To return to the NCAA tournament, a team needs contributions from returning players and incoming recruits. Here's a look at the Providence Friars and their chances of dancing again in 2016.
Quick references:
Possible 2015-16 starting five
G: Kris Dunn
F: Ben Bentil
Who is lost: LaDontae Henton, Carson Desrosiers and Ted Bancroft are all off the books, and coach Ed Cooley planned accordingly by bringing in Chukwu, Bentil and Lindsey a year ago and allowing them to get a season of experience under their belts before growing into bigger roles next season. What Providence didn’t plan for was the potential for Dunn to essentially be one-and-done to the NBA in really his first healthy season after battling shoulder injuries for the past two years. Whether Dunn -- who was the co-Player of the Year in the Big East this season -- makes the jump remains to be seen, but that will have an undoubtedly high correlation to the team’s success next season. Another question mark is the status of Tyler Harris, who is set to graduate this year but still has a year of eligibility, so he could play another season at Providence or transfer and potentially play right away elsewhere.
Who is added: With Chukwu and Bentil both ready to become full-time starters up front, Providence has effectively rebuilt its frontcourt depth with Alex Owens, a burly 6-foot-8 big man who provides a physical interior presence capable of playing the 4 or 5, as well as Ryan Fazekas, an equally versatile forward who will help immediately upgrade the team’s skill level and 3-point shooting. Drew Edwards, a smooth combo guard from Maryland, will also provide immediate help in those areas, while Ricky Council, who made a verbal commitment in February, may be more of a long-term stock on the perimeter -- but he has undeniable upside thanks to his length, athleticism and raw playmaking ability.
What it means for next season: The losses are heavy but sustainable up front, in large part because Cooley has planned his roster accordingly. The biggest X factor is Dunn. If he returns, he’ll have a chance to emerge as one of college basketball’s true stars and play his way up most draft boards. If not, the team will likely give the ball to Kyron Cartwright and utilize both Edwards and Junior Lomomba as backup point guards, even though neither is a true PG. The Friars should also return Bullock, who looked to be on the verge of delivering a breakout campaign this season before going down with a knee injury. And don’t be surprised if Providence isn’t done recruiting just yet, as the Friars could look to solidify both ends of their lineup with a late signee or transfer.
Trending: It all rests on Dunn’s shoulders. If he returns, the Friars could be just as good as they were this season, if not better, despite all the losses to the front line. If Dunn leaves, they’ll be short-handed in the backcourt, especially at the point guard position, which would make 2015-16 more of a rebuilding season than they otherwise anticipated.