Wikipedia

Providence Friars men's basketball

The Providence Friars men's basketball team represents Providence College in NCAA Division I competition. They were a founding member of the original Big East Conference from 1979 until 2013, and are now a member of the current Big East Conference. They play their home games at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island.

Providence Friars
2024–25 Providence Friars men's basketball team
CollegeProvidence College
First season1926–27
All-time record1,424–953 (.599)
Head coachKim English (2nd season)
ConferenceBig East
LocationProvidence, Rhode Island
ArenaAmica Mutual Pavilion
(capacity: 12,410)
NicknameFriars
Student sectionFriar Fanatics
ColorsBlack, white, and silver[1]
     
Uniforms
Home jersey
Team colours
Home
Away jersey
Team colours
Away
Alternate jersey
Team colours
Alternate
NCAA tournament Final Four
1973, 1987
NCAA tournament Elite Eight
1965, 1973, 1987, 1997
NCAA tournament Sweet Sixteen
1965, 1973, 1974, 1987, 1997, 2022
NCAA tournament round of 32
1977, 1978, 1987, 1997, 2016, 2022
NCAA tournament appearances
1964, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1978, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1994, 1997, 2001, 2004, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2023
Conference tournament champions
1994, 2014
Conference regular season champions
2022

The Friars have made two Final Four appearances in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, in 1973 and 1987. Four former players or coaches – Dave Gavitt, John Thompson, Rick Pitino, and Lenny Wilkens – are enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In addition, two-time NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament champion, current Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan, helped lead the Friars (as a player) to the Final Four in 1987.

History

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Early years: 1921-1955

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Providence Friars basketball can be traced back to 1921, when the four-year-old school fielded its first basketball team on an informal basis. This first team only lasted two years, however, and did not return until the 1926–27 season when Archie Golembeski, the school's football coach, led to the team to a win over St. John's before devoting his time to football the next year. He was replaced by Al McClellan, who coached the team to four New England championships — 1929, 1930, 1932, and 1935 — and had an overall winning percentage over .700. In 1938, McClellan left and was replaced by Ed Crotty, who led the team to a 15–5 record in 1942–43 before the team suspended play the next year after the outbreak of World War II. After the war, the NCAA divided its teams into two divisions, the University Division and the College Division; with a smaller enrollment and no home court (the team played in an on-campus auditorium and then local high school gyms), the Friars were placed into the College Division and no longer faced the opponents they once played.

Mullaney era: 1955-1969

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In 1949, Vin Cuddy was hired as the team's head coach, leading the team to a 14–9 record in his first season and qualified for the NAIB regional tournament in 1951, behind the school's first 1,000-point scorer, Jim Schlimm. By 1955, Cuddy's record fell to 9–12 and he was replaced by Joe Mullaney; at the same time, the school opened its first on-campus gym, Alumni Hall. In 1959, Mullaney and the Friars defeated ranked Villanova on the road, leading to their first-ever National Invitational Tournament bid.

The Friars reached the NIT Finals in 1960 with future hall-of-famer Lenny Wilkens being named MVP in his senior season before winning the tournament in 1961 behind Vin Ernst, John Egan, and Jim Hadnot. Two years later, led by another future hall of famer, John Thompson, as well as future Boston Mayor Ray Flynn, the Friars won their second NIT title. With a 24–2 record in 1964–65, the number four ranked Friars reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. In 1966–67, Jimmy Walker led the nation in scoring and became the school's first 2,000-point scorer as well as the first New England player selected first overall in the NBA draft. That season also marked the last in Mullaney's run of nine consecutive 20-win seasons. Two years later, Mullaney was hired as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA.

Gavitt era: 1969-1979

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Following Mullaney's departure, Dave Gavitt, an assistant under Mullaney who then became head coach at Dartmouth, took over as the Friars' head coach in 1969. In his second year, Gavitt began a string of eight consecutive 20-win seasons. For the 1972–73 season, the team began playing in downtown Providence at the brand-new 12,000-seat arena, the Providence Civic Center (renamed the Dunkin' Donuts Center in 2001). That season was the Friars' best to date; led by Ernie DiGregorio and the troubled center Marvin Barnes, the team went on a 17-team game winning streak that ended in a Final Four loss to Memphis State. The next year, the Friars posted a 28–4 record and made their second straight Sweet Sixteen appearance. The team continued its top-flight status with back-to-back 20-win seasons in 1976–77 and 1977–78, earning NCAA tournament bids each year, one coming after defeating top-ranked Michigan in 1976. After a 10–16 season in 1978–79, Gavitt left Providence to become the first commissioner of the Providence-based Big East Conference. He finished his 10-year career at Providence with a 209–84 (.713) record.

Mullaney returns: 1979-1985

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After spending the first six decades of their existence as an independent, the Friars joined the Big East in its inaugural season, 1979–80. The conference originally consisted of Providence, Boston College, Georgetown, St. John's, Seton Hall, Syracuse, and Connecticut. New head coach Gary Walters led the team to an 11–16 record in 1979–80, and was replaced by Mullaney in 1981. His next stint with the Friars would not be as successful, and consisted of only one winning season (1983–84, behind Otis Thorpe) against three losing.

Pitino era: 1985-1987

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In 1985, New York Knicks assistant coach Rick Pitino was hired as the latest Friars head coach. In his first season the Friars compiled a 17–14 record and made their first NIT appearance in a decade. The next year, 1986–87, the Friars posted a 25–9 record behind Billy Donovan and made their second-ever Final Four appearance in the 1987 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. After losing to Syracuse, Pitino left the school and re-joined the Knicks as their head coach in 1987. The Friars have not returned to the Final Four since Pitino's departure.

Chiesa, Barnes, Gillen: 1987-1998

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Syracuse vs. Providence game in February 2010 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

In 1987–88, the Friars posted a losing record under new head coach Gordie Chiesa, who was replaced by Rick Barnes after the season. Behind Barnes and 2,000-point scorer Eric Murdock, the Friars made back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances in 1989 and 1990, as well as an NIT bid in 1991. Following Murdock's departure and a losing season in 1991–92, the team had an NIT semifinal appearance in 1993 and an NCAA tournament appearance in 1994, while also capturing the school's first Big East Tournament title. Following back-to-back 20-win seasons, Barnes left to become the head coach at Clemson in 1994. He was replaced by Pete Gillen. Led by Eric Williams, the Friars made consecutive NIT appearances in 1995 and 1996. In 1996–97, the Friars posted a 24–12 record, led by Austin Croshere and Jamel Thomas. After defeating Duke in the 1997 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, the Friars reached the Elite Eight before losing, in overtime, to eventual champion Arizona. Following a losing season in 1997–98, Gillen departed to become the head coach at Virginia.

Welsh era: 1998-2008

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Gillen was replaced by Iona head coach Tim Welsh in 1998. Led by Thomas, the Friars made an NIT bid in 1999. The team returned to the NCAA tournament two years later, posting a 21–10 record behind John Linehan. While the Friars posted a losing record in Linehan's senior season in 2001–02, the guard broke Allen Iverson's single-season Big East steals record of 67 as well as Murdock's NCAA career steals record of 377. Led by Ryan Gomes, the Friars returned to the NIT with an 18–14 record in 2002–03 and made another NCAA appearance in 2003–04 with a 20–9 record. However, Welsh's next four teams, without Gomes after 2004–05, recorded one winning season, and Welsh was fired following the 2007–08 season.

Davis era: 2008-2011

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In 2008, the Friars hired Drake head coach Keno Davis, who won the National Coach of the Year Award in his first and only season as Drake's head coach. Davis' team posted a 19–14 record, including a win at home over top-ranked Pittsburgh, in 2008–09 en route to an NIT appearance. In 2009–10, Davis' team lost their final 11 games to finish 15th in the Big East. The Friars averaged 82 points per game, the fourth highest in Division I, while also surrendering 85 points per conference game, the worst statistical performance in Big East history. In Davis' third season, 2010–11, the Friars finished 14th in the conference despite having Division I's second-leading scorer in Marshon Brooks. Davis was fired after the 2010–11 season.

Cooley era: 2011-2023

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On March 22, 2011, the Friars hired Fairfield head coach Ed Cooley, as the 15th head coach in program history. A Providence native, Cooley brought a reinvigorated energy surrounding the program and recruited six consensus Top 100 recruits in his first three years.

2011–12 season

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In his first season at Providence, Cooley led the Friars to a 15–17 mark overall, posting an 11–3 mark (8–0 at home) in non-conference action and going 4–14 in the Big East. That season, point guard Vincent Council was named All-Big East Third Team and forward LaDontae Henton earned Big East All-Rookie Team accolades.

2012–13 season — NIT quarterfinals

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In his second season, Cooley led the Friars to a 19–15 record overall and a 9–9 mark in league play. Included in the 9–9 Big East record in 2012–13 was a 7–2 mark over the last nine games of the conference season, marking the second best turnaround over second half of the season in Big East history. The Friars played the season with a short roster with transfers Carson Desrosier and Tyler Harris having to sit out the year per NCAA transfer rules, five star Freshman shooting guard and Providence native Ricky Ledo sitting our per NCAA eligibility issues, and five star Freshman point guard Kris Dunn sitting out the first semester with a shoulder injury. Friars Freshman guard Josh Fortune, was the only incoming player in 2012–2013 season eligible to compete. Cooley guided the Friars to the NIT where the squad posted a 2–1 record, beating Charlotte and Robert Morris before losing in the quarterfinals to eventual NIT Champion Baylor. That season, combo guard Bryce Cotton was named All-Big East First Team and Kadeem Batts was recognized as a co-winner of the league's Most Improved Award and earned All-Big East Honorable Mention accolades. After spending one year at Providence without being able to play, Ledo declared for the 2013 NBA Draft and was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves, eventually being traded to the Dallas Mavericks.

2013–14 season — Big East tournament champions / NCAA tournament first round

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In his third season at Providence, Cooley led the Friars to a 10–8 mark in the Big East Conference and finished tied for 3rd with Xavier and St. John's. Transfers, Junior forward Carson Desrosiers and Sophomore forward Tyler Harris, were eligible to play their first season in black and white, having sat out the NCAA-enforced one-year period. However, in addition to former Senior point guard Vincent Council's graduation and Ricky Ledo entering the draft, Sophomore point guard Kris Dunn faced another shoulder injury and had to sit out almost the entire year as a medical redshirt, Cleveland State transfer Sophomore guard Junior Lamomba had to sit out the NCAA-enforced one-year period, and incoming Freshmen Brandon Austin and Rodney Bullock were suspended for the entire season due to an unspecified violation of team rules. The Friars finished the season at 23–12 overall, the most wins in a season since 1996–1997. Two players received regular season honors, Senior point guard Bryce Cotton was named All-Big East First Team and Senior forward Kadeem Batts earned All-Big East Second Team accolades. Entering the Big East Tournament, the Friars played as the 4th seed due to losing the tie-breaker with Xavier. They defeated St. John's in the Quarterfinals, Seton Hall in the semifinals, and Creighton in the thrilling final at Madison Square Garden, claiming PC's second tournament title in Big East history. By winning the Big East Tournament the team earned an automatic bid, removing any "bubble" fears. On their way to making history as the first tournament champion of the reconfigured league, Junior forward Ladontae Henton was named to the All-Tournament Team and Senior guard Bryce Cotton was named the tournaments Most Outstanding Player. On selection Sunday, the Friars were given the 11th seed in the 2014 NCAA tournament East Regional and faced the UNC. The Friars lost 77–79, but en route Bryce Cotton scored a career high 36 points, making him the 4th all-time leading scorer in Providence College basketball history. Despite the loss, the season marked yet another major step forward by Ed Cooley & Co. in rebuilding the PC basketball program.

2021–2022 season — Big East regular season champions / NCAA tournament

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After a disappointing campaign the previous season marred by a COVID-19 shortened schedule and no fans, Ed Cooley led the Friars to their first regular season championship in Big East History with an overall record of 24–4 and 14–3 within the conference. The Friars clinched the title at home in front of a sold out Dunkin Donuts Center crowd. The Friars spent most of this season ranked in the AP and Coaches top 25 Polls reaching as high as 8/9 on Feb 14, 2022.

2022-2023 season — Coach Cooley's final season with the Friars

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The Friars finished their season with a 13–7 record in Big East play and a 21–12 record overall, including a loss to UConn in the Big East tournament quarterfinals and a First Round loss to the University of Kentucky in the NCAA tournament. On March 20, 2023, Coach Cooley resigned as head coach at Providence to become the head coach at Georgetown University.[2] He was replaced by Kim English. [3]

Current team

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Roster

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Name Position Year No. Height Weight Hometown Last School
Jayden Pierre G So. 1 6-2 180 Elizabeth, New Jersey Long Island Lutheran HS
Corey Floyd Jr. G R-So. 14 6-4 210 Franklin, New Jersey Roselle Catholic HS
Bryce Hopkins F Jr. 23 6-7 220 Oak Park, Illinois Kentucky
Justyn Fernandez G R-So. 4 6-5 208 Richmond, Virginia George Mason
Rich Barron F Fr. 10 6-5 220 Chicago, Illinois St. Ignatius HS
Eli DeLaurier F Fr. 12 6-10 220 Shipman, Virginia Miller HS
Donovan Santoro F Fr. 2 6-8 205 Los Angeles, California Southern California Academy
Josh Oduro F Gr. 13 6-9 240 Gainesville, Virginia George Mason
Garwey Dual G Fr. 3 6-5 190 Carmel, Indiana Southern California Academy
Luke Fonts G So. 24 6-1 180 Portsmouth, Rhode Island Portsmouth Abbey HS
Rafael Castro F So. 30 6-10 215 Dover, New Jersey Dover HS
Kieran O'Haire F Fr. 33 6-3 185 Menands, New York The Albany Academy HS
Devin Carter G Jr. 22 6-3 195 Miami, Florida South Carolina

Coaching Staff

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Name Title College
Kim English Head coach University of Missouri
Dennis Felton Assistant coach Howard University
Nate Tomlinson Assistant coach University of Colorado
Kevin Kurbec Coord. of Basketball Operations Providence College
Tim Fuller A.D. of Recruiting Wake Forest

Season-by-season

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Main article: List of Providence Friars men's basketball seasons
Season Overall record Conference record Coach Postseason Scoring Leader (ppg) Rebounding Leader (rpg) Assists Leader (apg)
1926–27 8–8 Archie Golembeski Hector Allen (7.3)
1927–28 7–9 Al McClellan John Krieger (9.9)
1928–29 17–3 Al McClellan Ed Wineapple (13.9)
1929–30 15–4 Al McClellan John Krieger (10.7)
1930–31 14–5 Al McClellan Allen Brachen (9.5)
1931–32 19–5 Al McClellan Allen Brachen (9.4)
1932–33 13–3 Al McClellan Allen Brachen (13.0)
1933–34 12–5 Al McClellan Allen Brachen (9.9)
1934–35 17–5 Al McClellan Bill Kutniewski (8.0)
1935–36 14–7 Al McClellan Ed Bobinski (10.1)
1936–37 12–10 Al McClellan Ed Bobinski (9.5)
1937–38 7–9 Al McClellan John Crowley (9.8)
1938–39 4–7 Ed Crotty Steve Fallon (10.1)
1939–40 5–9 Ed Crotty Joe Kwasniewski (9.7)
1940–41 11–6 Ed Crotty John Lee (10.3)
1941–42 13–7 Ed Crotty Ted McConnon (15.5)
1942–43 15–5 Ed Crotty Ted McConnon (15.0)
1943–44 World War II
1944–45 5–7 Ed Crotty John Arzoomanian (19.7)
1945–46 5–12 Ed Crotty Henri Ethier (13.9)
1946–47 8–11 Lawrence Drew John Sullivan (8.2)
1947–48 10–10 Lawrence Drew Ferdinand Sowa (10.7)
1948–49 7–9 Lawrence Drew Francis Pelligrino (8.5)
1949–50 14–9 Vin Cuddy James Schlimm (15.5)
1950–51 14–10 Vin Cuddy James Schlimm (15.7)
1951–52 14–9 Vin Cuddy Robert Moran (18.0) James Schlimm (8.3)
1952–53 11–11 Vin Cuddy Robert Moran (20.8) Robert Prendergast (7.8)
1953–54 13–13 Vin Cuddy Robert Moran (16.0)
1954–55 9–12 Vin Cuddy Mike Pascale (17.8) John Ritch (14.2)
1955–56 14–8 Joe Mullaney Mike Pascale (15.0) John Ritch (10.3)
1956–57 15–9 Joe Mullaney John Ritch (14.4)
1957–58 18–6 Joe Mullaney Lenny Wilkens (14.9) John Woods (8.4)
1958–59 20–7 Joe Mullaney NIT Semifinals Johnny Egan (20.9) John Woods (9.6)
1959–60 24–5 Joe Mullaney NIT Finals James Hadnot (14.8) James Hadnot (16.3)
1960–61 24–5 Joe Mullaney NIT Champion James Hadnot (19.3) James Hadnot (16.4)
1961–62 20–6 Joe Mullaney NIT 1st Round James Hadnot (18.3) James Hadnot (13.5) Vin Ernst (8.7)
1962–63 24–4 Joe Mullaney NIT Champion Raymond Flynn & John Thompson (18.9) John Thompson (14.0)
1963–64 20–6 Joe Mullaney NCAA 1st Round John Thompson (26.2) John Thompson (14.5)
1964–65 24–2 Joe Mullaney NCAA Elite 8 Jimmy Walker (20.5) Dexter Westbrook (12.1) Jimmy Walker (5.2)
1965–66 22–5 Joe Mullaney NCAA 1st Round Jimmy Walker (24.5) Michael Riordan (9.1) Jimmy Walker (5.5)
1966–67 21–7 Joe Mullaney NIT Quarterfinals Jimmy Walker (30.4) Anthony Koski (11.2) Jimmy Walker (5.1)
1967–68 11–14 Joe Mullaney Alphonse Hayes (15.6) Anthony Koski (11.2)
1968–69 14–10 Joe Mullaney Jim Larranaga (19.4) Raymond Johnson (10.4)
1969–70 14–11 Dave Gavitt Jim Larranaga (16.3) Raymond Johnson (10.4) Jim Larranaga (3.2)
1970–71 20–8 Dave Gavitt NIT Quarterfinals Ernie DiGregorio (18.6) Nehru King (6.1) Ernie DiGregorio (6.5)
1971–72 21–6 Dave Gavitt NCAA 1st Round Marvin Barnes (21.6) Marvin Barnes (15.7) Ernie DiGregorio (7.9)
1972–73 27–4 Dave Gavitt NCAA Final Four Ernie DiGregorio (24.6) Marvin Barnes (19.0) Ernie DiGregorio (8.6)
1973–74 28–4 Dave Gavitt NCAA Sweet 16 Marvin Barnes (22.1) Marvin Barnes (18.7) Kevin Stacom (5.3)
1974–75 20–11 Dave Gavitt NIT Finals Joe Hassett (16.5) Bill Eason (7.9) Rick Santos (4.5)
1975–76 21–11 Dave Gavitt NIT Semifinals Joe Hassett (17.0) Bruce Campbell (8.5) Bob Misevicius (4.8)
1976–77 24–5 Dave Gavitt NCAA 1st Round Joe Hassett (18.8) Bruce Campbell (8.1) Dwight Williams (5.1)
1977–78 24–8 Dave Gavitt NCAA 1st Round Bruce Campbell (17.4) Bill Eason (8.3) Bob Misevicius (5.5)
1978–79 10–16 Dave Gavitt Rudy Williams (17.8) Rudy Williams (9.0) David Frye (5.0)
1979–80 11–6 0–6 Gary Walters Jerry Scott (14.9) Rudy Williams (7.6) Ricky Tucker (5.3)
1980–81 10–18 3–11 Gary Walters Rich Hunger (12.0) Rich Hunger (6.7) Jim Panaggio (3.9)
1981–82 10–17 2–12 Joe Mullaney Ron Jackson (16.2) Otis Thorpe (8.0) Jim Panaggio (4.0)
1982–83 12–19 4–12 Joe Mullaney Ron Jackson (18.3) Otis Thorpe (8.0) Ricky Tucker (6.1)
1983–84 15–14 5–11 Joe Mullaney Otis Thorpe (17.1) Otis Thorpe (10.3) Harold Starks (3.3)
1984–85 11–20 3–13 Joe Mullaney Donald Brown (9.5) Ray Knight (6.0) Harold Starks (3.8)
1985–86 17–14 7–9 Rick Pitino NIT Quarterfinals Billy Donovan (15.1) Steve Wright (7.3) Billy Donovan (4.7)
1986–87 25–9 10–6 Rick Pitino NCAA Final Four Billy Donovan (20.6) David Kipfer (5.3) Billy Donovan (7.2)
1987–88 11–17 5–11 Gordie Chiesa Delray Brooks (13.5) Steve Wright (6.5) Eric Murdock (3.8)
1988–89 18–11 7–9 Rick Barnes NCAA 1st Round Eric Murdock (16.2) Marty Conlon (7.0) Carlton Screen (6.8)
1989–90 17–12 8–8 Rick Barnes NCAA 1st Round Eric Murdock (15.4) Marty Conlon (7.5) Carlton Screen (7.0)
1990–91 19–13 7–9 Rick Barnes NIT Quarterfinals Eric Murdock (25.6) Marques Bragg (8.8) Eric Murdock (4.6)
1991–92 14–17 6–12 Rick Barnes Marques Bragg (11.3) Michael Smith (10.3) Trent Forbes (3.4)
1992–93 20–13 9–9 Rick Barnes NIT Semifinals Michael Smith (11.8) Michael Smith (11.4) Abdul Abdullah (5.7)
1993–94 20–10 10–8 Rick Barnes NCAA 1st Round Eric Williams (15.7) Michael Smith (11.5) Abdul Abdullah (8.0)
1994–95 17–13 7–11 Pete Gillen NIT 2nd Round Eric Williams (17.7) Troy Brown (7.9) Michael Brown (3.9)
1995–96 18–12 9–9 Pete Gillen NIT 2nd Round Austin Croshere (15.3) Rubén Garcés (7.5) God Shammgod (6.5)
1996–97 24–12 10–8 Pete Gillen NCAA Elite 8 Austin Croshere (17.9) Rubén Garcés (7.8) God Shammgod (6.6)
1997–98 13–16 7–11 Pete Gillen Jamel Thomas (18.5) Jamel Thomas (6.9) Kendrick Moore (3.2)
1998–99 16–14 9–9 Tim Welsh NIT 1st Round Jamel Thomas (22.0) Jamel Thomas (7.2) John Linehan (3.8)
1999–00 11–19 4–12 Tim Welsh Erron Maxey (14.8) Karim Shabazz (8.2) Abdul Mills (2.2)
2000–01 21–10 11–5 Tim Welsh NCAA 1st Round Erron Maxey (11.4) Karim Shabazz (7.4) John Linehan (3.9)
2001–02 15–16 6–10 Tim Welsh Abdul Mills (14.5) Ryan Gomes (7.8) John Linehan (4.4)
2002–03 18–14 8–8 Tim Welsh NIT 2nd Round Ryan Gomes (18.4) Ryan Gomes (9.7) Donnie McGrath (4.3)
2003–04 20–9 11–5 Tim Welsh NCAA 1st Round Ryan Gomes (18.9) Ryan Gomes (9.4) Donnie McGrath (3.4)
2004–05 14–17 4–12 Tim Welsh Ryan Gomes (21.6) Ryan Gomes (8.2) Donnie McGrath (3.8)
2005–06 12–15 5–11 Tim Welsh Donnie McGrath (15.1) Geoff McDermott (9.0) Sharaud Curry (3.5)
2006–07 18–13 8–8 Tim Welsh NIT 1st Round Herbert Hill (18.1) Geoff McDermott (9.1) Geoff McDermott (5.1)
2007–08 15–16 6–12 Tim Welsh Jeff Xavier (12.4) Geoff McDermott (8.1) Geoff McDermott (4.9)
2008–09 19–14 10–8 Keno Davis NIT 1st Round Weyinmi Efejuku (15.7) Geoff McDermott (8.5) Sharaud Curry (4.2)
2009–10 12–19 4–14 Keno Davis Jamine Peterson (19.6) Jamine Peterson (10.2) Vincent Council (4.5)
2010–11 15–17 4–14 Keno Davis Marshon Brooks (24.6) Marshon Brooks (7.0) Vincent Council (5.9)
2011–12 15–17 4–14 Ed Cooley Vincent Council (15.9) LaDontae Henton (8.6) Vincent Council (7.5)
2012–13 19–15 9–9 Ed Cooley NIT Quarterfinals Bryce Cotton (19.7) LaDontae Henton (8.3) Vincent Council (6.8)
2013–14 23–12 10–8 Ed Cooley NCAA 1st Round Bryce Cotton (21.8) LaDontae Henton (7.9) Bryce Cotton (5.9)
2014–15 22–12 11–7 Ed Cooley NCAA 1st Round LaDontae Henton (19.7) LaDontae Henton (6.5) Kris Dunn (7.5)
2015–16 24–11 10–8 Ed Cooley NCAA 2nd Round Ben Bentil (21.1) Ben Bentil (7.7) Kris Dunn (6.2)
2016–17 20–13 10–8 Ed Cooley NCAA First Four Rodney Bullock (15.7) Rodney Bullock (6.4) Kyron Cartwright (6.7)
2017–18 21–14 10–8 Ed Cooley NCAA 1st Round Rodney Bullock (14.3) Alpha Diallo (6.6) Kyron Cartwright (5.8)
2018–19 18–16 7–11 Ed Cooley NIT 1st Round Alpha Diallo (16.0) Alpha Diallo (8.1) Alpha Diallo (3.1)
2019–20 19–12 12–6 Ed Cooley NCAA Canceled due to COVID-19 Alpha Diallo (14.1) Alpha Diallo (7.8) David Duke (3.1)
2020–21 13–13 9–10 Ed Cooley Nate Watson (16.9) Nate Watson (6.7) David Duke (4.8)
2021–22 27–6 14–3 Ed Cooley NCAA Sweet 16 Aljami Durham (13.7) Noah Horchler (8.5) Jared Bynum (4.0)
2022–23 21–12 13–7 Ed Cooley NCAA 1st Round Bryce Hopkins (15.8) Bryce Hopkins (8.5) Jared Bynum (4.3)
2023-24 21-14 10-10 Kim English NIT 1st Round Devin Carter (19.7) Devin Carter (8.7) Devin Carter (3.6)

Postseason

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NCAA tournament results

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The Friars have appeared in the NCAA tournament 22 times. Their combined record is 17–23.

Year Seed Round Opponent Result
1964 First round Villanova L 66–77
1965 First round
Sweet Sixteen
Elite Eight		 West Virginia
Saint Joseph's
Princeton		 W 91–67
W 81–73 OT
L 69–109
1966 First round Saint Joseph's L 48–65
1972 First round Penn L 60–76
1973 First round
Sweet Sixteen
Elite Eight
Final Four
National 3rd-place game		 Saint Joseph's
Penn
Maryland
Memphis
Indiana		 W 89–76
W 87–65
W 103–89
L 85–98
L 79–97
1974 First round
Sweet Sixteen
Regional 3rd-place game		 Penn
NC State
Furman		 W 84–69
L 78–82
W 95–83
1977 First round Kansas State L 80–87
1978 First round Michigan State L 63–77
1987 #6 First round
Second Round
Sweet Sixteen
Elite Eight
Final Four		 #11 UAB
#14 Austin Peay
#2 Alabama
#1 Georgetown
#2 Syracuse		 W 90–68
W 90–87 OT
W 103–82
W 88–73
L 63–77
1989 #12 First round #5 Virginia L 97–100
1990 #8 First round #9 Ohio State L 83–84 OT
1994 #8 First round #9 Alabama L 70–76
1997 #10 First round
Second Round
Sweet Sixteen
Elite Eight		 #7 Marquette
#2 Duke
#14 Chattanooga
#4 Arizona		 W 81–59
W 98–87
W 71–65
L 92–96 OT
2001 #10 First round #7 Penn State L 59–69
2004 #5 First round #12 Pacific L 58–66
2014 #11 First round #6 North Carolina L 77–79
2015 #6 First round #11 Dayton L 53–66
2016 #9 First round
Second Round		 #8 USC
#1 North Carolina		 W 70–69
L 66–85
2017 #11 First Four #11 USC L 71–75
2018 #10 First round #7 Texas A&M L 69–73
2022 #4 First round
Second Round
Sweet Sixteen		 #13 South Dakota State
#12 Richmond
#1 Kansas		 W 66–57
W 79–51
L 61–66
2023 #11 First round #6 Kentucky L 53–61

NIT results

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The Friars have appeared in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) 20 times. Their combined record is 32–21. They are two-time NIT Champions (1961, 1963).

Year Round Opponent Result
1959 First round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
3rd-place game		 Manhattan
Saint Louis
St. John's
NYU		 W 68–66
W 75–72
L 55–76
L 75–71
1960 First round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
Final		 Memphis
Saint Louis
Utah State
Bradley		 W 71–70
W 64–53
W 68–62
L 72–88
1961 First round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
Final		 DePaul
Niagara
Holy Cross
Saint Louis		 W 73–67
W 71–68
W 90–83
W 62–59
1962 First round Temple L 78–80
1963 Quarterfinals
Semifinals
Final		 Miami (FL)
Marquette
Canisius		 W 106–96
W 70–64
W 81–66
1967 First round
Quarterfinals		 Memphis
Marquette		 W 77–68
L 80–81
1971 First round
Quarterfinals		 Louisville
North Carolina		 W 64–58
L 79–86
1975 First round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
Final		 Clemson
Pittsburgh
St. John's
Princeton		 W 91–84
W 101–80
W 85–72
L 69–80
1976 First round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
3rd-place game		 North Carolina A&T
Louisville
Kentucky
NC State		 W 84–68
W 73–67
L 78–79
L 69–74
1986 First round
Second Round
Quarterfinals		 Boston University
George Mason
Louisiana Tech		 W 72–69
W 90–71
L 63–64
1991 First round
Second Round
Quarterfinals		 James Madison
West Virginia
Oklahoma		 W 98–93
W 85–79
L 74–83
1993 First round
Second Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
3rd-place game		 James Madison
West Virginia
Boston College
Minnesota
UAB		 W 73–61
W 68–67
W 75–58
L 70–76
L 52–55
1995 First round
Second Round		 College of Charleston
Virginia Tech		 W 72–67
L 78–91
1996 First round
Second Round		 Fairfield
Saint Joseph's		 W 91–79
L 62–82
1999 First round NC State L 86–92
2003 Opening Round
First round
Second Round		 Richmond
College of Charleston
Georgetown		 W 67–49
W 69–64
L 58–67
2007 First round Bradley L 78–90
2009 First round Miami (FL) L 66–78
2013 First round
Second Round
Quarterfinals		 Charlotte
Robert Morris
Baylor		 W 75–66
W 77–68
L 68–79
2019 First round Arkansas L 72–84
2024 First round Boston College L 57-62

NAIA tournament results

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The Friars have appeared in the NAIA tournament once. Their record is 0–1.

Year Round Opponent Result
1951 First round Morningside L 63–66

Former Friars

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NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans

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Player Count Years
Jimmy Walker 3 1965 (third-team); 1966 (first-team); 1967 (first-team)
Ernie DiGregorio 1 1973 (first team)
Marvin Barnes 2 1973 (third-team); 1974 (first-team)
Ryan Gomes 1 2004 (first-team)
Kris Dunn 1 2016 (second-team)
"Friars Legends"
Number Player Years Date
Coach Joe Mullaney 1955–69; 1981–85 January 6, 2007
Coach Dave Gavitt 1969–79 January 6, 2007
14 Lenny Wilkens 1957–60 November 27, 1996
24 Jimmy Walker 1964–67 March 8, 2008
15 Ernie DiGregorio 1970–73 March 8, 2008
24 Marvin Barnes 1971–74 March 8, 2008
34 Johnny Egan 1958–61 February 21, 2009
10 Vin Ernst 1960–63 February 19, 2011
14 Raymond Flynn 1960–63 February 19, 2011
27 Kevin Stacom 1972–74 January 25, 2014
10 Joe Hassett 1973–77 January 25, 2014
33 Otis Thorpe 1980–84 February 11, 2017
Bruce "Soup" Campbell 1974–78 February 11, 2017

NBA

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NBA G League

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Playing abroad

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All-time NBA draft

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Former Friars

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All-time leaders

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Points

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Rank Player[4] Years Points
1. Ryan Gomes 2001–05 2,138
2. LaDontae Henton 2011–15 2,059
3. Jimmy Walker 1964–67 2,045
4. Eric Murdock 1987–91 2,021
5. Bryce Cotton 2010–14 1,975
6. Jamel Thomas 1995–99 1,971
7. Marvin Barnes 1971–74 1,839
8. Joe Hassett 1979–83 1,828
9. Bruce Campbell 1974–78 1,809
10. Ernie DiGregorio 1970–73 1,760

Rebounds

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Rank Player[4] Years Rebounds
1. Marvin Barnes 1971–74 1,592
2. Jim Hadnot 1959–62 1,299
3. John Thompson 1961–64 1,061
4. Geoff McDermott 2005–09 1,055
5. LaDontae Henton 2011–15 1,054
6. Michael Smith 1991–94 1,038
7. Ryan Gomes 2001–05 1,028
8. Bruce Campbell 1974–78 949
9. Otis Thorpe 1980–84 902
10. Billy Eason 1974–78 800

Assists

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Rank Player[4] Years Assists
1. Vincent Council 2009–13 725
2. Ernie DiGregorio 1970–73 662
3. Kyron Cartwright 2014–18 646
4. Kris Dunn 2012–16 552
5. Billy Donovan 1983–87 546
6. Carlton Screen 1986–90 532
7. Ricky Tucker 1979–83 520
8. Bob Misevicius 1974–78 490
9. Eric Murdock 1987–91 487
9. Vin Ernst 1960–63 487

Steals

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Rank Player[4] Years Steals
1. John Linehan 1997–02 385
2. Eric Murdock 1987–91 376
3. Carlton Screen 1986–90 226
4. Kris Dunn 2012–16 208
5. Harold Starks 1982–86 207
6. Geoff McDermott 2005–09 205
7. Ryan Gomes 2001–05 181
7. Corey Wright 1996–99 181
9. Joe Hassett 1973–77 176
10. Michael Brown 1992–96 174

Blocks

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Rank Player[4] Years Blocks
1. Marvin Barnes 1971–74 363
2. Marcus Douthit 2000–04 295
3. Bob Cooper 1973–77 284
4. Herbert Hill 2003–07 189
5. Steve Wright 1984–88 184
6. Rich Hunger 1977–81 166
7. Carson Desrosiers 2013–15 161
8. Randall Hanke 2004–09 155
9. Bilal Dixon 2009–12 141
10. Bob Misevicius 1974–78 121

Arena

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The Providence Friars men's basketball team has been playing at the Amica Mutual Pavilion (aka "the AMP") since its inception in 1972, having played almost all of its home basketball games at the arena since it opened. The Amica Mutual Pavilion took over naming rights in 2022. The Amp (formerly Providence Civic Center and Dunkin’ Donuts Center (aka "The Dunk") ) is an indoor arena, located in downtown Providence, Rhode Island, and seats approximately 12,410 fans for basketball games. In 2001, the arena was named the Dunkin' Donuts Center as part of a naming-rights deal with Dunkin' Donuts. Ironically they served Dunkin coffee but no actual Donuts. In December 2005, the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority purchased the building from the city of Providence and spent $80 million on an extensive renovation connecting it indoor to the Convention center and a nearby luxury hotel. Renovations were also inclusive of a new Jumbotron, luxury suites, HVAC chiller, upgraded concessions, concourse updates, new seating bowl and other amenities. Since the renovations, the arena has been touted as one of the most state of the art arenas and one of the best atmospheres in the NCAA. The fans are known for being knowledgeable of basketball, and hostile to visiting teams and coaches. This has resulted in one of the best home records in D1 basketball since 2021-2022. Prior to playing at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, the Friars played on campus at Alumni Hall (Providence) from 1955 until moving to the AMP in 1972. Alumni Hall seated approximately 2,600 fans from 1955 until its renovation in 2012, and now seats approximately 1,850 fans.

Rivalries

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Villanova Wildcats

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The two smallest schools in the original Big East, Providence and the Villanova Wildcats, currently battle at least twice each year during conference play. The two teams first met on February 15, 1936, resulting in a 46–37 Friars victory. Villanova leads the all-time series, 67-42 since 1949-1950.[5] The rivalry is elevated by the Catholic orders which run the schools; Providence's Dominicans and Villanova's Augustinians.

Boston College Eagles

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These two former Big East rivals are in adjacent states with both teams said to have among the most intense fans in New England. Though they now reside in separate conferences, they still meet occasionally during non-conference play.

Connecticut Huskies

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The only two New England schools in the old Big East for its final eight seasons, these two schools fought for New England bragging rights each year until the 2013 season, when Providence and 6 other teams in the "Catholic 7" broke away to form the new Big East and UConn remained in the now-called American Athletic Conference. UConn joined the new Big East and started playing in the conference in 2020, renewing the rivalry.

Rhode Island Rams

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Main article: Ocean State Rivalry

The annual Rhode Island State Championship game is played between these schools once a year and is considered often to be the highlight of the schedule for the Rams. The game now alternates annually between Providence (The Amp) and Kingston The Ryan Center always resulting in a rare home sellout for Rhode Island in their year hosting. The annual match-up is usually played in December and has produced many memorable games and moments for both teams over the years. In recent years Providence has dominated the rivalry and holds a commanding 64-26 advantage since 1949-1950[6]

Participations in FIBA competitions

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Social Media

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Providence basketball has a presence and notable fan following on: facebook Instagram X (formerly twitter)

The Friartown following on X (formerly twitter) is rabid and uses #pcbb

References

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  1. ^ "Providence College Unveils New Athletic Logos". Friars.com. September 12, 2002. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
  2. ^ "Georgetown hires Providence's Ed Cooley as head coach". FOX Sports. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
  3. ^ "Providence hires George Mason's Kim English as head coach". FOX Sports. Retrieved 2024-10-15.
  4. ^ a b c d e "2019–20 Providence Men's Basketball Media Guide". Providence College. 2019. p. 126; 132; 134–136. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  5. ^ J, Mike (2013-01-18), Nova vs. Friars: Know Your History, retrieved 2017-01-20
  6. ^ "Providence Men's Basketball Head-to-Head Results".
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