Providence gets Big East vote of confidence in Hodgson's first year
Providence was picked fifth despite returning just one meaningful contributor and relying heavily on transfers.
Providence anticipates climbing back into the top half of the Big East men's basketball standings during Bryan Hodgson's inaugural season leading the Friars. The team secured the fifth spot in the league's preseason poll, announced at Thursday's media day. Miles Byrd, a San Diego State transfer, was honored with a second-team all-conference nod, the only individual recognition for Providence.
Three distinct squads earned first-place votes, with Connecticut claiming the top spot, followed by St. John's and Marquette. Villanova rounded out the top five. Hodgson was recruited from South Florida, replacing Kim English, who was dismissed after a disappointing 7-13 conference record last year. Hodgson inherited eight potential contributors from Byrd's transfer class, including the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year, Miles Byrd.
The Friars will face Pittsburgh and Georgia Tech in exhibition games prior to their regular season opener against Maine on November 2.
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