News and Notes: Bryce Hopkins' Redshirt, Providence vs. Seton Hall Pt. 2, and more

News and notes from around Friartown…

1. On Sunday, Sam Knox of WPRI reported that Bryce Hopkins would not return this season and will redshirt to retain a year of eligibility.

Knox interviewed Kim English as part of the PC Hoops Show on WPRI, where English shared the news. English noted that Hopkins had a bone bruise in his knee after a fall at DePaul in December — his third game back after tearing his ACL last season.

Still hobbled by a sore knee, the news makes all the sense in the world for Hopkins, who missed the majority of his junior year after injuring his knee in early January 2024.

It’s been quite a journey for Hopkins, who spent his freshman year at Kentucky before transferring to Providence and being named one of two unanimous 1st Team All Big East selections in 2023. Hopkins was instrumental in Providence starting 6-0 in Big East play that year, highlighted by a 29-point, 23-rebound effort against Marquette, a 27-point outing against UConn, and a 24-point, 10-rebound, three-assist debut at Seton Hall.

Hopkins returned to play for English last season after Ed Cooley left for Georgetown, and while his numbers were solid prior to his injury (15.5 points and 8.6 rebounds after putting up 15.8/8.5 during his sophomore year) he struggled with his shot from beyond the arc.

His return this season against BYU on Dec. 3 provided a huge lift for a struggling Friar team. Returning to a roaring ovation, Hopkins scored 16 points to go along with five rebounds, and four assists in 26 minutes in what was an 83-64 victory over the Cougars.

Hopkins’ season lasted just two more games, however, as he put up averages of 17.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, while shooting 40% from three.

Providence will hope to retain Hopkins next season, but if he hits the transfer market he is expected to be one of the more desirable players available, despite missing much of the past two seasons.