Corey Floyd's Resurgence has Friar Fans Excited for What’s Ahead
Billy Ricci returns with his latest -- taking a look at the strong two-way play of Corey Floyd Jr. in the early season.
Friar Family,
April 12, 2022. Former Providence target and UConn guard Corey Floyd Jr. entered the transfer portal with much anticipation and excitement from Friar fans. Many knew of Floyd’s connection to Friartown, with his father, Corey Floyd Sr., having suited up for PC for two seasons in the early ’90s.
Floyd Jr. was a top-100 recruit coming out of high school and was most known for his leading role on the 2021 EYBL Peach Jam champions, Team Final. He played alongside the likes of Jalen Duran and Derek Lively and looked like he would be a promising talent for whatever college program was lucky enough to land him — and Floyd eventually chose to attend UConn over PC coming out of high school.
The transfer portal was a different case. It didn’t take long for the Friars to land him, as on April 25, less than two weeks after announcing his transfer intentions, Corey Floyd Jr. announced he was transferring to Providence.
Many forget his efficiency during his redshirt freshman year at PC. He shot over 44% from the field and 41% from three, appearing in 29 games. Although his playing time was limited, Floyd made the most of his time on the floor, scored a season-high 12 points against Butler, and had a monster dunk against Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament to close out the 2022-23 season.
Unfortunately, Floyd Jr. saw some regression last season as he stepped into a bigger role, seeing his percentages fall to 34% from the field and 24% from three. But as Kim English has mentioned multiple times now, Floyd was adjusting to his third head coach and system in three years. At times he appeared uncomfortable and rushed his shot, but his athleticism and toughness continued to show amid his struggles shooting the ball.
Both English and Providence Athletic Director Steve Napolillo have mentioned Floyd was the first in line to return when English was announced as head coach, and proudly said, “I’m staying,” shortly after English’s introductory press conference.
Fast-forward to this offseason and with the additions of Wesley Cardet, Bensley Joseph, and the return of Justyn Fernandez from knee surgery, Floyd remained in Friartown and was quietly working behind the scenes as many in Friartown questioned what his role would be during this 2024-25 season.
I, myself, questioned what Floyd’s minutes would look like considering the potential depth and offseason additions to the roster. But Floyd arrived to the UMASS exhibition looking lean and strong, and after the first shot he took in that game, I looked over at my podcast partner and said, “Kev, Corey looks rejuvenated out there.”
And that is where we find Floyd today — with seemingly revitalized confidence and the same athleticism and toughness he has been known for since he stepped onto campus. Even though Floyd shot 2-9 in the opener against Central Connecticut State, and 3-9 the next time out versus Stonehill, he just looked to be carrying himself with more confidence.
Which leads us to the last two games. Floyd scored 9 and 12 points, respectively, against Hampton and Green Bay, shot 68% from the field overall, and made 2-5 from 3.
But it really has been the defensive side of the ball where he has shined. As Kevin wrote about on Sunday, opponents are shooting 11-35 against him this season, totaling a less than stellar 31% from the floor.
Floyd added a few highlights over the past week as well, including the alley oop he called for out at the three-point line against Green Bay on Saturday that got the AMP rocking.
My expectations for the remainder of the season are pretty clear: continue to start in the two-guard position and average around double figures each game, shooting at about 45% from the field, and in the mid-30s from three. But again, most importantly, continue to take on one of the hardest assignments on defense each night with pride.
Bottom line is Corey Floyd Jr. is tough. In today’s transfer portal era, he could have easily left for another school or taken the easy route when he saw the other guards English was bringing in, but he stayed, put in the work, believed in himself, and now finds himself in a crucial role for these 2024-25 Friars.
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