The former Fenwick (Oak Park, Ill.) Friar spent one season at Kentucky, but this offseason, decided to take his talents up to Providence to join Ed Cooley’s squad. The 6-foot-7 versatile forward never quite got comfortable at Kentucky, but has the talent and the body to break through in the Big East this season.
With the Wildcats, he only played 15+ minutes four times. He posted his best numbers of the year in a breakout game against LSU later on in the season. Vs. LSU: 16 minutes, 5/6 FG, 3/6 FT, 13 pts.
The face-up forward has been expanding his game out to the perimeter, and has generated hype around the Providence fanbase as a potential point-forward star. The former four-star prospect’s athleticism has improved since high school, and his power in the post, specifically the high post, is still a big strength of his. Hopkins will be a big-time rebounder alongside bigs Ed Croswell and Clifton Moore inside.
Last year’s Big East regular season champions, the Friars finished the year with a stunning 27-6 record and a Sweet 16 appearance (eliminated on a five-point loss to National Champion Kansas). This year’s team brings back 5-foot-10 high-scoring guard Jared Bynum as well as more highly-touted transfers in the back court.
Kentucky transfer Bryce Hopkins is going to put up substantial numbers for Providence. Think a right handed version of LaDontae Henton at 6-7. Takes and makes 3s with ease. Terrific face-up player.
