Providence Friars men's basketball

The Providence Friars men's basketball team represents Providence College in NCAA Division I competition, and they are a founding member of the Big East Conference. They play their home games at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island. Since 2011, the head coach is Ed Cooley.

Providence Friars
2019–20 Providence Friars men's basketball team
UniversityProvidence College
First season1926–27
All-time record1,424–953 (.599)
Head coachEd Cooley (9th season)
ConferenceBig East
LocationProvidence, Rhode Island
ArenaDunkin' Donuts Center
(Capacity: 12,500)
NicknameFriars
Student sectionFriar Fanatics
ColorsBlack, White, and Silver[1]
              
Uniforms
Home
Away
Alternate
NCAA Tournament Final Four
1973, 1987
NCAA Tournament Elite Eight
1965, 1973, 1987, 1997
NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen
1965, 1973, 1974, 1987, 1997
NCAA Tournament Appearances
1964, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1978, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1994, 1997, 2001, 2004, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
Conference Tournament Champions
1994, 2014

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 Men's Division I Basketball Tournament champion, current Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan, helped lead the Friars (as a player) to the Final Four in 1987.

History

Early years: 1921–1955

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

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

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

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

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 Men's Division I 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

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 Men's Division I 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

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

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–present

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

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

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 1st Round

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.

Current Team

Roster

Name Position Year No. Height Weight Hometown Last School
Jared Bynum G TR So. 21 5-10 175 Largo, Maryland St. Joseph's University
Tommy Dempsey G Fr. 22 6-2 175 Binghamton, New York Seton Catholic Central High School
Alpha Diallo G Sr. 11 6-7 210 New York, New York Brewster Academy
David Duke Jr. G So. 3 6-5 200 Providence, Rhode Island Cushing Academy
Andrew Fonts G Jr. 24 6-2 175 Portsmouth, Rhode Island Portsmouth Abbey School
Greg Gantt F Fr. 1 6-8 205 Fayetteville, North Carolina Img Academy
Emmitt Holt F Sr. 15 6-7 230 Rochester, New York Indian Hills Community College
Noah Horchler F TR Sr. 14 6-8 210 Melbourne Beach, Florida University of North Florida
Kris Monroe F So. 2 6-8 220 Creedmoor, North Carolina St. David's School
Jimmy Nichols Jr. F So. 5 6-8 220 Conway, South Carolina Conway High School
Luwane Pipkins G GR Sr. 12 5-11 180 Chicago, Illinois University of Massachusetts
AJ Reeves G So. 10 6-6 205 Roxbury, Massachusetts Brimmer and May School
Nate Watson C Jr. 0 6-10 250 Arlington, Virginia Bishop O'Connell High School
Maliek White G Sr. 4 6-3 190 Richmond, Virginia George Wythe High School
Kalif Young C Sr. 13 6-9 255 Vaughan, Ontario Orangeville Prep

GR - Graduate Transfer; TR - Transfer (sitting out one year per NCAA rules)

Coaching Staff

Name Title College
Ed Cooley Head Coach Stonehill College
Ivan Thomas Assistant Coach Virginia Commonwealth University
Brian Blaney Assistant Coach Roanoke College
Jeff Battle Assistant Coach Marshall University
Kevin Kurbec Coord. of Basketball Operations Providence College
Nikola Knezevic A.D. of Player Development/Video Op. University of California Berkeley

Season-by-Season

SeasonOverall RecordCon. RecordCoachPostseasonScoring Leader (ppg)Rebounding Leader (rpg)Assists Leader (apg)
1926–278–8Archie GolembeskiHector Allen (7.3)
1927–287–9Al McClellanJohn Krieger (9.9)
1928–2917–3Al McClellanEd Wineapple (13.9)
1929–3015–4Al McClellanJohn Krieger (10.7)
1930–3114–5Al McClellanAllen Brachen (9.5)
1931–3219–5Al McClellanAllen Brachen (9.4)
1932–3313–3Al McClellanAllen Brachen (13.0)
1933–3412–5Al McClellanAllen Brachen (9.9)
1934–3517–5Al McClellanBill Kutniewski (8.0)
1935–3614–7Al McClellanEd Bobinski (10.1)
1936–3712–10Al McClellanEd Bobinski (9.5)
1937–387–9Al McClellanJohn Crowley (9.8)
1938–394–7Ed CrottySteve Fallon (10.1)
1939–405–9Ed CrottyJoe Kwasniewski (9.7)
1940–4111–6Ed CrottyJohn Lee (10.3)
1941–4213–7Ed CrottyTed McConnon (15.5)
1942–4315–5Ed CrottyTed McConnon (15.0)
1943–44World War II
1944–455–7Ed CrottyJohn Arzoomanian (19.7)
1945–465–12Ed CrottyHenri Ethier (13.9)
1946–478–11Lawrence DrewJohn Sullivan (8.2)
1947–4810–10Lawrence DrewFerdinand Sowa (10.7)
1948–497–9Lawrence DrewFrancis Pelligrino (8.5)
1949–5014–9Vin CuddyJames Schlimm (15.5)
1950–5114–10Vin CuddyJames Schlimm (15.7)
1951–5214–9Vin CuddyRobert Moran (18.0)James Schlimm (8.3)
1952–5311–11Vin CuddyRobert Moran (20.8)Robert Prendergast (7.8)
1953–5413–13Vin CuddyRobert Moran (16.0)
1954–559–12Vin CuddyMike Pascale (17.8)John Ritch (14.2)
1955–5614–8Joe MullaneyMike Pascale (15.0)John Ritch (10.3)
1956–5715–9Joe MullaneyJohn Ritch (14.4)
1957–5818–6Joe MullaneyLenny Wilkens (14.9)John Woods (8.4)
1958–5920–7Joe MullaneyNIT SemifinalsJohnny Egan (20.9)John Woods (9.6)
1959–6024–5Joe MullaneyNIT FinalsJames Hadnot (14.8)James Hadnot (16.3)
1960–6124–5Joe MullaneyNIT ChampionJames Hadnot (19.3)James Hadnot (16.4)
1961–6220–6Joe MullaneyNIT 1st RoundJames Hadnot (18.3)James Hadnot (13.5)Vin Ernst (8.7)
1962–6324–4Joe MullaneyNIT ChampionRaymond Flynn & John Thompson (18.9)John Thompson (14.0)
1963–6420–6Joe MullaneyNCAA 1st RoundJohn Thompson (26.2)John Thompson (14.5)
1964–6524–2Joe MullaneyNCAA Elite 8Jimmy Walker (20.5)Dexter Westbrook (12.1)Jimmy Walker (5.2)
1965–6622–5Joe MullaneyNCAA 1st RoundJimmy Walker (24.5)Michael Riordan (9.1)Jimmy Walker (5.5)
1966–6721–7Joe MullaneyNIT QuarterfinalsJimmy Walker (30.4)Anthony Koski (11.2)Jimmy Walker (5.1)
1967–6811–14Joe MullaneyAlphonse Hayes (15.6)Anthony Koski (11.2)
1968–6914–10Joe MullaneyJim Larranaga (19.4)Raymond Johnson (10.4)
1969–7014–11Dave GavittJim Larranaga (16.3)Raymond Johnson (10.4)Jim Larranaga (3.2)
1970–7120–8Dave GavittNIT QuarterfinalsErnie DiGregorio (18.6)Nehru King (6.1)Ernie DiGregorio (6.5)
1971–7221–6Dave GavittNCAA 1st RoundMarvin Barnes (21.6)Marvin Barnes (15.7)Ernie DiGregorio (7.9)
1972–7327–4Dave GavittNCAA Final FourErnie DiGregorio (24.6)Marvin Barnes (19.0)Ernie DiGregorio (8.6)
1973–7428–4Dave GavittNCAA Sweet 16Marvin Barnes (22.1)Marvin Barnes (18.7)Kevin Stacom (5.3)
1974–7520–11Dave GavittNIT FinalsJoe Hassett (16.5)Bill Eason (7.9)Rick Santos (4.5)
1975–7621–11Dave GavittNIT SemifinalsJoe Hassett (17.0)Bruce Campbell (8.5)Bob Misevicius (4.8)
1976–7724–5Dave GavittNCAA 1st RoundJoe Hassett (18.8)Bruce Campbell (8.1)Dwight Williams (5.1)
1977–7824–8Dave GavittNCAA 1st RoundBruce Campbell (17.4)Bill Eason (8.3)Bob Misevicius (5.5)
1978–7910–16Dave GavittRudy Williams (17.8)Rudy Williams (9.0)David Frye (5.0)
1979–8011–60–6Gary WaltersJerry Scott (14.9)Rudy Williams (7.6)Ricky Tucker (5.3)
1980–8110–183–11Gary WaltersRich Hunger (12.0)Rich Hunger (6.7)Jim Panaggio (3.9)
1981–8210–172–12Joe MullaneyRon Jackson (16.2)Otis Thorpe (8.0)Jim Panaggio (4.0)
1982–8312–194–12Joe MullaneyRon Jackson (18.3)Otis Thorpe (8.0)Ricky Tucker (6.1)
1983–8415–145–11Joe MullaneyOtis Thorpe (17.1)Otis Thorpe (10.3)Harold Starks (3.3)
1984–8511–203–13Joe MullaneyDonald Brown (9.5)Ray Knight (6.0)Harold Starks (3.8)
1985–8617–147–9Rick PitinoNIT QuarterfinalsBilly Donovan (15.1)Steve Wright (7.3)Billy Donovan (4.7)
1986–8725–910–6Rick PitinoNCAA Final FourBilly Donovan (20.6)David Kipfer (5.3)Billy Donovan (7.2)
1987–8811–175–11Gordie ChiesaDelray Brooks (13.5)Steve Wright (6.5)Eric Murdock (3.8)
1988–8918–117–9Rick BarnesNCAA 1st RoundEric Murdock (16.2)Marty Conlon (7.0)Carlton Screen (6.8)
1989–9017–128–8Rick BarnesNCAA 1st RoundEric Murdock (15.4)Marty Conlon (7.5)Carlton Screen (7.0)
1990–9119–137–9Rick BarnesNIT QuarterfinalsEric Murdock (25.6)Marques Bragg (8.8)Eric Murdock (4.6)
1991–9214–176–12Rick BarnesMarques Bragg (11.3)Michael Smith (10.3)Trent Forbes (3.4)
1992–9320–139–9Rick BarnesNIT SemifinalsMichael Smith (11.8)Michael Smith (11.4)Abdul Abdullah (5.7)
1993–9420–1010–8Rick BarnesNCAA 1st RoundEric Williams (15.7)Michael Smith (11.5)Abdul Abdullah (8.0)
1994–9517–137–11Pete GillenNIT 2nd RoundEric Williams (17.7)Troy Brown (7.9)Michael Brown (3.9)
1995–9618–129–9Pete GillenNIT 2nd RoundAustin Croshere (15.3)Rubén Garcés (7.5)God Shammgod (6.5)
1996–9724–1210–8Pete GillenNCAA Elite 8Austin Croshere (17.9)Rubén Garcés (7.8)God Shammgod (6.6)
1997–9813–167–11Pete GillenJamel Thomas (18.5)Jamel Thomas (6.9)Kendrick Moore (3.2)
1998–9916–149–9Tim WelshNIT 1st RoundJamel Thomas (22.0)Jamel Thomas (7.2)John Linehan (3.8)
1999–0011–194–12Tim WelshErron Maxey (14.8)Karim Shabazz (8.2)Abdul Mills (2.2)
2000–0121–1011–5Tim WelshNCAA 1st RoundErron Maxey (11.4)Karim Shabazz (7.4)John Linehan (3.9)
2001–0215–166–10Tim WelshAbdul Mills (14.5)Ryan Gomes (7.8)John Linehan (4.4)
2002–0318–148–8Tim WelshNIT 2nd RoundRyan Gomes (18.4)Ryan Gomes (9.7)Donnie McGrath (4.3)
2003–0420–911–5Tim WelshNCAA 1st RoundRyan Gomes (18.9)Ryan Gomes (9.4)Donnie McGrath (3.4)
2004–0514–174–12Tim WelshRyan Gomes (21.6)Ryan Gomes (8.2)Donnie McGrath (3.8)
2005–0612–155–11Tim WelshDonnie McGrath (15.1)Geoff McDermott (9.0)Sharaud Curry (3.5)
2006–0718–138–8Tim WelshNIT 1st RoundHerbert Hill (18.1)Geoff McDermott (9.1)Geoff McDermott (5.1)
2007–0815–166–12Tim WelshJeff Xavier (12.4)Geoff McDermott (8.1)Geoff McDermott (4.9)
2008–0919–1410–8Keno DavisNIT 1st RoundWeyinmi Efejuku (15.7)Geoff McDermott (8.5)Sharaud Curry (4.2)
2009–1012–194–14Keno DavisJamine Peterson (19.6)Jamine Peterson (10.2)Vincent Council (4.5)
2010–1115–174–14Keno DavisMarshon Brooks (24.6)Marshon Brooks (7.0)Vincent Council (5.9)
2011–1215–174–14Ed CooleyVincent Council (15.9)LaDontae Henton (8.6)Vincent Council (7.5)
2012–1319–159–9Ed CooleyNIT QuarterfinalsBryce Cotton (19.7)LaDontae Henton (8.3)Vincent Council (6.8)
2013–1423–1210–8Ed CooleyNCAA 1st RoundBryce Cotton (21.8)LaDontae Henton (7.9)Bryce Cotton (5.9)
2014–1522–1211–7Ed CooleyNCAA 1st RoundLaDontae Henton (19.7)LaDontae Henton (6.5)Kris Dunn (7.5)
2015–1624–1110–8Ed CooleyNCAA 2nd RoundBen Bentil (21.1)Ben Bentil (7.7)Kris Dunn (6.2)
2016–1720–1310–8Ed CooleyNCAA First FourRodney Bullock (15.7)Rodney Bullock (6.4)Kyron Cartwright (6.7)
2017–1821–1410–8Ed CooleyNCAA 1st RoundRodney 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)

Postseason

NCAA tournament results

The Friars have appeared in the NCAA Tournament 20 times. Their combined record is 15–21.

Year Seed Round Opponent Result
1964First RoundVillanovaL 66–77
1965First Round
Sweet Sixteen
Elite Eight
West Virginia
Saint Joseph's
Princeton
W 91–67
W 81–73 OT
L 69–109
1966First RoundSaint Joseph'sL 48–65
1972First RoundPennL 60–76
1973First 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
1974First Round
Sweet Sixteen
Regional 3rd Place Game
Penn
NC State
Furman
W 84–69
L 78–82
W 95–83
1977First RoundKansas StateL 80–87
1978First RoundMichigan StateL 63–77
1987#6First 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#12First Round#5 VirginiaL 97–100
1990#8First Round#9 Ohio StateL 83–84 OT
1994#8First Round#9 AlabamaL 70–76
1997#10First 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#10First Round#7 Penn StateL 59–69
2004#5First Round#12 PacificL 58–66
2014#11First Round#6 North CarolinaL 77–79
2015#6First Round#11 DaytonL 53–66
2016#9First Round
Second Round
#8 USC
#1 North Carolina
W 70–69
L 66–85
2017#11First Four#11 USCL 71–75
2018#10First Round#7 Texas A&ML 69–73

NIT results

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
1959First 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
1960First Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
Finals
Memphis
Saint Louis
Utah State
Bradley
W 71–70
W 64–53
W 68–62
L 72–88
1961First Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
Finals
DePaul
Niagara
Holy Cross
Saint Louis
W 73–67
W 71–68
W 90–83
W 62–59
1962First RoundTempleL 78–80
1963Quarterfinals
Semifinals
Finals
Miami (FL)
Marquette
Canisius
W 106–96
W 70–64
W 81–66
1967First Round
Quarterfinals
Memphis
Marquette
W 77–68
L 80–81
1971First Round
Quarterfinals
Louisville
North Carolina
W 64–58
L 79–86
1975First Round
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
Finals
Clemson
Pittsburgh
St. John's
Princeton
W 91–84
W 101–80
W 85–72
L 69–80
1976First 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
1986First Round
Second Round
Quarterfinals
Boston University
George Mason
Louisiana Tech
W 72–69
W 90–71
L 63–64
1991First Round
Second Round
Quarterfinals
James Madison
West Virginia
Oklahoma
W 98–93
W 85–79
L 74–83
1993First 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
1995First Round
Second Round
College of Charleston
Virginia Tech
W 72–67
L 78–91
1996First Round
Second Round
Fairfield
Saint Joseph's
W 91–79
L 62–82
1999First RoundNC StateL 86–92
2003Opening Round
First Round
Second Round
Richmond
College of Charleston
Georgetown
W 67–49
W 69–64
L 58–67
2007First RoundBradleyL 78–90
2009First RoundMiami (FL)L 66–78
2013First Round
Second Round
Quarterfinals
Charlotte
Robert Morris
Baylor
W 75–66
W 77–68
L 68–79
2019First RoundArkansasL 72–84

NAIA tournament results

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

Year Round Opponent Result
1951First RoundMorningsideL 63–66

Former Friars

NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans

PlayerCountYears
Jimmy Walker31965 (third-team); 1966 (first-team); 1967 (first-team)
Ernie DiGregorio11973 (first team)
Marvin Barnes21973 (third-team); 1974 (first-team)
Ryan Gomes12004 (first-team)
Kris Dunn12016 (second-team)
"Friars Legends"
NumberPlayerYearsDate

CoachJoe Mullaney1955–69; 1981–85January 6, 2007
CoachDave Gavitt1969–79January 6, 2007
14Lenny Wilkens1957–60November 27, 1996
24Jimmy Walker1964–67March 8, 2008
15Ernie DiGregorio1970–73March 8, 2008
24Marvin Barnes1971–74March 8, 2008
34Johnny Egan1958–61February 21, 2009
10Vin Ernst1960–63February 19, 2011
14Raymond Flynn1960–63February 19, 2011
27Kevin Stacom1972–74January 25, 2014
10Joe Hassett1973–77January 25, 2014
33Otis Thorpe1980–84February 11, 2017
Bruce "Soup" Campbell1974–78February 11, 2017

NBA

NBA G League

Playing abroad

All-time NBA draft

Former Friars

All-time leaders

Points

Rank Player[2] 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

Rank Player[2] 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

Rank Player[2] 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

Rank Player[2] 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

Rank Player[2] 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

The Providence Friars men's basketball team has been playing at the Dunkin' Donuts Center (aka "the Dunk") since its inception in 1972, having played almost all of its home basketball games at the arena since it opened. The Dunkin' Donuts Center (formerly Providence Civic Center) is an indoor arena, located in downtown Providence, Rhode Island, and seats approximately 12,400 fans for basketball games. In 2001, the arena was named the Dunkin' Donuts Center as part of a naming-rights deal with Dunkin' 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. Since the renovations, the arena has been touted as one of the most state of the art areas and one of the best atmospheres in the NCAA. Prior to playing at the Dunkin' Donuts Center, the Friars played at Alumni Hall (Providence) from 1955 until moving to the Dunk in 1972. Alumni Hall seated approximately 2,600 fans from 1955 until its renovation in 2012, and now seats approximately 1,850 fans.

Rivalries

Villanova Wildcats

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, 59–38, as of the end of the 2015–16 NCAA basketball season.[3] The rivalry is elevated by the Catholic orders which run the schools; Providence's Dominicans and Villanova's Augustinians.

Boston College Eagles

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 annually during non-conference play.

Connecticut Huskies

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.

Rhode Island Rams

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 both teams. The annual match-up is usually played in December and has produced many memorable games and moments for both teams over the years.

References

  1. Providence College primary colors (PDF). Providence College Brand Standards Guide. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
  2. "2019–20 Providence Men's Basketball Media Guide". Providence College. 2019. p. 126; 132; 134–136. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  3. J, Mike (2013-01-18), Nova vs. Friars: Know Your History, retrieved 2017-01-20
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.