Friar Basketball Newsletter: Breaking Down the '22-23 Schedule, Ted Bancroft on Bryce Cotton's Epic 36-Point Night vs. Carolina and What Could Have Been, Previewing Nova, Devin Carter Highlights
It was a newsworthy week in Providence, as Ed Cooley’s contract was extended and the basketball team’s 2022-23 schedule was released three days later.
Here at Friar Basketball we have you covered with six new articles this week, including a breakdown of the 2022-23 schedule. Craig Leighton also shares his thoughts on the schedule, as well as recruiting and NIL notes in his latest “Here and There in Friartown” article.
With the season on the not-too-distant horizon, we also take a look at what’s ahead for Villanova this season, in the wake of Hall of Famer Jay Wright’s retirement. This article looks into a pair of terrific freshmen they have coming in, new head coach Kyle Neptune’s path to the top of one of the nation’s elite programs, and how Wright’s departure leaves huge shoes to fill not only at Nova, but the Big East as well.
We have conducted four of the six interviews we have planned for the podcast series on the 2013-14 Friars. Earlier, we shared clips from LaDontae Henton and Carson Desrosiers, and this week we have Ted Bancroft reflecting on Bryce Cotton’s amazing 36-point night against North Carolina in the 2014 NCAA Tournament. In this clip Ted also looks back on what could have been had Providence held onto their late lead against Carolina.
As we forge ahead toward next season, we also take some time to reflect on the outstanding season that was last year. In our “Season in Review” article from this week, we have the Friars returning from a Covid pause to take out Georgetown and Butler, and Jared Bynum beginning his star turn with a buzzer-beater at Xavier. Videos from each of those wins are included in this article.
Finally, it’s hard not to be excited about the potential of Devin Carter when watching some of the highlights from his freshman year at South Carolina. The son of long-time NBA guard Anthony Carter is a tremendous athlete, possessing a great vertical, end-to-end speed, and lateral quickness. Much of that was on display when he scored a season-high 22 points against Army. You can see highlights from that game here. Carter figures to be a critically important piece for this year’s Friars.
We hope you enjoy this week’s newsletter.