A New Chapter for the Friars
The 2025‑26 campaign closed with the Providence Friars posting a 15‑18 record, a mark that placed them joint seventh in the Big East and secured the ninth seed for the conference tournament. Their season ended early, falling to St. John’s in the quarterfinals after a first‑round victory over Butler.
Veteran head coach Kim English, who compiled a 48‑52 record over three years, was relieved of his duties shortly after the final buzzer. His departure marks the end of a tenure that produced modest growth but failed to translate into consistent winning.
Hodgson’s Arrival and Past Success
Enter Bryan Hodgson, the newly appointed head coach, who arrives from Arkansas State and South Florida, where he guided teams to NCAA tournament appearances and posted winning records. Hodgson’s reputation rests on an up‑tempo style that emphasizes speed and ball movement, a philosophy he hopes to imprint on the Friars quickly.
His previous stops produced a 45‑28 record at Arkansas State and a 25‑9 season at South Florida that culminated in an NCAA tournament berth, underscoring his ability to turn programs around.
Roster Revamp and Key Additions
The roster overhaul is striking. Eight players have joined the program via transfer, among them Arrinten Page, a former standout at USC and Cincinnati, and Malik Mack, previously of Georgetown. Ryan Mela stands as the only scholarship player returning from the previous season, having averaged 9.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and two assists per game.
Adding to the mix are three freshmen and a redshirt freshman who brings G‑League experience and a stint in Italy, suggesting a blend of youthful energy and seasoned polish. This diverse group creates a foundation on which Hodgson can experiment with his system.
Looking Ahead to 2026‑27
While the potential for immediate improvement exists, the team’s outlook for the 2026‑27 season remains uncertain. The departure of English and the influx of new talent mean chemistry will be tested, and the success of Hodgson’s high‑tempo approach will depend on how quickly the newcomers adapt.
Rankings from the NET, KenPom and BartTorvik placed the Friars between #67 and #78 last season, reflecting a program on the cusp of competitiveness but still searching for identity.