"There's two or three more levels in Bryce Hopkins." Ed Cooley has high hopes for the sophomore, who was outstanding in the second half against URI
There will be some nights in which Providence’s opponents simply don’t have an answer for the physical skill set of sophomore forward Bryce Hopkins.
Saturday against Rhode Island was one of those times. Hopkins controlled the game in the second half of PC’s 88-74 victory over URI, coming up with eight points, eight rebounds, and four assists — in the second half alone.
Across the frontcourt, Providence was simply too physical for a rebuilding Rams squad, but nowhere was it more evident than when Hopkins went into attack mode.
For all of the lineup tinkering that had been suggested following the Friars’ loss at TCU on Wednesday night, the formula for success this season could be fairly simple: get more consistent performances out of your veterans, play defense at Cooley standards, and hope that Hopkins grasps just how dominant he can be with the ball in his hands.
Providence head coach Ed Cooley hasn’t shied away from setting high expectations for Hopkins’ Friar career, but he has balanced that by reminding fans and media that Hopkins simply hasn’t gotten many reps at this level after sitting out most of his freshman year at Kentucky.
“He didn’t have as much game experience,” Cooley said after Providence defeated Rider in the season opener. “Everybody is looking at a number where he was ranked — this and that — give him a damn chance to develop and grow, and I think you’re going to see one of the best players in the history of the school.”
Hopkins was certainly key in helping Providence snap a two-game skid at the Ryan Center, finishing with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists on Saturday.