Providence Friars vs. Columbia Lions Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 6th 2023

The Kim English era at Providence begins Monday night when the Friars host Columbia.

After two seasons as the head coach at George Mason, English will lead Providence (21-12 in 2022-23) following Ed Cooley’s departure for Big East rival Georgetown in March.

English welcomes seven new players but has a pair of preseason All-Big East honorees to build around in first-team forward/guard Bryce Hopkins — who averaged 15.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game last season — and honorable mention guard Devin Carter (13.0, 4.9, 2.5).

“It’s absolutely a really good base,” English said. “… I want to see (Hopkins and Carter) lead and be their most aggressive selves, their most efficient selves. … They’ve been great. They’ve been a joy to coach.”

Of course, there is still plenty to learn as the Friars adjust to a new coach and new system while looking to build upon their seventh NCAA Tournament appearance since 2014.

With the graduation of Jared Bynum, returning sophomore Jayden Pierre and freshman Garwey Dual will look to make an impact at the point guard position.

“Every team’s point guard is important,” English said. “It’s an extension of the coach, for sure.”

Pierre went 3-of-3 from 3-point range and scored 13 points off the bench as Providence beat Columbia 78-64 on Nov. 26, 2022.

English also has familiarity with guard Ticket Gaines and forward Josh Oduro, two George Mason graduate transfers.

The Friars have won 20 of their past 21 openers.

Despite having nine combined freshmen and sophomores in 2022-23, Columbia improved its year-over-year win total by three with a 7-22 record. The Lions now look to climb the Ivy League standings with six of their top seven scorers returning.

Eighth-year coach Jim Engles cited a summer tour through Switzerland and Italy as a key to the team’s continued development.

“There’s no surprises for the guys now,” Engles said. “We don’t have to tell them how it’s gonna be or what’s gonna come. … I thought the growth of the team was great.”

Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa returns after scoring a team-high 13.6 points per game last season and shooting 37 percent from distance.

Avery Brown (9.7 points per game) was the only other Lion to start all 29 games.

–Field Level Media