Providence (15-18, 7-13 Big East)
A coaching change was made after the Friars finished below .500 for the second straight season. Bryan Hodgson replaced Kim English, who compiled an overall record of 48-52 and 23-37 in Big East play over three seasons. Hodgson’s previous head-coaching experience includes two seasons at Arkansas State (2024-25) and one at South Florida (2026). Providence hasn’t reached the NCAA Tournament since 2023.
Players to watch
Guard Miles Byrd (10.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg) is a key transfer. At San Diego State, he was a two-time All-Mountain West Conference selection and was named the 2025-26 MWC Defensive Player of the Year. Byrd and Florida Atlantic transfer Devin Vanterpool (15.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg) will serve as captains for the Friars this season.
Guard Malik Mack (13.6 ppg, 4.1 apg) transferred to Providence after spending the past two seasons at Big East rival Georgetown.
Forward Ryan Mela (9.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg) started 22 games for the Friars last season. He was the lone player retained by Hodgson after English was fired.
Departures and arrivals
Two players named to last year’s Big East All-Freshman team are playing elsewhere. Stefan Vaaks (15.8 ppg) transferred to Illinois. Jamier Jones (11.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg) is now at Missouri. Jaylin Sellers signed a contract with the Chicago Bulls after leading the Big East in scoring last season (18.3 ppg)…