As Providence slogged its way through their season opener against Central Connecticut State on Saturday night — an eventual 59-55 Friar victory in a game in which they trailed for over 30 minutes of game action — my mind wandered a bit back to the opener of 2022.
The +/- numbers with the centers were honestly shocking. I know it is an imperfect stat…to me, defensively they seemed better on the interior. You could tell CCSU has Oswin’s rim protection on its scout…they were much more hesitant to attempt shots when he was in paint…that went away when he went to the bench. He also elevates so easily after an offensive rebound. Needs to get stronger and have more reps, but can’t teach what he has.
The +/- numbers with the centers were honestly shocking. I know it is an imperfect stat…to me, defensively they seemed better on the interior. You could tell CCSU has Oswin’s rim protection on its scout…they were much more hesitant to attempt shots when he was in paint…that went away when he went to the bench. He also elevates so easily after an offensive rebound. Needs to get stronger and have more reps, but can’t teach what he has.
Hope things get better quickly especially taking care of the ball or it is going to be a long season.
My opinion is they will improve drastically in the next few games particularly when Bryce returns.
Very encouraged by what I have seen so far from Bensley Joseph. Go Friars!
359 Kenpom for Stonehill would suggest that this is essentially a must-win-by-30-or-that-is-unacceptable type game