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PC Season Predictions

Bentil covering Arch

The staff of Friarbasketball.com make their PC-specific predictions for the 2015-16 season.

What will be the most critical storyline of the season?

Kevin Farrahar: The most interesting will be to see if the Friars can effectively open up the offense and play at the faster pace we’ve heard so much about. The most critical, however, will be how the frontcourt holds up. Ben Bentil figures to be a rock, but he’ll be playing out of position at the 5. And then there are the newcomers. Rodney Bullock slots in as a 3/4 hybrid, one who spends more time at the 4 out of necessity, and PC will have to hope either freshman Quadree Smith is ready early, or a couple of 205-210 pound forwards can spot them minutes as a stretch 4.

Craig Leighton: Kris Dunn’s quest to be National Player of the Year.

There is probably no player in PC history that has received more preseason publicity than Dunn has this year. The pressure on him to produce will be enormous and he will be the focus of every team’s defensive strategy. PC will need to come up with more scoring options in order to free Dunn and relieve some of the constant pressure he will be facing. If all these issues can be answered Dunn could have a season like no other here in Friartown.

Craig Belhumeur: The supporting cast around Kris Dunn has to be the most critical storyline of the season. Undoubtedly, Dunn will be sensational this season, but who out of the remaining roster will emerge as over-achievers? Jalen Lindsey and Ben Bentil will have to step up and improve upon their freshmen campaigns. Look for Rodney Bullock to come in and have an immediate impact as well.

Who will be Providence’s breakout player? 

Kevin Farrahar: Over the final month of the season Bentil had five double doubles and turned himself into the Friars’ third option behind Dunn and LaDontae Henton. Bentil has more offense to give and will be given far more opportunities in his sophomore season. An All Big East season isn’t out of the question.

Craig Leighton: Ben Bentil. Bentil showed glimpses of his vast potential last year and got better and better as the season progressed. If he can control his fouls and stay on the court he could emerge as a star in the Big East, averaging 15 points and eight rebounds a game.

Craig Belhumeur: Jalen Lindsey. After hearing from Lindsey on Big East Media Day, it seems as though the finger injury that he experienced really hampered him throughout the 2014-15 season. His finger is now 100% healthy and he says he has his confidence back. If he can consistently knock down perimeter jumpers, his impact will be huge.

Which freshman will have the biggest impact?

Kevin Farrahar: Leaning heavily toward Ryan Fazekas, the 6’7 wing out of Indiana. He’s been billed as a shooter, but has impressed with his feel for the game since stepping foot on campus.

Craig Leighton: Ricky Council. Council possesses the combination of a great shooting touch with athletic ability that should enable him to be productive for the Friars from day one. Cooley will be looking for outside shooters to help take pressure off of Dunn, and Council will be given every opportunity to help fill that role.

Craig Belhumeur: While not an actual freshmen academically, Rodney Bullock should have the greatest impact out of the newcomers. With two years of practicing under his belt, the learning curve is a non-issue.

What will be the game of the year?

Kevin Farrahar: The Ryan Center was wild when the Friars visited Rhode Island two years ago, and that was before Dan Hurley had the Rams in contention in the A-10. That URI team finished 14-18, yet pushed the Friars to the brink before falling 50-49. Dunn vs. EC Matthews will be as good as it gets all year at point guard, while Hassan Martin is one of the best defenders in the nation. Cooley has yet to lose to URI as PC’s head coach, but the Friars won’t see a more hostile crowd than when they visit URI on Dec. 5.

Craig Leighton: Villanova at Providence February 6th. Villanova is the one team in the new Big East Conference that the Friars can’t seem to beat. If they can finally get over that hurdle it will go a long way toward convincing this young PC squad that they can play with anyone in the country.

Craig Belhumeur: URI. Two seasons ago The Ryan Center was home for the most electric PC/URI game in recent memory. Dan Hurley has the best roster he’s had since taking the Rhode Island job and this rivalry is set to explode on December 5th. National TV welcomes back the Ocean State Rivalry as well, just adding to hype.

How will PC fare in the Big East Tournament?

Kevin Farrahar: Cooley’s teams have become progressively better as seasons have gone on, and they’ve been terrific the past two years in MSG: winning the tournament two seasons ago and falling in an epic semifinal against eventual winner Villanova last March. They’ll make the semifinals once again in 2016.

Craig Leighton: PC will once again get a first round bye, win one game in the tournament and lose in the semifinals to either Villanova or Georgetown.

Will the Friars make the NCAA Tournament?

Kevin Farrahar: Friartown will hold its breath early as a young core looks to get up to speed with Dunn and Bentil during the first two months of the season. I had the Friars one of the last four out a season ago, and have learned to not underestimate Cooley’s ability to bring a team together. There are more questions (and less experience) than either of the last two seasons, but it’s hard to imagine a talent like Dunn anywhere but the Big Dance come March.

Craig Leighton: The Friars will finish with 22 wins, have an 11-7 conference record, and go to the NCAA Tournament as an 8 seed. They will be safely in the Tournament well before Selection Sunday. How well they do in the tournament will once again be determined by matchups.

Craig Belhumeur: Kris Dunn didn’t return to school to play in the NIT. PC will be dancing in 2016. Ed Cooley will find a way to make all the pieces work, even without a legitimate 5 on the floor.

 

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