The Providence Friars not only suffered a tough 61-57 loss to the Seton Hall Pirates on Wednesday evening, but they were informed the following morning that star wing Bryce Hopkins suffered a torn ACL and will miss the rest of the 2023-24 college basketball season.
Hopkins exited the game in the second half, getting helped off the floor and heading straight to the locker room where he did not return. The worst was confirmed by the program on Thursday morning.
“We all feel for Bryce and his family in this difficult time,” Providence coach Kim English said, per a press release from the team. “We will be with him throughout this process to help him come back stronger than ever. We ask that all of Friartown keeps Bryce and his family in your thoughts and prayers.”
The Friars are 11-3 on the year and had started receiving Top 25 buzz before Wednesday’s loss, and the junior wing was a big reason why. Under English, in his first year at Providence taking over for Ed Cooley, Hopkins averaged 15.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.0 steals in 14 games while shooting a career-high 53.3% on two-pointers.
Providence will now have to try to survive in the incredibly deep Big East without their second-leading scorer, putting more pressure on guard Devin Carter (16.2 points) and big man Josh Oduro (14.7 points) to help lead the charge.
Additionally, top freshman Garwey Dual – considered a sleeper in the 2024 NBA draft – will need to step up as well, as the 6’5 guard is only averaging 3.5 points in 21 minutes per game.
Providence heads on the road to face the Creighton Blue Jays on Saturday, January 6. The tip-off is at 3:00 PM ET.