In Kim English’s first notable game as head coach of the Providence Friars, he passed with flying colors.
The Friars blew out Wisconsin 72-59 in a game that wasn’t as close as the score.
Devin Carter’s 21-point-8 rebound performance led Providence. Byrce Hopkins chipped in 16 points.
AJ Storr had 22 points for Wisconsin.
Takeaways:
English Scores an A+: This is one of those games where English’s critics were looking for the “he was out-coached” card. That didn’t happen. Providence played like the veteran squad that they were as the executed English’s game plan to perfection. This isn’t going to happen every night, but English sent a shot that his inexperience isn’t going to impede this team.
Northern Migration: When Josh Oduro and Ticket Gaines transferred to Providence, there were questions on whether their talent would impact a team where the roles would be different and the competition would be better. We haven’t gotten to the Big East season yet, but the answer is shaping up to be a resounding “yes.” Oduro playing beside Hopkins will open up space he never had at George Mason. Gaines’ value won’t come in the box score every night. It will show up on the defensive end with his athleticism and length.
