Kevin McNamara previews the RI men's college basketball season

Like every year, I asked the big guys Kevin McNamara to provide a preview of the season. McNamara, one of the most knowledgeable college basketball journalists in the country, hosts the KevinMc Sports Hour every weekday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on 790-AM The Score and from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on WPRO-AM. You can listen to all of his broadcasts here and read all of his coverage at KevinMcSports.com.

Q: Let's start with the brothers. They had previously gotten off to a hot start Bryce Hopkins suffered a season-ending injury. How good can this team be if he's fully healthy?

McNamara: I like the additions Kim English and his staff capitalized on both the transfer portal and the incoming freshman class during the offseason. Especially some who helped immediately Bensley Joseph (Miami transfer), Jabri Abdur-Rahim (Georgia) and Wesley Cardet Jr. (Chicago State). But the only high-end player at an All-Big East level appears to be healthy Bryce Hopkins.

It's impossible to predict whether Hopkins can be as good or even better after knee surgery, but the Friars believe it's possible. If that's the case, this team will certainly once again be in contention for an NCAA Tournament berth in the highly competitive Big East.

Q: What non-conference games do you mark on your calendar that give us a good idea of ​​what Providence could look like this season?

McNamara: I'll be enjoying Thanksgiving at home with the family, but the brothers could face some top opponents in the nationally televised Battle 4 Atlantis. PC starts with Oklahoma, could play top-10 Arizona, and powers like Gonzaga, Indiana and Louisville are also in the field. A strong BYU team is coming to Amica Mutual Pavilion and someone told me there is a big game in Kingston on December 7th at noon.

Q: Down at URI we're starting year three Archie Miller Epoch. Will he be on the hot seat if the Rams aren't significantly better this season?

McNamara: Now in the third season of a five-year deal, it's time for Miller to progress with the Rams. They believe this will be the case, largely due to the solid additions to the portal. Big man Javonte Brown (West Michigan), guard Jamarques Lawrence (Nebraska) and Providence native Sebastian Thomas (Albany) will all be key players. returnees Jaden House And David Green I have to show the leadership that was missing last season.

Q: Brown was one layup away from an Ivy title last year, and the team is coming back Cinema Lilly Jr. (who could become the school's all-time leading scorer later this season). Can the Bears keep up?

McNamara: Mike Martin isn't exactly having much luck at his alma mater and the loss of senior forward Nana Owusu-Pineapple to a season-ending shoulder injury is a brutal blow. Lilly is a points wonder; If you missed his appearance, you need to head to the East Side for a game. Pay attention Landon Lewis break out at the front.

The Bears still need to find a few answers to get back into the top four and be part of Ivy Madness, which takes place for the first time in March at the Pizzitola Sports Center.

Q: Last question: I know you hate predictions, but what does the ceiling and floor look like for Providence, URI, Bryant and Brown?

McNamara: I would say the Friars can move up to fourth place in the Big East, but could fall to seventh or eighth place based on the strength of the league.

Rhody is picked to finish 11th in the Atlantic 10. This is the floor. I would say if everything works out they could get as high as sixth place.

Brown will fight to finish fourth at the Ivies. It is a March rite, after all.

Bryant is selected to finish third in the America East. I could see a second place team because Vermont owns that league. trainer Phil Martelli Jr., needs Earl Timberlake being the player of the year in the conference, which can happen.

This story first appeared in Rhode Map, our free newsletter about Rhode Island that also includes information about local events, links to interesting stories and more. If you would like to receive it by email Monday to Friday, You can register here.

Dan McGowan can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @danmcgowan.