Friar Basketball Newsletter: Nate Watson's dominance, a red-hot Big East, Reflections on '87, the Legends Classic, highlights, pressers, and more.
Providence is off to a 4-0 start with a chance to build momentum heading into December, when they take part in the Legends Classic this week. The Friars will meet an improved Northwestern club on Monday night at the Prudential Center in Newark, and then it is a quick turnaround against either Virginia or Georgia on Tuesday.
PC improved to 4-0 behind wins over Wisconsin and New Hampshire last week. Ed Cooley was very encouraged by his team’s defensive effort at Wisconsin. You can see all of his press conference (which also features Nate Watson, who dominated down low versus the Badgers), and highlights of the win here. You can also see the best from the win over New Hampshire as well.
The past week was a great one for the Big East. The league’s members won six of eight games against the Big 10 in the Gavitt Games, highlighted by a massive road victory by Seton Hall over #4 Michigan, and Marquette surprising #10 Illinois. You can see all of the reaction and results from an outstanding week for the Big East in this article.
Our News and Notes column breaks down just how dominant Nate Watson has been on the offensive end through four games. For instance, the big man is 21-28 from the field in post up situations, and he’s shooting just shy of 74% from the field overall. Here you’ll find quotes from Ed Cooley on a number of topics, a look at the numbers behind the numbers, highlights, and tidbits on Providence’s 2022 recruiting signees.
Craig Leighton makes his return to Friar Basketball with a pair of great reads. Craig’s latest “Reflections of a Lifelong Friar Fan” column explains what it was like to see Rick Pitino transform Providence from Big East afterthought to a Final Four team in just two years.
Craig takes a Closer Look at an intriguing prospect out of Maine that Providence offered a scholarship to on a recent visit.
We also have a preview of the week ahead, with looks at Northwestern and the emerging Pete Nance, Virginia, Georgia, and St. Peter’s, who PC will host on Saturday.
The Friars have a chance to turn an encouraging start into a very exciting one in the week ahead.
Enjoy the games this week and have a great Thanksgiving!
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