A few noteworthy stats in a transition year in Providence:
- Providence led the nation in offensive rebounds per game (17.3) grabbing nearly two more than number two West Virginia. The offensive rebounding numbers were impressive and when Keno Davis took over he said he wanted this team to attack the offensive glass this year, but did they do it at the expense of getting back on defense too often this year?
- PC was 9th in the country in rebounding. The style of play led to more rebounding opportunities, but still impressive for a team playing a 6'5 power forward and with only one center logging a majority of the minutes in the Big East.
- They tied for 229th in the country in 3 point field goal percentage nationally. I've banged the shooter drum all season and still have worries about this number improving with the loss of Sharaud Curry, the best shooter on the team. This is why it might not be a bad idea to take a flyer on a Bo Barnes type shooter. If Joseph Young isn't the immediate shooter he is billed to be, and Duke Mondy doesn't improve his percentage, then where are the pure shooters on this team? Marshon Brooks is more of a scorer and Greedy Peterson is a good standstill 3 point shooter, but struggles off of the dribble and in the corners. For a team that shoots as many 3s as Providence, 229th nationally needs to improve and with Curry gone there is a void to fill there. Shooters can be the great equalizer.
- Providence landed 4th in the country in points per game, but 179th in field goal percentage. Will be interesting to see just how good this team can be offensively once the percentages get a bump. 4th in the country in points per game without a low post threat and few knock down shooters gives PC fans reason to believe this team can be very explosive once the talent is upgraded.
- They were 2nd in the country in shots attempted per game.
- PC was 234th in free throw percentage. Further illustrating the lack of shooters, PC shot such a poor percentage with the school's all time leading free throw shooter on the roster.
- Suprisingly, the undersized Friars were 70th nationally in blocks per game.
- 82.2 points per game against and 47.1% defensive field goal percentage. The most shocking aspect of the season was the team's inability to defend and will be the most scrutinized area from the opening tip next year. Do the returning players commit to defense next year? Do Young and Gerard Coleman provide an upgrade over Curry and Brian McKenzie? How does additional froncourt depth help?
- Providence shot 43% from the field in Big East play and allowed conference foes to connect on 50% of their shots.
- PC was 2nd in the BE in steals and 6th in blocks.
Player stats:
- Only Curry (41%), Peterson (37), and McKenzie (38) shot over 30% from 3 in Big East play. Brooks went 29.6, Mondy 26, Council 25, Kyle Wright 15, Johnnie Lacy 17.
- In a somewhat unheralded note, Greedy was the first Providence player to average a double double for the season since Michael Smith dominated the glass in the early-mid 90s. From 4.7 ppg and 2.9 rpg to 19.6 and 10.2. He was 4th in the Big East in points per game and 2nd in rebounds - one of only two conference players to average double figure rebounds. Incredible stuff that would get a lot more credit had the team not ended the season on a losing streak. The next step for Peterson is becoming more of a presence on defense and making better decisions with the ball.
- Imagine what Greedy could have done had he not shot 47% from the free throw line. What is his stat line next year if he shoots 70%? 23 and 10?
- The only returning regular to shoot over 70% from the line is Marshon Brooks.
- Who replaces Curry's 17 ppg in BE play next year?
- Bilal Dixon led all BE freshman in rebounding and finished 11th in the conference in field goal percentage. He was 4th in the conference in blocks per game.
- Vincent Council is the only BE freshman in the top 15 in assists, finishing 6th.
- Not a single Friar finished top 15 in 3 point percentage.
