history—and all the noise surrounding it—Jaylen Harrell’s ’29 commitment naturally, but undeservedly, lived in its shadow. Harrell is an exceptionally well-rounded player, averaging 22.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game in his senior year of high school. The two-time Massachusetts player of the year can score anywhere on the court, whether in the post, off the dribble, or on catch-and-shoot looks. As of right now, the Friars have a really deep team loaded with tons of talent, and I have Harrell getting little to no minutes to start the year. I do not expect that to remain true by the end of the year, as I truly expect the freshman to earn himself meaningful, regular minutes. Richard Barron ’28 returns and adds wing depth as a capable shooter on the bench. Peteris Pinnis ’29, a 7’0” force from Latvia, is another center option, and a huge body that could see bench minutes if Erhunmwunse and Hargrove get in early foul trouble. Much of his game still looks somewhat raw, but as a freshman,with his size, he could certainly carve out a bench role and be an important player in future years. Nilivan Daniels ’28 returns after making last year’s team as a walk-on, and the always-smiling campus favorite’s presence adds a hard-working, energetic guard to the end of the rotation. Lastly, Jack Williams ’G26, a transfer from UCLA that managed their team, gives the team a veteran presence and smart basketball mind. 

These are only my predictions, and it remains to be seen how English will line his team up to start the year. The rotation will also change throughout the year, as many of the players have yet to see NCAA action and remain somewhat unknown. At any rate, this team is very athletic and will be fun to watch, and is genuinely poised to compete for a spot in the NCAA tournament in March.

by Flagg Taylor ’27 on October 2, 2025

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Athlete of the Week

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Rich Barron: Third Year Loyal Friar

Rich Barron ’27 is entering his third year of college basketball, and during the past two transitional and challenging seasons for the Friars, he has remained loyal to the team and head coach Kim English. With last season being one of the worst seasons the team has faced in recent history, fans are eager to put it in the past, especially with the assistance of several new and exciting faces being added to the team. It is great to see excitement and support for new transfers and incoming freshmen, but it’s important to recognize and appreciate players like Barron who have shown dedication to the program over many seasons in this new dynamic NIL landscape. 

Barron joined the Friars for the 2023–24 season. He was one of English’s first recruits, originally committing to play for George Mason University, English’s previous school, before decommitting and following English to Providence. Barron was born on March 5, 2005, and grew up in Chicago, IL, with his parents Richard and Cory and sister Dylan. He played for St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago, graduating in 2023. In his senior season, Barron averaged 16.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and three assists per game. He received first-team all-state honors in the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association 3A division, as well as first-team in the Chicago Catholic League. The 6’5”, 220-pound forward will be entering his junior year season still boasting the No. 10. 

In the 2024–25 season, like the team as a whole, Barron experienced some struggles. Before the season began, he had shoulder surgery for a nagging injury from the previous 2023–24 season. This likely affected his game at the beginning of the season. Throughout the 2024–25 season, Barron also struggled with concussions and a groin injury, leading to rocky and inconsistent play for the sophomore. Although it was generally a disappointing season for Barron, on Feb. 8, he lit up Hinkle Arena with seven three-pointers and 23 points in a heartbreaking one-point loss at Butler. This game proved he still had the potential he had shown during his freshman season. 

With all these exciting new players joining the team, it is easy to forget about the improvements returning players will be making. Barron has been grinding during the off-season, and coming into this season healthy, fans will see improvements and performances like his freshman year potential alluded to. In Barron’s freshman season, he shot three-pointers at 42.9 percent and scored eight or more points on nine different occasions for the Friars, providing an important offensive spark off the bench. Barron was named Big East Freshman of the Week on Jan. 22, 2024 after lighting up DePaul with four three-pointers. In my opinion, his best performance as a Friar came in the 2024 Big East Tournament against Creighton. Taking a bigger role after Bryce Hopkins ’25 injury, he stepped up when needed that season. The Friars needed to start the second half off strong and keep the momentum which Barron did, Barron stepping up and draining back-to-back threes, sparking a scoring run and creating a ton of momentum. Barron also hit an impressive swooping reverse layup against the four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, Ryan Kalkbrenner. The Friars won this game, and Barron was a huge part of the momentum. Last season, plagued by injuries, Barron could not showcase his potential. This year, with a new and improved team around him, a more confident coach, and a refreshed coaching staff, Barron will be able to continue improving and put his talents on display at  the Amica Mutual Pavilion. I’m certainly excited to watch guys like third-team All-SEC Jason Edwards ’G26 take the court as promising transfers, but I’ll always be most excited to watch loyal Friars like Barron get back on the court, giving it their all for the hope of  going dancing in March with a Providence jersey on. 

by Emilia Farrall ‘28 on September 18, 2025

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Sports

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As head coach Kim English enters his third season at Providence College, the team looks a little different this year. With the loss of key scorers such as Bensley Joseph ’25, Jayden Pierre, and of course Bryce Hopkins to another Big East competitor, it leaves us to wonder who will step into those important gaps and how the season will play out for the Friars.

English’s returning players are key to team dynamic and success this season. Important returning players for the Friars include Oswin Erhunmwunse ’28, Corey Floyd, Jr. ’26, Rich Barron ’27, and Ryan Mela ’28. Erhunmwunse is the only returning player who appeared in every game for the Friars last season. As a guard, Floyd is PC’s top returning scorer, averaging 9.2 points per game. Barron started in nine of his 27 appearances last season. Mela averaged 6.4 points per game last season and was named to the Big-East All Freshman Team.

Providence is known for utilizing the transfer portal effectively and always landing talented recruits. Key transfer from Vanderbilt, Jason Edwards ’26G, played in all 33 games and boasted an impressive average of 17 points per game, scoring double figures in 31 of the 33 games last season. Edwards was named to the 2025 All-SEC third team. Jaylin Sellers ’26G, who transferred from the University of Central Florida, only appeared in three games last season due to an injury, but still maintained an average of six points per game that season. In the season prior, Sellers appeared in all 33 games for the Knights and earned All Big-12 Honorable Mention. PC also secured international prospect Stefan Vaaks ’29. Vaaks represented Estonia in the 2025 European Championship and averaged 15 points per game in Latvia-Estonia Basketball League play. Additionally, Daquan Davis ’28, Jaylen Harrell ’29, Jamier Jones ’29, Jack Williams ’26G, Cole Hargrove ’27, Peteris Pinnis ’29, and Duncan Powell ’26G round out all new players for Coach English.

On Thursday, Sept. 11, Providence announced the upcoming season’s conference schedule. The Friars will play 20 games of Big East play, 10 on the road and 10 at home at the Amica Mutual Pavillion in downtown Providence. A notable matchup will be against Rick Pitino’s 2025 Big East championship team, St. John’s, which includes former Friar Hopkins. Hopkins ended his three year tenure at PC shortly following the conclusion of last year’s season. The Friars will face the Red Storm away on Jan. 3, and at home on Feb. 14, in what will be an exciting Big East matchup. Another electrifying matchup will be between former head coach Ed Cooley who now coaches Georgetown’s Hoyas. This rivalry has been beyond tense for both players and fans alike, and will continue to be so in the two games scheduled this season. The Friars take on the Hoyas at home on Jan. 24, and away Mar. 7.  

The Big East will continue to be one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball. The Friars must adjust to the upcoming season’s challenges to secure a bid to the NCAA tournament this year. The team has put in substantial work this off-season to make a huge impact on the program, leaving Friar fans hopeful for the upcoming season.

by Connor Whalen ‘28 on September 18, 2025

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Sports

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After losing last season’s starting guards Bensley Joseph ’25 and Jayden Pierre to graduation and the transfer portal, head coach Kim English and his staff faced a desperate need to fill the glaring void at the guard position during the offseason. They answered that call, filling the positions with the most exciting transfer portal acquisitions coming to Friartown this season: Jason Edwards ’26G from Vanderbilt and Jaylin Sellers ’26G from the University of Central Florida. Both of these players are gifted scorers and high-intensity players, giving Friars fans good reason to be excited about watching them on the court together this season.

Edwards is a 6’1” guard that possesses a flashy handle on the ball, providing the Friars with a dynamic scoring threat. He began his collegiate career playing at a junior college before excelling in his sophomore season at the University of North Texas, earning him a huge opportunity to play SEC basketball at Vanderbilt. During his sole season with the Commodores, Edwards averaged 17.0 points per game, shot 35.3 percent from three-point range, and led his team to an NCAA Tournament appearance as a 10 seed. Friars fans can expect a fearless, skilled scorer, able to shoot off the dribble at an impressive clip and attack the rim. Edwards also thrives scoring as a pick and roll ball-handler, and center Oswin Erhunmwunse’s ’27 standout ability to catch lobs after coming off screens could make the pick and roll duo a major offensive threat. A critique of Edwards’ game at Vanderbilt was aimed at his decision-making and shot selection, sometimes electing to take contested shots, and posting more turnovers per game than assists (1.6 and 1.3, respectively). Look for Edwards to be more selfless this year: the Friars are equipped with more scorers and perimeter shooters that should be able to take some of the weight off his shoulders and give him passing outlets. 

Edwards’ backcourt counterpart, Sellers, is a 6’5” guard out of University of Central Florida. Friars fans hope Sellers can return to the form he showed before he missed virtually his entire senior year due to a back injury. With great size and eye-catching athleticism, the Friars are getting a plus defender in Sellers. His striking vertical allows him to finish at the rim effectively and lay down highlight dunks, making him a defensive nightmare in transition. One glaring flaw in Sellers’ game was his inability to shoot from three efficiently, posting only a 29.7 three point percentage in his junior year at UCF. Sellers almost seemed hesitant to shoot from deep as the season progressed and struggled mightily on his attempts off the dribble. Off the catch, however, Sellers was markedly more efficient. He also shot 44.4 percent and 45 percent in his freshman and sophomore years at Ball State and  UCF, respectively. Friars fans can hope Coach English’s offensive sets use Sellers in a manner more suitable to his skillset, giving him open catch-and-shoot looks from behind the arc and forcing him to attack the rim more.

Edwards’ and Sellers’ potential as a backcourt duo is cause for genuine excitement in Providence. Last year’s team lacked a true number one scoring threat—there was no go-to, aggressive, creative scorer to count on in clutch situations. Edwards has every capability to fill that role for the Friars this season. Sellers could even rival Edwards as that number one option should he reach his ceiling and improve his shooting efficiency, but at a minimum should give this team a legitimate secondary option. Friartown: can these two lead this team back to the Big Dance?

by npatano on March 3, 2022

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Uncategorized

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Who Will Win the Big East Tournament?

Will Murphy ’23

Sports Staff

Providence Friars

As March Madness rapidly approaches, one of the most highly anticipated conference tournaments this year is the Big East Tournament, taking place in Madison Square Garden March 9-12. 

The Big East has been one of the premier conferences in college basketball all year and is projected to have upwards of six NCAA Tournament teams. That should make for an action-packed week in New York City. 

The Providence College Friars enter the tournament atop the conference, as regular-season champs. The Friars have been one of the best in the nation in close games down the stretch. Many analysts have attributed this to luck, but the experience of the Friars has benefitted them time and time again. 

The Friars will also be riding high on the momentum from winning the Big East regular-season title for the first time in program history. 

Graduate transfer Al Durham ’22 has run the point for the Friars with the calm demeanor necessary to win close games in the always competitive Big East. 

Big man Nate Watson ’22 has been one of the best centers in the country all year for the Friars, and his physicality wears our opponents. 

AJ Reeves ’22 is another experienced Friar, one who has the potential for an offensive explosion each game. His three-point shooting will be key in the Big East Tournament, as the offense opens for the rest of the team when he can knock down threes. 

Jared Bynum ’23 has come on incredibly strong, recently winning Big East Player of the Week twice during conference play. His presence off the bench will also be key for the Friars as he provides instant offense that few other players within the conference can match. 

Noah Horchler ’22 is another crucial player for the Friars whose experience will be invaluable during tournament play. His defense has improved significantly from last year, and his rebounding should help the Friars limit their opponents to only one shot per possession in the tournament. 

Justin Minaya ’22 is one of the best defensive stoppers in the nation. His versatility on defense has been a significant factor to the Friars’ success, and his ability to guard the opposing team’s best player is a reason the Friars are such a threat to win the tournament. 

Ed Croswell ’22 is another player  who has made great improvements since last year’s campaign, and his energy has been critical to the team’s success all year. 

Overall, the Friars’ combination of depth, experience, and defensive prowess will result in them being crowned the Big East Regular Season and Tournament champions.

 

Luke Sweeney ’24

Sports Staff

Villanova Wildcats

Tuesday, March 1 marks the official end of the historic 2022 regular season for the Providence College Men’s Basketball team. In their final game, they faced off against the Villanova Wildcats at the Finneran Pavilion in Villanova, PA. In a close contest once again, the Wildcats came up victorious, 76-74, to sweep the season series. 

For those who have followed Big East basketball this season, Providence and Villanova have consistently been on top of the pack and have proved that they have the players and team ability to go head-to-head with some of the toughest teams in the nation. Coach Ed Cooley and the Friars made history on Saturday when they beat Creighton University to win Providence’s first Big East regular season championship in program history.

Despite the unprecedented season by the Friars, Villanova is still a dangerous team which has the potential to go far in both the Big East Tournament as well as the NCAA Tournament in mid-March. With a stacked lineup of extremely efficient shooters, including the NBA prospect Collin Gillespie, it is hard to find a team in the NCAA that the Wildcats cannot keep up with.

One of the biggest elements of tournament play in men’s college basketball is experience. A team with age and experience in big-time games is almost as important as a team’s record in the current year. Experience is something that Villanova seldomly lacks, year in and year out. Fifth-year point guard Gillespie was last year’s Big East Player of The Year and has a national championship under his belt. Fellow fifth-year and Massachusetts native Jalen Samuels also has a national championship ring and has had an outstanding year defensively. If they can use their age and depth in the right ways during the Big East Tournament, it is hard to imagine a scenario where the Wildcats won’t win it all.

Head coach Jay Wright has had an incredible career with Villanova thus far, and hopes to add to his trophy collection when he and his team travel to Madison Square Garden this year. Since his first year as head coach, he has achieved a 490-189 record (72.2 winning percentage), including a wildly impressive 30-15 record in the NCAA tournament. He will without a doubt be inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame by the end of his career.

Lastly, the Villanova Wildcats have played out the no. 4-ranked strength of schedule during the 2021-2022 regular season, including hard fought battles against top-ranked opponents such as PC and Purdue University. It will most definitely be interesting to see how the Big East Tournament pans out, but I am picking the Villanova Wildcats to hoist the trophy. 

by The Cowl Editor on October 28, 2021

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Sports Shorts

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Sports Shorts

Luke Sweeney ’24

Sports Staff

Men’s Basketball:

The Providence College Men’s Basketball Team started their preseason this week against head coach Ed Cooley’s alma mater, Stonehill College. The team played well as they eased into competition with a Division II school that they have started their season with since the arrival of Cooley as head coach. The Friars beat the Skyhawks 96-71 and were able to see their entire bench play. The team will start their regular season on Tuesday, Nov. 9 against Fairfield University, and then play two days later on Nov. 11 against Sacred Heart University. Both home games help the Friars prepare for their first major test against the University of Wisconsin on Nov. 15.

Men’s Soccer:

The Providence College Men’s Soccer Team won at home on Saturday, Oct. 23, taking down unranked University of Connecticut 2-1. PC took the first lead of the game thanks to a goal from Luis Garcia ‘23, but the Huskies equalized following a goal from Okem Chime. Providence’s Brendan McSorley assisted Kevin Vang for the game winning goal in the 87th minute. The team will take on Villanova University on Saturday, Oct. 30 on Chapey Field.

Women’s Ice Hockey:

The Providence College Women’s Hockey Team has been off to a hot start this season with a 3-1-2 record. The team currently sits at a ranking of No. 11 in the country and looks to move up as the season progresses. Losing to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on Saturday put the team back a bit, but they look to rebound on Sunday, Oct. 31 against Boston University at home.

Women’s Soccer:

The Providence College Women’s Soccer Team had a strong week, as they played the University of Connecticut Huskies on Thursday, Oct. 21, and then the University of DePaul Blue Demons on Sunday, Oct. 24. The Friars tied to UConn 1-1 and then beat DePaul 1-0. The win against DePaul came in double overtime after a close game all the way through. Fifth year senior Amber Birchwell scored the game-winning goal off an assist from sophomore Meg Hughes. They will play Seton Hall on Thursday, Oct. 28 at Chapey Field for the team’s senior night.

by The Cowl Editor on November 7, 2019

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Sports

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Friars Ready to Pick-Up the Pace

By Jack Belanger ’21

Sports Co-Editor

It would be an understatement to say it has been a tough past two years for center Emmitt Holt ‘19GS who has dealt with many ups and downs during his time at Providence College. After having a successful 2016-17 season, Holt suffered an abdominal injury that caused him to miss the entire 2017-18 season. Despite getting a full year to recover, he would only appear in six games the next season and would eventually red shirt once again to gain a sixth year of eligibility.

That made the moment all the more special when the home crowd gave Holt a standing ovation when he checked into the game for the first time in the opening half against Sacred Heart University. He brought the crowd to its feet shortly after when he made his first shot behind the three-point line. His play helped spark the Friars to jump out to an early lead that they would not relinquish for the entire game, beating the Pioneers 106-60. After the game, Holt spoke on the standing ovation he received.

“It was a great moment for me and my teammates. It’s great to be recognized for all the hard work I’ve been putting in at practice.”

Head Coach Ed Cooley was also really happy to see his veteran to come back after two years that challenged Holt mentally and physically.

“I was really proud to see Emmitt out there and how the crowd reacts to him.”

It was a dominant performance on both ends of the court for the Friars, a pleasing sight for a team that finished last season 7-11 in the Big East. Seven players scored in double figures for the team, led by Alpha Diallo ’20 with 19 to go along with his team-leading 14 rebounds. The team also showed a willingness to share the ball, witnessed by 31 assists on 39 buckets.

Coach Cooley raved about how experienced the team will be this year, noting that sophomores A.J. Reeves ’22 and David Duke ’22 have matured a lot since last year. The two combined for 26 points, 12 assists, and, most importantly, no turnovers.

Newcomer Luwane Pipkens ’19GS got the start in his first game for the team. The former University of Massachusetts-Amherst guard came out firing on all cylinders, scoring 11 points in the first half with five assists. He also showed off on the defensive end with three steals throughout the night — an effort that sparked the team emotionally.

“It’s a blessing for me,” Pipkens said on coming to PC. “I’m enjoying myself. I’m happy to be here and try to win some games.”

Going into halftime, the Friars nearly doubled the Pioneers’ score, leading 59-30, as Diallo, Pipkens, and Holt all had 11 or more points. Top recruit Greg Gantt ’23 entered the game with about four minutes left in the half and scored his first college points on a fadeaway a minute later. He would hit the first three shots of his career and finish with seven points.

“He has an ‘it’ factor,” Cooley said of the freshman. “He has a very active body. He has never worked this hard in his life.”

PC’s defense put together a complete 40-minute effort that stifled anything Sacred Heart was trying to do with the ball. Holt and Kalif Young ‘20 provided the Friars with strong interior defense that held Sacred Heart to only 24 points in the paint and 32.2 percent shooting from the floor. Young, who got the start in place of the injured Nate Watson ’21, recorded two blocks and steals apiece and after the game was praised by Cooley as one of the best defenders in the country.

In the second half, the Friars raised their intensity on defense and extended their lead to 49 points at one point. PC scored 30 points off of 19 turnovers. The team also pushed the pace on offense, highlighted by the team’s 16 fast break points, which is a new change Cooley plans to emphasize this season.

“We want to try to score off our defense more. Normally some of our teams have played a little slower; we are trying to be one of the fastest teams in the country endline-to-endline.”

With such a deep team this year, Cooley is not worried about wearing his team down early on.

As PC was able to extend their lead late in the game, Cooley was able to give his bench some extended minutes as nine players got 10-plus minutes of action. Even walk-ons Drew Fonts ’21 and Tommy Dempsey ’23 got multiple minutes at the end of the game. Fonts took advantage of the extended minutes and scored five points and recorded an assist.

The Friars will now prepare for their next game against New Jersey Institute of Technology on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. The game will once again be  at home and PC will be looking to start the season 2-0. Cooley and the team hope Jimmy Nichols ‘22 will be able to return after he was not feeling well enough to play in the home opener.