Joe Hassett – Providence’s Finest

“Once a Friar, always a Friar.”

If you are in any way associated with Providence College, you’ve heard this said at some point in your life. It is a motto that bears so much meaning in so few words. At its most elementary level, it could define a person who attended Providence. What is missed, and perhaps unconsidered, is the amount of dedication, passion and pride that characterizes a Friar in its fullest sense. It is a person that appreciates everything that Providence College has enabled them to do in their lifetime – the lessons they learned, relationships they started, and the memories they created  as a result of spending four years on Smith Hill. Many alumni have carried on the PC tradition throughout their lives, but the greatest example of this is Joe Hassett.

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Joe Hassett grew up just minutes from the campus of Providence College and long before he gained stardom at LaSalle Academy, he could be found shooting around in Alumni Hall. A quick bike ride from his home, he would gradually familiarize himself with same gym that legends like Lenny Wilkens, Johnny Egan, James Hadnot, John Thompson, Ray Flynn, and Jimmy Walker played in years before him.

As the opportunity to play Division I basketball became a reality, Hassett had every intention to play for Providence College. What he didn’t know was whether or not the feeling was mutual. He received letters from the likes of Boston College, Syracuse, Notre Dame and many of the Big 10 schools, but unfortunately for them, Hassett had other plans. “I knew I wanted to go to Providence. My biggest fear was that Dave Gavitt and Providence College didn’t want me,” says Hassett some forty years later. As it turned it out, they did and the 6’5 shooting guard couldn’t have been happier.

Entering Hassett’s freshman year, Dave Gavitt and the Friars were fresh off of their 1973 Final Four run that ended with a loss to Memphis State. Gone was Ernie DiGregorio, drafted 3rd overall in the NBA draft, but the Gavitt-led Friars retained double-double machine Marvin Barnes and senior Kevin Stacom.

It took just fifteen games for Hassett to gain notoriety from someone outside of the Providence media during his first season as a member of the Friars. On January 19th, 1974 Joe Hassett officially became known as “Sonar”, a nickname that fans still call him to this day. Hassett shared, “We went to Philadelphia, to the Palestra, and we were playing St. Joseph’s. I had 18 points in that game.” He added that all his shots would have been three pointers had there been a three point line back then. The three point field goal wasn’t fully introduced to the college game until 1986. Hassett continued, “We beat St. Joe’s and the reporter who covered the game for the Philadelphia Inquirer wrote something like, ‘Here we are, Providence comes in here and the Hawks do a pretty good job in containing Barnes and Stacom, two All-Americans, and a skinny freshman comes in and scores 18 points. He was shooting from so far out it was like he had Sonar in his head.'” And that is how Joe Hassett picked up the nickname “Sonar.”

Sonar and the Friars eventually returned to the NCAA Tournament later that season, but lost in the second round to N.C. State. Hassett recalls losing to a Wolfpack team that featured David Thompson and Tom Burleson, but noted that PC was forced to play them on their own floor, giving them home court advantage. Despite the loss, PC tallied 28 wins in the 1973-74 season which still stands as the most victories for any team in program history.

Hassett’s sophomore season saw his scoring increase from 7.2 points per game to 16.5. The 1974-75 Friars failed to reach the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive season but not because they weren’t a good team. As Hassett explained, it wasn’t until 1985 that the tournament was expanded to the better known 64 team field. In his playing days, just 32 teams were selected to participate and it was only the teams which won their conference tournaments who received invitations to the greatest spectacle in college basketball. After losing to Connecticut in the ECAC New England Regionals Hassett along with Bob Cooper, Mark McAndrew, Bruce ‘Soup’ Campbell and Bill Eason made their way to Madison Square Garden to take on a Clemson powerhouse in the first round of the NIT.

Clemson, who was the odds on favorite to win the ACC Tournament, fell to N.C. State and found themselves in a first round matchup with Providence. Coming in as 16 point underdogs, Hassett and the Friars pulled off a 91-86 victory over the Tigers. “I remember we shot the lights out. We went to four corners and put Soup in the middle and it was a joke. We just blew by them, back doors, getting layups. We killed them. They had no chance to beat us.” Hassett labels that win over as Clemson as one of the most memorable of his career.

In his final two seasons, Hassett averaged 17.0 points per game during his junior year and 18.8 as a senior. It was during his last year in a Friar uniform that he led PC to perhaps its greatest regular season win in school history. On December 29, 1976, in front of a sold out Providence Civic Center, Providence College took down #1 ranked Michigan 82-81 in double-overtime, giving Hassett his signature victory in his illustrious four year career at PC.

In four years at PC, Hassett’s teams finished with 93 wins and just 31 losses, including an impressive 56-3 record at home. For his career he finished with 1,828 points, which seats him sixth all time in PC history. Of the top 25 scorers to ever play for Providence, he owns the highest shooting percentage of any guard at .515. His spectacular play eventually led to his inductions into the Providence College Hall of Fame, LaSalle Academy Hall of Fame, Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame and New England Basketball Hall of Fame. He also holds a Gold medal as a member of the USA basketball team at the 1975 Pan America Games in New Mexico City.

After graduating from Providence in 1977, Hassett was selected 52nd overall to the Seattle Super Sonics in the third round of the NBA Draft. In each of his first two seasons as a pro, the Sonics reached the NBA Finals. In his second year, they came away victorious. “It was so cool because every basketball player alive wanted to be in that situation, I didn’t get to play a lot of minutes but I did some. We were a young team, Lenny Wilkens was our coach, and we went on a run in the playoffs. It was just special to be a part of a team like that,” said Hassett.

Hassett spent six seasons in the NBA before his basketball career came to an end in 1983 because of a severe shoulder injury.

It wasn’t long after he retired from the NBA that Hassett returned to his home town of Providence. Starting his professional career outside of basketball, Hassett took a job with Fleet Bank. Shortly thereafter he received a call from then Providence College Athletic Director, Lou Lamoriello. “Lou gave me a call and said, ‘Hey I want you to do the radio for us.’ So I said to him, well Lou, I’ve never done radio before. But he quickly came back and said, ‘That’s fine, you’ll be good at it. So will you do it for us?’ Hassett agreed and has now been behind the mic as a color commentator for the past 29 years.

Now 58 years old, Hassett can still feed his craving for being around Providence College basketball outside of his full time job as Executive Vice President of Wealth Management for Janney Montgomery Scott. He can often be found attending practices and dishing out tips to current players, both on shooting and how to succeed at the next level.

Entering this season, this is his 25th year working alongside John Rooke for every PC radio broadcast. In doing so, he has been able to stay close to nearly every player and coach to come through Providence College since he began calling games in in the mid 1980’s.

On Saturday afternoon, during half time of PC’s matchup with Xavier, the school will raise Hassett’s #10 to the rafters of the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, along with Kevin Stacom ’74 and women’s basketball player Tracy Lis ’92.

An honor such as this does not come easy for PC alumni, just nine others have been chosen by the school in the program’s history and Hassett is certainly proud to be amongst them. “Providence College has been like an epicenter for both me and my family for the past 40 years. I grew up down the street and I love Rhode Island. I love the fans of Providence College, they are really special, especially when you are a local guy. I always felt thrilled and honored to play for PC. When you are from a small state like Rhode Island everybody kind of adopts you and everyone wants to you to do well. I always felt warmed and welcome when I was playing basketball, so this is something I am very proud of.”

Hassett, Stacom and Lis will join Lenny Wilkens, Joe Mullaney, Dave Gavitt, Jimmy Walker, Marvin Barnes, Ernie DiGregorio, John Egan, Ray Flynn and Vinnie Ernst.

His daughter Shawna, also a graduate of Providence College is extremely excited for her father to be honored this weekend and shared some of her favorite memories of being around her father growing up. “I remember when my brother and I were little we used to go down to the sidelines to sit with my dad while he was broadcasting the game. He would put extra headphones with microphones on us and put the microphones on mute. He wouldn’t tell my brother and I that though – so we sat there like perfect angels watching the game, barely breathing, because we thought anyone listening could hear us if we made a peep!”

Hassett’s daughter, now an Account Supervisor for the local PR agency, Duffy & Shanley, also added how much her father’s love of basketball shined through for her family. “None of us kids ever learned to ski until late high school/early college because my dad always said we aren’t a ski family, we are a basketball family.” His four children and wife will all be there for Saturday’s ceremonies.

In the school’s 96 year history, there may have never been a greater ambassador for Providence College than Joe Hassett. His continued involvement with the school has allowed him to be a part of so many players and coaches’ lives. Many people say that they bleed the black and white, and that is probably true, but nobody does it with the amount of genuine care and passion that Hassett does.

Personally, I still remember attending a game at Boston College as a kid, rushing down to the court before the game in search of an autograph. With the lights of Conte Forum reflecting off of Hassett’s NBA Championship ring, he handed my media guide to Abdul Mills to have the team sign it. I’ll never forget that Hassett did that, now twelve years later.

To all Providence College alumni and current PC students, the next time you hear the words, “Once a Friar, Always a Friar”, remember Joe Hassett, because he truly is a Providence College Friar.

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To help me in describing just how much Joe Hassett has meant to Providence College, I began reaching out to as many people as I could to hear about their experiences with Joe. Below, you will find those submissions.

From all of us at FriarBasketball.com, congratulations Joe Hassett on this tremendous honor!

Some of the below quotes were from conversation and others by email

Rick Pitino, University of Louisville 
Head Men’s Basketball Coach
“Joe epitomizes the spirit of Friar Basketball. He is an extremely loyal and talented man who showcases the humility and class of a true Friar. Congrats on this well deserved distinction.”

Rick Barnes, University of Texas
Head Men’s Basketball Coach
“I’m personally excited that Joe will have his number retired, and most of my excitement comes because I still consider him a true friend. It’s only fitting that Joe have his number retired, because he truly loves Providence College and has been so loyal to PC for his entire life. As a player, I honestly believe you could put his shot up against any of the great shooters in today’s game. Every time the ball left his hand, like all great shooters, you thought it was going in. And from my time at PC with him, there’s no question Joe is one of the most colorful radio analysts who always let the listeners know what was happening from the viewpoint of a Providence fan. One thing is for certain, both Joe’s dad and Coach Gavitt will be looking down at Joe on Saturday and smiling.”

John Linehan, Providence College
Player, 1998-2002
“I’m so happy the school decided to retire the legendary Joe Hassett’s number. Joe was an unbelievable player with a silky smooth, pure jump shot, but also was and still is an even better human being. Joe has always made himself available for myself and other former Friars during and after our playing days at PC to offer advice or whatever it may be. Joe Hassett has been such a great influence and icon to not only the PC men’s basketball teams, Providence College students and alumni, but to the whole state of RI. This honor is well deserved and long overdue!”

Ed Cooley, Providence College
Head Men’s Basketball Coach
“Joe has been such a mentor to me. He is very even-keeled and he gives great perspective. Obviously he waves the flag, but at the same time he is honest about where we are, he’s honest about what his eye sees, and I respect that from him. I am really proud of the fact that we are retiring his number. I think it’s an honor and I think it is more than deserving.

John Nolan, Providence College
Player, 1976-1980
“Joey was a senior when I was a freshman, so unfortunately I only got to play with him for one year. When I was being recruited by Coach Gavitt, I remember him telling me that I would have the opportunity to play with great players, and specifically Joe Hassett. I was a point guard and it was a thrill to play with Joey because he made you look so good – you just pass him the ball and it was automatic. We didn’t have the three pointer back then but he would have taken a three pointer before he took a layup, he was that good of shooter. He taught me a lot, he taught me what it took to be a pro. He was always playing and working, so I looked up to him. He could play then and he could have played today, he was that good of a player. He is a great guy, a classy guy, he was a pro. All around, Joe is a great guy. One of things I will always remember though, is how much I pestered him for his Pan Am warmup jersey. At the end of my freshman year he handed it to me and I must have worn that thing almost everyday during the summer of my freshman year. Above all though, I remember Joe for the way he approached the game and the way he treated his teammates, he was always there with encouragement, he was the big brother on the team.”

Pete Gillen, CBS Sports
Game and Studio Analyst
“Joe is a class guy and a real gentleman. The thing I remember most about him was how much the kids looked up to him. And also how much he would work with them. On the day of a game, he would give them one or two things to work on and inevitably they shot better that night, he was the shot doctor. I also remember the kids challenging him to shooting contests after practice and he’d always beat them. Joe is a true Friar and I am thrilled that he is having his jersey honored because he represents Providence so well, I am proud to be associated with him.”

Kevin McNamara, Providence Journal
Sports Journalist 1988-Present
“I was a teenager at a summer camp in Coventry when Joe Hassett came and lectured on shooting. He proceeded to make about 95 of 100 shots, most from well beyond the college 3pt line with complete ease and textbook form. I was not shocked since I consider him one of the five purest shooters I’ve ever seen. I’ve played a lot of golf with Joe and what I’ve learned about elite athletes is they know how to compete and hate to lose. That’s helped us win a lot of matches. His competitive  juices transitioned from shooting 20 footers to hitting crisp golf shots a long time ago.”

Bob Driscoll, Providence College
Providence College Athletic Director
“Joe is one of the greatest players in the history of Providence College, but more importantly he’s one of the great human beings. Whenever we have gone through difficult times, Joe is the first guy to pick up the phone and call me and say ‘hang in there, we’re behind you.’ He is just very supportive and we are thrilled to retire his jersey.”

Ted Bancroft, Providence College
Player, 2010-Present
“I first met Joe when I was a freshman. We were flying on a road trip and I sat next to him on the plane. I knew who he was because he is a legend, but I didn’t know if he would actually talk to me. As soon as I sat down he started talking to me and he gave me some insight on what he saw in practice, but he knew me individually before I even talked to him. I really thought he would just do his own thing and not really focus on the players but he talked to me about areas I could improve on. With him being one of the greatest to ever play at Providence, it was just unbelievable to me how much he cared about the players and how much he cared about being around PC basketball. It was a great first impression after I spoke to him on the plane and having him around you can just tell how much he cares about the school. I know he talks to Bryce about what it takes to play in the NBA and I know all the guys really appreciate having him around.”

Bob Walsh, Rhode Island College
Head Men’s Basketball Coach
“The one thing that struck me about Joe during my time at PC was the passion that he had for Providence basketball. Through all of the great players and coaches that have been through that program, I don’t know that there is one guy that is more passionate about Providence basketball than Joe Hassett. In his own way I think that is his way of recognizing how much the school and the program did for him, and the impact that both can have on young men moving forward.”

Austin Croshere, Providence College
Player, 1993-1997
“As a player at PC I of course got to know Joey as the “radio guy” for the Friars. I remember getting to spend a lot of time with Joey in airports in various cities that we played in while we waited for flights before the days of chartered flights. Joey would always provide stories from his playing days or offer positive thoughts on my individual play or the teams. I remember one of the best meals I have ever had in my life was when Joey and his wife invited Shammgod, Corey Wright and me over to their home and they made baked stuffed shrimp! It wasn’t until later in my time at Providence that I got a better appreciation for what a great player Joey was. I remember seeing Joey’s name in the career scoring list every time I left the locker room and always looked forward to passing him, alas it did not happen but I am honored to call one of PC’s finest a friend. I’ve enjoyed staying in touch with Joey, grabbing lunch or playing golf on the occasions when I’ve been able to make it back to RI. Congrats Joey!!!”

Marshon Brooks, Providence College
Player, 2007-2011
“Joe is a really good guy and was always around. He was always there for me, junior year, senior year and especially when I was having confidence issues he would help me. He was always so positive. I am glad that the school is honoring him. Congrats Joe!”

John Rooke, WEEI
Play by Play Announcer, 1988-Present
“Joe and I have been like brothers – no – actually more like a married couple for the past 25 years. I think we tolerate each other pretty well. But I absolutely will not kiss him or his ring any longer. Seriously, Joe bleeds black and white, and I have long appreciated his passion for his alma mater. He represents a tie to a great period in Friar basketball history, and I know fans and followers have long appreciated his passion and energy for the program, as well as his shooting talents. How many 50-something year old guys still answer to “Hey, Sonar!?” The one thing I can really point to about Joe – is that the kids on current teams listen to him. He’s got a ring that makes them pay attention. And when they see him shoot…they perk up. When he points out the small things, like squaring up at the free throw line, they try to follow through on his suggestions. Call it respect, or call it street cred…but he’s got it, and he’s earned it.”

Ryan Gomes, Providence College
Player, 2001-2005
“Joe was one of the all time greats to ever come from Providence College. What I remember about Joe, he used to do all of the games on the radio but he would always come into practices and he would help me with my free throws and tell me what I needed to improve on in shooting them. He would also talk to me about improving every year and what it took to become a professional basketball player. When I first came into Providence I was more of a rebounder and player who worked in the paint. As my career progressed, I  was able to expand my game and take more jumpers. That came from a lot of hard work in the summer time but I also think Joe’s input had a lot to do with that. Congrats Joe!”

Father Brian Shanley, Providence College
Providence College President
“Providence College is proud to recognize native son Joe Hassett.  We are proud because throughout his many accomplishments on the basketball court, both here at PC and later in the National Basketball Association, his connection to PC has remained strong.  Joe is someone who never forgot his roots and he also never forgot Providence College.  He has been the analyst on our men’s basketball radio broadcasts for almost thirty years, and he remains close to the school and to the program.  We are grateful for his continued commitment and support, and we are pleased to honor him by retiring his jersey this weekend.”

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In writing this piece I would like to thank all of those who helped me in putting this together, including my parents, Marc and Michelle Belhumeur (Beauchamp), Riff, Kevin Reilly, Scott McConnell, Virginia Gillen, Nancy Kelley, Arthur Parks, Leslie Parks, Kelsey Chepiga, Jordan Sucher, Domenic Coletta, Kelli O’Donahue, Jeremy Duffy, Shawna Hassett, Chris Carter, John Rooke, Pat Brennan, Craig Leighton, Kevin Farrahar and all of those who took the time to answer my phone calls and emails for the above submissions. In my three years covering the Friars, this has been one of my favorite stories to work on and all of you helped in writing it. I just wish I could have been alive to witness the great things that Joe Hassett did with the basketball during his time spent at Providence College.

Email Craig Belhumeur – craig.belhumeur@friarbasketball.com
Craig on Twitter – @Craig_Belhumeur

 

 

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