Who Will Win the Big East?

by Andrew Vines ’29 and Flagg Taylor ’27 on November 13, 2025

Sports

Providence College Investigates: MBB

UConn by Andrew Vines ’29

The UConn Huskies came into the season as the highest ranked team in the Big East at No. 4 in the Preseason AP Top 25 poll.

There is a good reason for this, as they return their second and third leading scorers from last year’s team, Solo Ball (14.4 ppg) and Alex Karaban (14.3 ppg). This team lost in the second round of the NCAA tournament to the University of Florida last season. Along with Ball and Karaban, three other Huskies were named to the preseason watchlist for the best players at their respective positions by HoopHallU. This list included Silas Demary Jr., a transfer from the University of Georgia, where he averaged 13.5 points per game. Karaban was a part of both national championship teams for the Huskies. He is a career 37.9 percent three-point shooter and will be the key to their success this season. Another key returner is center Tarris Reed Jr., who, in less than 20 minutes a game last year, averaged 9.6 points and 7.3 rebounds. Through two games this season, Reed is averaging 10 rebounds per game. Out of the freshmen the Huskies brought in this year, 4-star Eric Reibe from the Bullis School in Potomac, MD. has had the biggest impact. From three games, he’s averaging seven points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. Along with Demary, the Huskies added Malachi Smith from the portal, a guard from Dayton University where he averaged 10.4 points and 5.3 assists in the 2024–2025 season.

If their talented roster isn’t enough for them to be considered the best team in the Big East, their start to the season raises a good argument. The Huskies haven’t played the strongest opponents to open the season, but they have been dominant against the University of New Haven and UMass Lowell. They beat the Chargers 79–55 and the Riverhawks 110–47. The game against UMass Lowell was domination from the tip off to the buzzer, with the Huskies being up 44–3 12 minutes into the first half.

The experience of their roster along with their dominant start are good reasons for the Huskies to be considered the top team in the Big East. Additionally, the Huskies have two-time national championship-winning head coach Dan Hurley at the helm. Hurley does not loosen up on his players and expects a lot from them, as seen in a video of him yelling at his players late into the UMass Lowell game. All these factors combined give good reason for the Huskies to be the top team this season in the Big East.

St. John’s by Flagg Taylor ’27

Year three of the Rick Pitino era is here for the St. John’s University’s Red Storm, defending their Big East regular season and tournament wins. Last year, the Johnnies finished with a total record of 31–5 going 18–2 in the Big East. St. John’s took a disappointing 75–66 loss to the University of Arkansas in the second round of the March Madness tournament. Former Johnnies RJ Luis, Kadary Richmond, Aaron Scott, and Deivon Smith all signed NBA or G-League contracts following the season. Brady Dunlap transferred to St. Louis University, Simeon Welcher transferred to the University of Texas, and Vincent Iwuchukwu transferred to Georgetown University. Luckily for Johnnies fans, Pitino retained key player Zuby Ejiofor and brought in loads of new talent via the transfer portal. St. John’s is my pick to win the Big East, repeating their title, and I believe they will make a much deeper run into March Madness this season. The most important member of this year’s St. John’s team will be Pitino’s star player Ejiofor, who was selected as the preseason Big East player of the yeare. In the first game of the season against Quinnipiac University, Ejiofor had 17 points, six rebounds, and a block in only 24 minutes, looking just as dominant as last season. Pitino also kept Lefteris Liotopoulos, Ruben Prey, and Sadiku Ibine Ayo from last year’s squad. These three players bring experience with Pitino’s coaching and will play small but important roles off the bench. Although Ejiofor is the most important piece of St. John’s team, Pitino’s transfer class speaks for itself talent-wise. Pitino brought in a total of six transfers, including five from Power Five conferences. Last year’s Red Storm struggled to shoot the ball, this year that will not be a problem for the Johnnies. From the University of North Carolina, Pitino landed 6’5” sophomore shooting guard Ian Jackson. In the Johnnies’ season opener, he had 15 points on 100 percent shooting, three for three from long range. From Stanford University, another sharpshooter, 6’4” senior guard Oziyah Sellers.. Finally, Pitino landed another 6’5” sophomore guard in Joson Sanon, coming from Arizona State University. Sanon is extremely athletic; he had a strong 14 points, two rebounds, and a steal in the season’s opener. Jackson was selected to the preseason all-Big East Second Team, and Joson Sanon was selected to the preseason all-Big East Third Team. Pitino didn’t just go for shooters in the portal. Another big addition for the Johnnies is 6’1” floor general Dylan Darling out of Idaho State University, who can truly do it all on the court and will be a valuable piece of the bench this year. Finally, the last two transfers will play alongside Ejiofor in the front court. Dillon Mitchell is a 6’8” forward from the University of Cincinnati, and is extremely athletic and a defensive menace. Mitchell was selected for the preseason all-Big East Third Team. Last and certainly least, Bryce Hopkins, a transfer from Providence College who has not played a full season in two years. In the ’22–’23 season, he averaged 15.8 points per game and 8.5 rebounds, but it is unclear if he will ever get back to that level. Hopkins was selected for the preseason all-Big East First Team, but only scored eight points with three turnovers against Quinnipiac in the opener. Pitino has amassed a star-studded roster, even remarking publicly that it is likely the most talented roster of his career on paper. The Johnnies are in a great position to improve and build off a historic season last year. The Red Storm took on No. 15 Alabama on Saturday, Nov. 8, for their first real test and lost 103–96. Other important non-conference games include No. 16 Iowa State University, No. 9 University of Kentucky, Baylor University, and the University of Mississippi. I predict the Johnnies to go 9–1 in non-conference play and 17–3 in the Big East finishing No. 1 with a record of 27–4.

Which Team Can Improve the Most Before the Trade Deadline?

by Connor Whalen ’28 and Dorothée Durivage ’28 on November 6, 2025

Sports

Providence College Investigates: NFL

Bills by Connor Whalen ’28

The Buffalo Bills have won the AFC East division every single year since the COVID-19 pandemic. With Drake Maye and the New England Patriots taking the division by storm, it will be a tall order for the Bills to continue that streak. Yet, they still are almost a shoo-in to take a playoff spot, and though it will be tough, they have a chance to take the division, which is exactly why they will need to bring reinforcements before the NFL trade deadline.

The Bills will never get a better opportunity than this year to win a Super Bowl under their current personnel. Lamar Jackson’s multi-week injury has seen the Baltimore Ravens suffer to a 3–5 record, potentially now at risk of missing the playoffs. After the Bills’ statement win over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, the Chiefs dropped to third in their division. The Steelers look primed to win the AFC North under a 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers, well past his prime. The Colts have looked great to start the year, but are largely inexperienced, and it remains to be seen if Daniel Jones can be a big-time playoff performer. The bottom line is: the AFC is weak. With Josh Allen’s play style, who knows how many years he has left? The Bills are a great team that can truly win it all if they fill a few gaps, making this trade deadline so crucial.

Their most glaring need is rush defense help. The Bills allow the second-fewest yards in the air per game in the NFL—which has carried their defense this year–but rank the No. 5 worst in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game. They will need to bring in at least a couple of defensive linemen and hope they can help to address the problem.

Their other big need is at wide receiver, Allen has not quite been able to put up the same passing numbers as he did before Stefon Diggs left after the 2023 season. Since then, Buffalo has lacked the presence of a clear number one receiver. The Bills have the third-best offensive line in the NFL, an absolutely elite running back in James Cook, some solid offensive weapons, a great pass defense, and one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. If this team can shore up their run defense and give Allen at least one notable receiver to work with, Buffalo Bills fans could end up seeing their team lift the Lombardi Trophy this year for the first time in franchise history.

Steelers by Dorothée Durivage ’28

As the Nov. 4 NFL trade deadline approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers have room to grow and improve. The Steelers acquired safety Kyle Dugger, as well as a seventh-round pick from the New England Patriots, on Tuesday, Oct. 28. Dugger has had 17 tackles in seven games so far this season. This trade will help to fill the Steelers’ need for safeties due to their struggling defense and the high number of injuries that the team has been suffering. Pittsburgh is also looking to upgrade their wide receivers. As of right now, running backs Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren, as well as tight ends Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth, each have more catches than any other wide receiver, highlighting the need to upgrade. There have been talks that the Steelers could acquire Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a free agent who played with Aaron Rodgers on the Green Bay Packers. He had 13 touchdowns in Green Bay and led the league in 2020 with 20.9 yards per reception. Valdes-Scantling had six touchdowns that season, a career-high. Coming back to playing with an old teammate could mean that there is potential for faster growth from Valdes-Scantling, seeing as he has already held the position of Aaron Rodgers’ wide receiver in the past. Another trade candidate for the wide receiver position is Calvin Ridley of the Tennessee Titans. He’s surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark three times in his career, including in 2020, when he made 90 catches for 1,374 yards, which could be exactly what Pittsburgh needs. Ridley has two more years remaining on a four-year, $92 million deal he signed in 2024 with the Titans, but has been heavily involved in trade talks. If the team is able to pull all of this together, the Steelers could be the most improved team this trade season.

Who Has the Scariest Mascot in Sports?

by Sarah Wolff ’28 and Dorothée Durivage ’28 on October 30, 2025

Sports

Providence College Investigates: Sports Mascots

Pierre the Pelican by Sarah Wolff ’28

In 2013, the New Orleans Pelicans unveiled their new mascot, Pierre the Pelican. Fans were horrified, as they were expecting a fun and pleasant bird to represent the city’s NBA team, when in reality, they got a creature that seems to be plucked out of a fever dream. With its lack of teeth, huge beak, and that vacant, threatening stare, the original Pierre quickly became infamous. However, this fame did not stem from pumping up the crowd; it came from terrifying them. Within days of Pierre’s debut, social media ran wild with jokes, memes, and comparisons to horror movie villains. Unfortunately for the Pelicans, their attempt to create a new, festive mascot backfired, and Pierre’s realism was far too spooky. A huge part of what made Pierre so scary was his human-like features. Mascots are often cartoonish or exaggerated, like Who Dey the Bengal and Blaze the Trail Cat; however, Pierre existed in the middle ground—too humanlike to be cute but far too unnatural to be real. His forced, unsettling smile, combined with his giant, hollow eyes, make him look less like a basketball team’s mascot and more like an animatronic straight out of Five Nights at Freddy’s. The immediate backlash was so strong that the Pelicans’ organization was forced to act fast. Within only months of the unveiling, Pierre underwent what the team called “facial reconstruction surgery.” The redesign softened his features and gave him a more cartoonish look, the goal to begin with. His disturbing, bright red beak was replaced with a friendlier, soft yellow beak, and his eyes were made wider, taking away that previously haunting look. The result was overall a much more “kid-friendly” mascot, but the damage to Pierre’s reputation was already done. The OG Pierre remains the scariest sports mascot ever created.

Swinging Friar by Dorothée Durivage ’28

We often hear that Providence College’s very own Friar Dom is the scariest mascot in college sports. However, there is another friar mascot in the world of professional sports which is arguably even scarier. That mascot is the San Diego Padres’ “Swinging Friar.” The one-of-a-kind mascot has been with the Padres since they were part of the minor leagues beginning in 1958 and moved to the majors with the team in 1969. The Padres have a friar representing them because of the Franciscan friars’ deep-rooted history in San Diego. Father Junípero Serra and Don Caspar de Portolá were two friars who founded the first Spanish colony in southern California. Furthermore, “Padre” is Spanish for “Father” or “Friar,” and the name stems directly from there. Their official team mascot is the “Swinging Friar,” and several of their team logos throughout history, including the current logo, feature a friar swinging a bat. The Padres’ Friar’s permanent smile and constant surprised expression give it its spooky look. It does not help that it tries to replicate the look of a human, but ten times bigger. The Swinging Friar’s attempt at a human face is very cartoon-looking, with a big emphasis on its chin. The fact that its chin accounts for one-third of its face contributes to it being in the lead for the scariest sports mascot in America. However, the mascot’s outfit is nothing to be scared about, as it is simply dressed as a friar with a tonsure, sandals, a dark hooded cloak, and a rope around the waist. This doesn’t seem to be enough to make all fans love the Swinging Friar the same way we love Friar Dom, which is a strong indicator that their mascot might be too scary, even for its fans.

Are Bill Belichick’s Actions Helping or Harming His Career?

by Izzy Mignardi ’27 and Emilia Farrell ’28 on October 23, 2025

Sports

Providence College Investigates: Bill Belichick

Harming

Bill Belichick is widely regarded as one of the best head coaches in NFL history. Most notably, he led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles, the most of any NFL head coach. But at 73 years old, his coaching experience should stay within the NFL to preserve his legacy. In December of 2024, Belichick signed a five-year contract to become the head coach of the University of North Carolina’s football team. Belichick’s performance so far has been hard to watch. North Carolina is currently 2–4 and has yet to have a win against a major conference opponent. Three of those losses were blowouts, with UNC losing by at least 25 points each time. On Friday, Oct. 17, the Tarheels lost 21–18 to UC Berkeley in a game in which North Carolina fumbled at the one-yard line in what should have been the go-ahead touchdown with three minutes and 48 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. There are few signs of progress for this team under Belichick. Time after time, the team fails to rise to the occasion on the field. Belichick was once the best coach in the NFL, but his move to collegiate football has been plagued by a losing streak as well as internal discourse and off-field scandals concerning Jordon Hudson, Belichick’s 24-year-old girlfriend. UNC took a bet on Belichick, a living legend that they believed would greatly improve their program. Instead, Belichick has plagued a program that was once much more respectable. As the team moves into the second half of the season, it seems unlikely that they will be able to turn things around. In taking and performing poorly in the job at UNC, Belichick has ruined his reputation and legacy as one of the greatest in football history.

Helping

Lately, when you hear the name Bill Belichick in the news, it’s not associated with incredible football victories. Instead, it’s likely followed by, “and his 24-year-old girlfriend, Jordon Hudson…” Has Belichick’s taste in women entirely ruined his reputation as one of the greatest coaches in football history? It depends on who you ask. Do I think this relationship is weird and disturbing? Absolutely. But do I think that his judgment negates the fact that he is one of the most successful football coaches? Not really. I’m sure die-hard football fans, especially Patriots fans, would still agree that he remains an indisputable great in the coaching world. Belichick holds several different coaching records. During his time with the Patriots, the team won 17 AFC East titles and appeared in nine Super Bowls, winning six. Belichick coached them to their first Super Bowl victory and led the historic Super Bowl LI game when the Patriots came back from a 28–3 deficit. Additionally, he won two Super Bowls during his time as defensive coordinator for the Giants. This means Belichick has won more Super Bowls than any other coach in history. In his book, The Art of Winning: Lessons from My Life in Football, he underscores one of the key aspects to his success: preparation. As a coach, he was prepared for every game and every possible situation. He held his players and himself accountable. “Do your job,” he’d say. Now, his job is to coach the UNC Tar Heels. Their current record of 2–4 does not reflect Belichick’s usual winning spirit. Many see his girlfriend on the sidelines before a game and attribute the team’s losses to her. I could agree with this, as I’m sure Belichick might not be as focused on football as he was in the past. So, has his taste in women ruined his reputation? It might affect his current coaching abilities, but I find it entirely unfair to write off Belichick’s football success because of mistakes he might be making in his personal life.

Was the Celtics’ Offseason Helpful or Harmful?

by Pippa Jones ’28 and Sarah Wolff ’28 on October 9, 2025

Sports

Providence College Investigates: NBA

Helpful

With the new roster cuts for the Boston Celtics, fans are speculating whether this will benefit or hurt the team. Some fans are outraged while others are excited to see how this controversial decision will play out. Although controversial, these roster cuts and new additions to the team will end up being successful. Miles Norris being waived has caused many to question coach Joe Mazzula’s intentions for the upcoming 2025–2026 season. Although these iffy trades bring instability within the team, rookie RJ Luis, a shooting guard and an alumni of St. John’s University, is a promising contribution to the team. Not only did Luis have a successful college career with being named the Big East Player of the Year and to the Big East first team, he was also a second team All American. Luis also was notable for making accolades for the St. John’s team, averaging 18.2 points per game. Another notable rookie is second round draft, 23-year-old Amari Williams. Williams was originally overseas from Nottingham, England and was recruited to go to the University of Kentucky. As a center, Williams averaged 10.9 points per game and proved to be a large part of the team’s success in the 2024–2025 season. He was the second player in SEC history to have at least 375 points. His 115 assists contributed to the team’s tie for the lead in assists. Before Kentucky, Williams played at the University of Drexel from 2020–2024. Even though these additions to the team create a new team dynamic, with the Celtics’ successful 2024 season, some new additions may create new opportunities for further success for the team. Also, these new rookies bring fresh legs and a youthful incoming group. With these trades, it will allow the team to continue to improve and highlight the strength of the team regardless of their new players. This strength is going to be seen through these new rookies as they develop with the team and prove their worth as players.

Harmful

As much as Boston fans, including myself, want to believe that the Celtics 2025–2026 team is built for another strong playoff run, the red flags indicating the opposite are hard to ignore. The most obvious problem for the Celtics is Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury. His recovery timeline is largely unknown, and without Tatum on the floor, the Celtics will face some struggles in their attempt to replicate the success of the past few years. Asking Jaylen Brown to shoulder the bulk of scoring will eventually wear him down. Beyond health, the Celtics are also facing a substantial amount of financial strain. Their prior spending essentially released them into heavy luxury tax obligations and fairly restricted flexibility within the roster. To ease the burden, the front office was forced to make some costly roster trims, such as trading Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday. Unrelated to the luxury tax, yet a devastating departure for Boston, is Al Horford. This unbelievable veteran big man was not just a steady rotation player. He was a defensive beast, a leader in the locker room and on the court, and a mentor to everyone around him. His work ethic, consistent play, and inspiring sense of professionalism made him an invaluable piece to the Celtics. We will miss you, Big Al. In addition to all this, the Celtics are now playing under the limitations of the second apron rules. This means that their capacity to make significant trades is limited, which will make midseason movements more difficult. That also implies that if things start to spiral—more injuries, lack of cohesion, no team chemistry—it may impact Boston’s freedom to change course. There are too many unanswered questions surrounding the Celtics going into this season. It’s hard to see Boston breeze into the NBA Finals again given injuries, roster turnover, financial limitations, and Horford’s absence. As much as it pains me to say, Boston is in a period of trouble, and this year will most likely not result in a success story.

Who Will Win the WNBA Championship?

by Dorothée Durivage ‘28 and Emilia Farrell ‘28 on October 2, 2025

Sports

Providence College Investigates: WNBA

Lynx: Dorothée Durivage

One win away from the WNBA finals, the Las Vegas Aces are likely to come out on top in the championship. This win would be their third title in the last four seasons, after wins in 2022 and 2023 that demonstrate that the team has what it takes to win. The core players on the Aces have not really changed, except for the addition of All-Star guard Kelsey Plum in February. As the No. 2 seed, the Aces have been able to secure wins even with injuries among the team and some players not playing their best games. To combat that, Las Vegas’ guards have stepped up, with Chelsea Gray at 7.3 assists per game for the postseason, compared to 5.4 during the regular season. Another important player for the Aces is NaLyssa Smith, who was traded from the Dallas Wings back in June and contributed to a 30–14 record for Las Vegas since joining the team. At first, the trade raised some questions and left people confused, but it has become clear that it was the right move for the Aces. It is hard to imagine where the team would be without her at this time; she has been a major upgrade over former starting center Kiah Stokes, who opponents generally pretended did not exist on the offensive end. With Smith engaged on both ends, she is able to take away the scoring burden from A’ja Wilson, making the team harder to beat. The Aces’ strength lies in their players, and Wilson was named this season’s WNBA MVP, earning the top individual honor in the league. She has become the league’s first four-time MVP, after receiving the title in 2020, 2022, 2024, and 2025, which goes to show just how strong a player she is. The finals are scheduled to start on Friday, Oct. 3, and will be the first WNBA finals to be played as a best-of-seven series, where the higher seed would host games one, two, five, and seven.

Aces: Emilia Farrell

Up until earlier this week, it looked like the Minnesota Lynx were going to run away with the WNBA title. However, the Phoenix Mercury were not about to just let it happen. The Mercury were riding high on the emotions of a first-round series win against the defending champions, the New York Liberty. The No. 4-seeded Mercury overcame a 20-point deficit to defeat the No. 1-seeded Lynx in game two of the WNBA semifinals, proving that they have what it takes to overcome any team in their path. On Sept. 26, in game three of the semifinals, the Mercury dominated the Lynx yet again with an 84–76 statement win. The Mercury are more than just their wins; they have the versatility and focus to win the entire tournament, mainly through their “Big 3” trio of star players. Kahleah Copper has been the driving force behind the offense, using her speed and dexterity to create crucial scoring opportunities for both herself and her fellow teammates. Satou Sabally makes opposing teams’ defenses work through her impressive scoring ability. Alyssa Thomas does a little bit of everything, from scoring to rebounding to facilitating plays. In game two of the semifinals, Thomas had a commanding 13 assists and a total of 19 points, showcasing her grit and determination for the win. In game three, the trio combined for a total of 65 points, leaving only 19 points to be scored by other teammates. The “Big 3” is one of the most dynamic groups in the WNBA and works together to keep the Mercury balanced. Phoenix has shown that they can adjust to any challenge and will make big moves this season, which proves all the more important now in the postseason. The Phoenix Mercury are just one game away from a trip to the WNBA finals, where they have a huge chance to win the whole tournament.

Providence College Investigates: NCAA

by npatano on March 24, 2022

Uncategorized

Who Will Win March Madness?

Leo Hainline ’22

Sports Co-Editor

Providence Friars

On Monday, April 4, the Providence College Friars will be the team cutting down the net in New Orleans.

This team is the toughest in the nation. Defensively, the Friars are elite and have a standout player in Justin Minaya ’22GS who can guard all five positions. His ability to stifle the opposition’s best offensive threat combined with his relentless rebounding on both the offensive and defensive ends makes him indispensable to this Friars team. He sets the tone with his energy and is a player any coach would love to have.

The Friars are well-balanced offensively. Four members of the starting five, and Big East Sixth Man of the Year Jared Bynum ’23, are all threats from beyond the arch. Nate Watson ’22GS and Ed Croswell ’23 are dominant big men who can change the game through merely their presence on the court. They are a tough team to guard given each player has the ability to rise to the occasion and get themselves a bucket.

Additionally, whenever one Friar is struggling, another steps up and helps lead the team to victory. Each player is unfazed by big moments yet knows their individual roles, making the right plays at the right moment. The unselfish yet assertive dynamic on the offensive end, especially in close games, is a key reason why PC will prevail in this tournament.

Coach Cooley has also done a phenomenal job leading this team both on and off the court. His preparations and in-game decisions have been a massive factor in the Friars’ success and he deserves to be named Coach of the Year. The Big East is arguably the most competitive conference in the nation and winning the Regular Season Championship is a significant accomplishment. Players are the ones who ultimately decide games, but Cooley’s ability to prepare his men and to manage any situation on the sidelines gives the Friars an edge over their opponents.

Among all else, this Friars team never gets rattled. They are mature and remain calm in adversity. Numerous times this season, most notably at Hickle Fieldhouse playing Butler University when the Friars faced a 19-point second-half deficit, they battled their way from behind to win. Their energy and communication with each other are arguably the best in college basketball. PC emulates what true teamwork entails and their composure under pressure has been and will continue to be a driving force of their success.

The energy surrounding this team is unmatched. No student body and administration are more collectively passionate about their basketball program. The players and fans are eager to prove doubters wrong. PC has a chip on our shoulders and is eager to continue this statement season. The support from the Providence College community will only further elevate this team towards a national title.

God bless, go Friars.

Stephen Foster ’22

Sports Co-Editor

Gonzaga Bulldogs

When I look at the group of teams assembled this year in Division I Men’s College Basketball, I see a lot of teams with talented interior and exterior offense and defense. However, one team stands out from the rest: Gonzaga University, the 2021 March Madness Runner-Up.

The Bulldogs are the favorite to win it all this year, and for good reason. According to ESPN, Gonzaga is in the top ten for both adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency. They finished the regular season as the No. 1 team in the nation after a strong late season push. In the first four hours after the 2022 tournament bracket was determined, 34.5 percent of brackets in ESPN’s Tournament Challenge picked Gonzaga to win it all.

Gonzaga has an overall record of 26-3 and a West Coast Conference record of 13-1 this season. They have only lost to No. 2 seed Duke University (28-6 overall, No. 1 in Atlantic Coast Conference), No. 5 seed Saint Mary’s College (25-7 overall, lost to Gonzaga in WCC Tournament), and No. 6 seed University of Alabama (19-13 overall).They are led by two strong candidates for the John R. Wooden Award, which is awarded to college basketball’s most outstanding player.

Drew Timme ’23 is a 6’10” forward for the Bulldogs who averaged 17.5 PPG (points per game) and 6.3 RPG (rebounds per game). Timme picked up the West Coast Conference’s player of the year award this season. Chet Holmgren ’25 rises up at 7’1” and is another inside force for Gonzaga. The center leads the interior defense for the team with 9.6 RPG and 3.4 BPG, as well as contributing extensively on offense with 14.2 PPG and shooting 41.3 percent from three-point land (3PT). He won the defensive player of the year award and is projected to lead the NBA draft class next year.

The Bulldogs starting lineup as a whole is a force to be reckoned with, as all five starters average double-digit scoring. In addition, four out of five starters shoot over 36.5 percent on three-point attempts. These players include Holmgren, Julian Strawther ’24 (12.2 PPG, 39.6% 3PT), Andrew Nembhard ’22 (11.7 PPG, 36.5% 3PT, 5.7 assists per game), and sharpshooter Rasir Bolton ’22 (11.2 PPG, 46.7% 3PT).

Although the path to the March Madness Finals is undoubtedly challenging, Gonzaga University will have the best chances to reach the end. They have a unique combination of offensive and defensive talent that prevents them from lacking in any area of the game. Gonzaga has reached the national title game in two of the past four NCAA tournaments. This year will make that three of five, with a national championship to go along with it.

Should Steroid Users Be in the Baseball HOF?

by npatano on February 17, 2022

Sports

Providence College Investigates

By Will Murphy ’23

Sports Staff

Yes

The Baseball Hall of Fame recently announced the inductees for 2022, but unfortunately, those who were not chosen to be inducted have been more of a story than those who have been.

While some of baseball’s biggest stars over the past 20 years had the honor of being inducted, such as former Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, others did not hear their names called in their last year eligible to appear on the ballot.

As it stands, to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, it is required to have at least 75 percent of the votes. Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Sammy Sosa all had legendary careers playing Major League Baseball. Bonds was in the league from 1986-2007, Clemens played from 1984-2007, and Sosa played in 18 seasons from 1989-2005, but each was unable to reach the 75 percent threshold necessary for induction.

The reasoning behind many of voters’ exclusion of these stars was steroid use, whether it was proven or alleged. It is not necessarily in the best interest of baseball to keep the players who may or may not have used steroids from making the Baseball Hall of Fame. The stated mission of the Baseball Hall of Fame is to tell the story of baseball to its audience.

By leaving out stars such as Bonds and Clemens, an important part of baseball’s story is being excluded. Many players during the steroid era changed the game for the better throughout their remarkable careers which shaped the way baseball is played today. This era was a period of time when it was believed a number of players were using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) from the late 1980s to the late 2000s. Testing for PEDs in the MLB did not begin until 2003.

It is impossible to accurately tell the story of baseball while leaving out memorable events such as “The Great Home Run Race of 1998” between Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire. Although both players are alleged steroid users, Sosa has denied the use of steroids while McGwire has admitted to steroid use. These players’ home run race in 1998 brought many new fans to baseball.

Leaving out events and players as monumental as these from the Hall of Fame seriously damages the stated goal: tell baseball’s story.

Another reason against leaving alleged steroid users out of the Baseball Hall of Fame is poor consistency. It sends the wrong message to allow some rumored steroid users into the Hall of Fame, but holds others out for the sole reason that they were rumored to have used steroids.

By Margaret Maloney ’23

Sports Staff

There are three reasons why steroid users should not be allowed in the MLB Hall of Fame. One: holding these players accountable upholds morality in that it does not reward those who cheated during their careers. Two: although steroids became relatively common in the MLB, their prevalence in the league should not condone their use. Three: accepting steroid users into the Hall of Fame would marginalize the accomplishments of clean players.

Current talk surrounding steroid users entering the Hall of Fame has increased lately due to the most recent slate of nominees, including David Ortiz, Barry Bonds, and Roger Clemens. Ortiz received 77.9 percent of the votes and was inducted into Cooperstown, while Bonds (66 percent of the votes) and Clemens (65.2 percent of the votes) failed to be admitted into the Hall of Fame due to their steroid use. This was the last time Bonds and Clemens will be eligible for the ballot.

Bonds is arguably one of the greatest players of all time, hitting the most home runs at 762. Due to his use of performance-enhancing drugs, he is not in the MLB Hall of Fame, which is the correct outcome. Although his greatness cannot be overlooked, leaving him out of Cooperstown upholds the ethical standards of the Hall of Fame and maintains the honor for those who played baseball clean throughout their careers.

Clemens is another baseball great and arguably one of the best pitchers the league has ever seen, owing to his nickname “Rocket.” Like Bonds, he was not inducted into the Hall of Fame due to steroid usage. Again, this outcome maintains baseball’s moral responsibility to only induct those who did not seek to gain an unfair advantage on the diamond.

The Hall of Fame should be kept as an institution that honors the greatest players in MLB history but also must leave this recognition for those who achieved their success the right way. Ortiz is an example of such a player, being one of the league’s most feared hitters who turned the Boston Red Sox into a World-Series-winning team. He is an essential spokesperson for the franchise and is admired for his contributions on-and-off the field.

Reflecting upon this most recent Hall of Fame ballot, the voters made the correct decision in ultimately not inducting Bonds and Clemens into Cooperstown.

Who Will Win 2021/22 NBA MVP?

by The Cowl Editor on November 18, 2021

Sports

Providence College Investigates

Will Murphy ‘23

Sports Staff

Ja Morant

Ja Morant has begun this season with the Memphis Grizzlies scorching hot. Morant appears poised to lead the Grizzlies on a playoff run, thanks to the considerable improvements that have been evident in all aspects of his game. The three-point shot, once a hole in Morant’s game, has developed into an asset. He now makes almost two three-pointers per game on five attempts, shooting around 35 percent. Morant is even more dangerous off the bounce because defenders must respect his jumper. One crucial characteristic of an MVP is their ability to improve the play of their teammates, an area in which Morant excels. He consistently blows by his primary defender and forces the defense to collapse on him in the paint, and his vision allows him to kick the ball out to wide-open shooters at the three-point line. Morant is top ten in assists in the league, something that has been invaluable for a Grizzlies squad with many capable shooters who are comfortable spotting up and awaiting a dime from Morant.

Morant is also fearless when attacking the rim, willing to climb the ladder against rim protectors even when he’s often almost an entire foot shorter. This willingness to slash to the basket leads to countless momentum-swinging dunks that often end up as highlights on SportsCenter’s Top Ten Plays. His scoring has also seen an impressive jump from 19 points per game last year to almost 27 this year, which is good for fifth in the league. What’s more is that he has been able to boost his scoring volume rather efficiently, shooting just a shade under 49 percent from the field, which is extremely impressive for a lead guard tasked with being his team’s primary shot creator.

Morant is also one of the best rebounding guards in the league, bringing down six per game. A point guard’s ability to grab rebounds is an asset for a team, allowing them to push the ball up the court quickly before the defense gets set without needing an outlet pass from a center to a guard. MVPs are not only difference-makers on offense, but impactful defenders. At point guard, he guards the opponent’s elite playmakers. His elite lateral quickness allows him to stay in front of even the shiftiest guards. He also has a knack for timing steals perfectly, in the league’s top 15 in steals per game at just under two. Morant will likely be the best player on the court each game this year, but even in games when he’s not, he will be the most valuable to his team, which is why Morant will take home the 2021-2022 MVP award.

Leo Hainline ’22

Sports Co-Editor

Stephen Curry

Right now, there is no better basketball player in the world than Stephen Curry. The Warriors star has led his team to a league-best 11-2 record without fellow Splash Brother Klay Thompson and the team’s raw but talented center James Wiseman. No signs suggest that Curry will slow down this season and he has established himself as the rightful favorite to win the NBA’s 2021-2022 MVP award.

Curry is second in the league in points-per-game average at 28.1, trailing only Kevin Durant, who is providing 6.7 assists, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.2 made 3’s a contest. These statistics are on pace to surpass his 2014-2015 MVP campaign numbers and are similar to his 2015-2016 statistics, a season in which he led the Warriors to a record-breaking 73-9 regular season record while recording 30.1 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds a game. Despite posting similar individual numbers last season, Curry finished third in MVP voting behind winner Nikola Jokic and runner-up Joel Embiid. The main factor preventing Curry from winning his third MVP this past season was the Warriors 39-33 record and failure to make the playoffs. Judging from the first month of the season, this year is a different story for Golden State.

The Warriors have a legitimate chance to grab for the one-seed in the competitive Western Conference, an achievement that would undoubtedly reward Curry with this third MVP trophy. What would make this feat even more remarkable is the fact that without Curry, the Warriors would probably be a sub-50 team. There is no single player who contributes more to his team’s success.

What further helps Curry’s case is that he has already broken NBA records this season. At only 33 years old, he has broken Ray Allen’s record for most three-pointers made in the history of the NBA. Do not be surprised if Curry continues to set and break records this season, adding to his resume and making him the clear choice for NBA MVP. Furthermore, Curry is the type of player who people enjoy watching and adds to the game of basketball. His shooting and general offensive skill is objectively fun to watch, and Curry is one of the most likable athletes in the world. This will only help his case for winning the prestigious award.

Curry’s play this season has been literally the most valuable out of any player in the league. Continued production out of the Warriors’ point guard will seal his position as the award’s frontrunner, and he will walk away from the 2021-2022 season with his third, and likely not final, MVP trophy.

Who Will Win the 2021 World Series?

by The Cowl Editor on October 7, 2021

Uncategorized

Providence College Investigates: MLB

Justin Bishop ’24

Sports Staff

San Francisco Giants

The best team in Major League Baseball is, without a doubt, the San Francisco Giants. The Giants were the best team in the regular season, which concluded this past Sunday with a dominant record of 107 – 55. The Giants’ +210 run differential is second in the league to their rival division opponent, the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have a +269 differential. Finishing second in the league in Team Earned Run Average (ERA) 3.24 and Team Home Runs (HR) 241, it is clear that the San Francisco pitching staff is more than capable of handling its own and that the players can hit the long ball with ease. Throughout the second half of the year, the team put together winning streaks of 6+ four times, and their longest losing streak was four and only occurred once. Being able to string along winning streaks of that stature is a necessity in the postseason, and avoiding losing streaks is equally important.

Sitting at (+450) odds to win it all, the Giants are the second in betting favorite, just behind the Dodgers at (+350), according to oddshark.com. San Francisco has no “star player” who carries the team; instead, they rely on the entire team to produce. One could raise the argument that shortstop Brandon Crawford is the “star player,” seeing that he leads the team in every offensive category other than home runs, and he is still third on that list. Brandon Belt leads the team with 29 HR and nine other players have 10+ HR, which ties none other than the Dodgers for most players with 10+ HR. Having this type of offensive production out of so many players is key to having prolonged success in the playoffs.

However, one cannot only rely on offense. Even though putting up almost five runs per game is key, pitching and fielding are also aspects of the game San Francisco have down. The team has seven pitchers on the team that have 50+ innings pitched with an ERA less than 3.00. The pitching staff holds opponents to batting a measly 0.229 average, and only allowing three runs per game will stifle almost any opposing offense. The Giants are clean and efficient in fielding, ranking second amongst playoff teams in fielding percentage. Specifically, outfielder Mike Yastrzemski ranks third in the league in fielding percentage as an outfielder, and Brandon Crawford ranks fourth amongst shortstops in the league in the same category.

Statistics are all great measurements of where a team ranks and how much they produce compared to the rest of the league; however, the only statistic that matters is how many games they win. The San Francisco Giants are the winningest team in baseball, and they will carry that momentum into the National League Division Series and eventually through to the World Series. They will take on the winner of the Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals.

Stephen Foster ’22

Sports Staff

Los Angeles Dodgers

When looking at the group of talented teams assembled this year in the Major League Baseball playoffs, there are several with superior pitching, hitting, and defense. However, one team stands out from the rest: the Los Angeles Dodgers, the 2020 World Series Champions.

The Dodgers started the 2021 season as the favorite to go back-to-back and win it all again. Since then, their President of Baseball Operations, Andrew Friedman, has improved the team even further, making several significant moves at the trade deadline. They added starting pitcher Max Scherzer (15 Wins, 2.46 Earned Run Average) and middle infielder Trea Turner (27 Home Runs, 32 Steals, .328 Batting Average) from the Washington Nationals. Both have formed an integral part of the Dodgers’ success down the stretch. Having starting pitchers who go deep into games and keep runs off the board is essential for winning playoff games.

The Los Angeles Dodgers lead the MLB in earned run average and earned runs allowed with a 3.02 ERA and 486 earned runs, allowing a significant 38 runs fewer than the next best team. This feat is primarily achieved by the work of their outstanding starting rotation, which is arguably the best in the league. Led by Max Scherzer, Walker Buehler (15 W, 2.49 ERA), Julio Urias (20 W, 2.96 ERA), and Clayton Kershaw (10 W, 3.55 ERA), the Dodgers’ pitching rotation strikes fear into the eyes of any hitter. Furthermore, their bullpen led by Kenley Jansen (2.22 ERA in 69 games, 38 Saves) and Blake Treinen (1.99 ERA in 72 games) is equally as strong as their starting pitching. The Dodgers are ready to ride the arms of their aces all the way to The Commissioner’s Trophy. If that is not enough, their lineup is stacked with power hitters and players who excel at getting on base. The Dodgers are fourth in both home runs and on base percentage in the MLB with 237 HR and a .330 OBP.

Moreover, Los Angeles is a team known for sparing no amount of money in order to get to the World Series. Their monetary flexibility allows them to go big on many players that other small market teams cannot afford to sign. They lead the MLB with the highest payroll in 2021, which is an astounding $194,839,000. Their ability to sign the best players in the league is a huge advantage that will pay off in the postseason. Small market teams can only hope to compete with the prowess of the 2021 Los Angeles Dodgers. Their financial ability combined with their spot near the top of almost every statistics category will bode well for the Dodgers. At the end of the MLB postseason, The Commissioner’s Trophy will once again find its way to Los Angeles.