Men’s Basketball Game Notes Vs. Miami
Friars Versus Miami: The Friars have posted a 16-15 record all-time versus Miami, including a 2-1 mark at neutral site arenas. In the first meeting all-time, the Friars were defeated by the Hurricanes, 82-75, in Providence on December 8, 1962. In the most recent matchup, Providence defeated Miami, 76-62, on December 22, 2014 in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Friar Tid Bits:
*The Friars are making their third appearance in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off (2014, champs; and 2019, 2nd place).
*The Friars have posted a 3-2 mark all-time at Mohegan Sun Arena.
*The Friars have posted a 104-71 (.594) mark all-time in in-season tournaments.
*Ed iCooley s 1-0 all-time versus Miami – 76-62 win in Brooklyn on Dec. 22, 2014.
*Miami Head Coach Jim Larranaga ’71 averaged 16.3 ppg and 6.0 rpg over his three-year career at PC.
*PC is 69-28 (.711) under Ed Cooley in games decided by FIVE points or less since the 2013-14 season.
*The Friars were picked fifth of 11 teams in the Preseason BIG EAST Coaches Poll.
*Jared Bynum was selected Preseason First Team All-BIG EAST by the league’s coaches.
*The Friars have eight newcomers to the roster this season.
*The Friars have three graduate students on the roster – Jared Bynum, Noah Locke and Clifton Moore.
*The Friars have 14 players on the roster and seven of those players came via a transfer.
*The Friars are 702-307 all-time versus New England opponents.
*With the win over Stonehill, PC improved to 82-5 all-time under Ed Cooley in non-conf. games at the AMP.
*The Friars won the BIG EAST regular season title for the FIRST time ever in 2022.
*The Friars made their 21st NCAA Tournament appearance and first since 2018 last season.
*The Friars advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2022 for the first time since 1997 (25 years).
*The Friars played in their SIXTH Sweet 16 all-time in 2022.
*Ed Cooley has led the Friars to SIX NCAA Tourneys in 11 years, which is more than any other coach at PC.
*The Friars won 14 games in BIG EAST play for the FIRST time ever in 2022.
*On April 3, Ed Cooley was named Naismith Coach of the Year – FIRST Friar coach to earn the honor.
*Ed Cooley was named BIG EAST Coach of the Year in 2022 and became the FIRST Friar coach to earn the honor.
*The Friars finished 11-3 in games decided by five points or less in 2021-22.
*The Friars were 3-0 in overtime games in 2021-22.
*In 2021-22, the Friars earned 27 wins in a season for the first time since 1973-74.
*The Friars won 20 or more games in a season for the 28th time in 2022
*The Friars finished the season with a 16-1 mark at home in 2021-22, which is the best mark since 1973-74 (16-0).
*Jared Bynum was the 1st BIG EAST player in 25 years with 3 games of 25+ points off the bench in the same season.
*Jared Bynum earned the BIG EAST Sixth Man Award in 2021-22.
*On Jan. 23, 2022 in PC’s win over Butler, Ed Cooley surpassed Dave Gavitt as he posted his 210th win.
*Ed Cooley (224-141) trails Joe Mullaney (319-164) for all-time wins as a head coach at Providence.
Friars’ Third Appearance In Hall of Fame Tip-Off: The Friars are making their third appearance all-time in the Hall of Fame Tip Off. On November 23, 2014, the Friars defeated Notre Dame (75-74) to capture the tournament title. On November 18, 2019, Providence was defeated by Michigan (66-47) in the championship game. The Friars have posted a 3-1 mark all time in the Hall of Fame Tip Off.
Friars Defeat Stonehill: The Providence College men’s basketball team defeated Stonehill College, 100-76, on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, R.I. It marked the first meeting between the Friars and the Skyhawks in 43 years. With the win, the Friars improved to 3-0 this season. RS senior Ed Croswell (Philadelphia, Pa.), sophomore Bryce Hopkins (Oak Park, Ill.) and graduate student Clifton Moore (Ambler, Pa.) each recorded a game-high 16 points for the Friars. Croswell hauled in seven offensive rebounds. Six Friars finished in double figures in the game for the first time since Feb. 23, 2022.
Fielder And Santoro Each Sign A NLI: Providence College men’s basketball Head Coach Ed Cooley announced on Nov. 16 that student-athletes Drew Fielder (Meridian, Idaho) and Donovan Santoro (Austin, Texas) each have signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Providence College beginning in September of 2023. Both players attend Southern California Academy in Castaic, Calif., where they play for head coaches Julius Von Hanzlik and Chris Chaney. Fielder, a 6-foot-10-inch, 215-pound center is rated as a four-star recruit. He transferred to Southern California Academy after beginning his high school career in Idaho. Over the summer, Fielder had a strong showing at the Under Armour Association showcase in July. He averaged 10.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.2 steals in six games at the UAA. He also shot 47.6 percent from the field, 38.5 percent from three and 71.4 percent from the free-throw line. Fielder is rated as the No. 23 center in the nation in the class of 2023, according to 247Sports.com. Santoro, a 6-foot-8-inch, 185-pound forward transferred to Southern California Academy after playing at Westlake High School in Austin, Texas. Last season, he helped Westlake post a 38-2 mark and advance to the Texas High School Semifinals. His squad recorded a 14-0 record in its district. For his efforts, Santoro earned second team All-District honors.
Bynum Named Preseason All-BIG EAST First Team: It was announced on October 18 that Providence College graduate guard Jared Bynum (Largo, Md.) was named to the 2022-23 Preseason All-BIG EAST First Team. Bynum, who earned 2022 All-BIG EAST Second Team accolades, was named recipient of the BIG EAST Sixth Man Award and received USBWA All-District 1 accolades, had a break out season for the Friars in 2021-22. He led the team in scoring in BIG EAST games, averaging 15.6 ppg in 17 games. His 15.6 points per game ranked fifth in the league. He shot a team-best 46.5 percent (33-71) from behind the three-point arc in league play. Bynum also ranked third in the league in assists per game (4.9) in BIG EAST action. In overall action, he averaged 12.2 ppg and 4.0 assists per game. He was named BIG EAST Player of the Week twice. He scored a career-high 32 points in the Friars’ win at Georgetown on February 6. He was 7-8 from three-point territory and 11-15 from the field. He came off the bench in 14 of the team’s 17 league games and became the first BIG EAST player in 25 years with three games of 25 or more points off the bench in the same season. In addition to the 32 points at Georgetown, he also had 25 points versus DePaul on February 12 and 27 points versus Xavier on February 23.
Ed Cooley Inducted Into The RIIL Hall Of Fame: On October 26, 2022, Ed Cooley was inducted into the Rhode Island Interscholastic League High School Athletic Hall of Fame. The Rhode Island League High School Athletic Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving the tradition of high school athletics in Rhode Island and seeks to highlight the past in order to insure a promising future for Rhode Island high school athletics. Inductees exemplify the highest standard of sportsmanship, ethical and moral character and were considered on the merits of their contributions and achievements to high school athletics. Cooley, who grew up in Providence, attended Central High School in the City. He played basketball at Central High School and he was a two-time Rhode Island High School Player of the Year honoree.
Friars Sign Two Through Team IMPACT: Providence College men’s basketball Head Coach Ed Cooley announced two new team members, signing 13-year-old twin brothers Brody and Brennan Smith through Team IMPACT. Brody and Brennan, who were both diagnosed with a genetic disorder, were officially introduced at a signing day press conference on Saturday, October 22 at the Ruane Friar Development Center. They will participate in many activities with the team including games, practices, and other team events. Team IMPACT, a national non-profit organization, has developed a unique multi-year program that matches children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience.
Friars Have Eight Newcomers Join The Roster: After the Friars posted a 27-6 mark, captured the BIG EAST Regular Season title and advanced to the Sweet 16 in 2022, the team had all five starters graduate. The team returns three players, graduate student Jared Bynum (Largo, Md.), senior Ed Croswell (Philadelphia, Pa.) and junior Alyn Breed (Powder Springs, Ga.), who saw action last season. The squad welcomes eight new players to the lineup – freshman Jayden Pierre (Elizabeth, N.J.), freshman Quante Berry (Cleveland, Tenn.), graduate Noah Locke (Baltimore, Md.), freshman Scott Morozov (Toronto, Ontario), redshirt freshman Corey Floyd, Jr. (Franklin, N.J.), graduate Clifton Moore (Ambler, Pa.), sophomore Devin Carter (Miami, Fla.) and sophomore Bryce Hopkins (Oak Park, Ill.).
How The Friars Got To The NCAA Tournament In 2022: The Friars earned an at-large bid as a four seed to their 21st NCAA Tournament overall and sixth in 11 years under Head Coach Ed Cooley. Providence posted a 27-6 mark and a 14-3 record in BIG EAST play. The Friars won the BIG EAST Regular-Season Title for the first time in the 43-year history of the league. Providence entered the NCAA Tournament with a NET Ranking of 32. The Friars defeated South Dakota State (66-57) in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament on March 17 and Richmond (79-51) in the Second Round to advance to the Sweet 16. The Friars held Richmond to 51 points. It marked the fewest points allowed by the Friars in the NCAA Tournament all-time. The Friars made their first appearance in the Sweet 16 since 1997 and their sixth appearance overall. The team was defeated by No. 3/3 Kansas (1 seed), 66-61, on March 25 in the Midwest Regional.
Friars All-Time In The NCAA Tourney: The Friars made their 21st appearance all-time in the NCAA Tournament in 2022. It was the Friars’ sixth trip to the NCAA Tournament under Head Coach Ed Cooley (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022). The Friars have posted a 17-22 mark all-time in NCAA Tournament play. The team has made two trips to the Final Four (1973 and 1987), four appearances in the Elite Eight (1965, 1973, 1987 and 1997) and six trips to the Sweet Sixteen (1965, 1973, 1974, 1987, 1997 and 2022).
Friars Earn Highest Seed All-Time In The NCAA Tournament: Providence’s No. 4 seed was the highest in program history since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985. The Friars’ highest seed prior to the 2022 tournament was a No. 5 seed in 2004.
Head Coach Ed Cooley Breaks Dave Gavitt’s Mark Of Five Friar NCAA Tournament Apperances: The Friars made their sixth appearance in the NCAA Tournament under Head Coach Ed Cooley in 2022. With the 2022 appearance, Cooley eclipsed former Friar Head Coach Dave Gavitt’s mark of five tournament appearances – which was the most for any Friar head coach all-time. Other former Friar head coaches who reached the NCAA Tournament are Joe Mullaney (three NCAA appearances), Rick Pitino (one NCAA appearance), Rick Barnes (three NCAA appearances), Pete Gillen (one NCAA appearance), and Tim Welsh (two NCAA appearances).
Ed Cooley Captures 2022 Naismith Coach Of The Year Award: It was announced on April 3 that Providence’s Ed Cooley was named the recipient of the Werner Ladder Naismith Coach Of The Year Award. Cooley is the first Friar coach to earn the prestigious honor. He also is the first Friar coach to earn national coach of the year accolades since Rick Pitino earned NABC Coach of the Year in 1987.
Watson And Bynum Named 2022 All-BIG EAST Second Team: It was announced on March 6 that center Nate Watson (Portsmouth, Va.) and guard Jared Bynum (Largo, Md.) each earned 2022 All-BIG EAST Second Team honors. It marked the second consecutive year that the Friars had two players earn all-league honors as Watson and David Duke received Second Team accolades in 2021.
Bynum Earns 2022 BIG EAST Sixth Man Award: It was announced on March 7 that Providence guard Jared Bynum (Largo, Md.) earned the 2022 BIG EAST Sixth Man Award. Bynum became the first Friar to earn the honor.
Cooley Named 2022 BIG EAST Coach Of The Year: It was announced on March 9 at Madison Square Garden in New York that Providence’s Ed Cooley was named BIG EAST Coach Of The Year. Cooley, who became the first Friar coach in the 43-year history of the league to earn the honor, guided the Friars to a 27-6 mark. In BIG EAST league play, the Friars set a team record for wins after registering a 14-3 mark and capturing the program’s first BIG EAST Regular Season title. The Friars, who finished in first place, were picked to finish seventh in the annual BIG EAST Preseason Coaches’ Poll which was released in October.
Ed Cooley Gets The Key To The City: Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza joined Former Rhode Island State Senator Harold Metts, Providence Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez and Providence Public School District students to present a Key to the City to Providence College Men’s Basketball Coach Ed Cooley on May 17. Cooley led Providence College to the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament as a No. 4 seed. The Friars reached the Sweet 16 before losing to eventual national champion Kansas. Cooley was named Werner Ladder Naismith Coach of the Year and BIG EAST Coach of the Year. He is the first Friar coach to win either award. His Friars also won the BIG EAST Regular Season title – the first time ever for a Providence men’s basketball team. Cooley, who grew up in Providence, attended Central High School in the City. He played basketball at Central High School and he was a two-time Rhode Island High School Player of the Year honoree.
Friars In Overtime: The Friars recorded a 3-0 record in overtime games in 2022. On February 23, the Friars defeated Xavier, 99-92, in triple overtime. They have registered a 71-67 mark all-time in overtime games.
Friars Finished Season Ranked No. 13/13 In The Nation: The Providence College men’s basketball team was ranked No. 13 in the FINAL Associated Press Poll (March 14) and No. 13 in the FINAL Coaches Poll (April 5). The Friars, who entered the polls on December 20 at No. 22/23, were ranked for 13-consecutive weeks heading into the First Round of the NCAA Tournament. The Friars final ranking of No. 13 is the highest the team has been ranked at the conclusion of the season since the 1986-87 squad was ranked No. 6 at the end of the season.
After Nine Years, Friars Have Fourth Best Record In BIG EAST Action: Since the formation of the new BIG EAST, the Friars have posted the fourth best mark in league play over the last nine years. The Friars’ 93-69 mark (.574) trails only Villanova’s 130-31 record (.808), UConn’s 24-12 record (.667) and Creighton’s 95-70 record (.576).
Providence College Basketball: The 2022-23 campaign marks the 96th season of basketball at Providence College. Since the program started in 1926-27, Providence has posted a 1,525-1,015 mark, good for a .600 winning percentage. The Friars have made the NCAA Tournament 21 times and the National Invitation Tournament on 20 occasions.
Friars Earn 20 Wins For The First Time Since 2018: With the Friars’ 71-52 win at Georgetown on February 6, the team posted its 20th victory of the season. It marked the first time the team earned 20 wins in a season since 2017-18 and the sixth time under Ed Cooley (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022). It also marked, the 28th time the Friars won 20 or more games in a season. In 2022, the Friars registered 27 victories, which is the most wins by the Friars under Ed Cooley and tied for second most all-time for the program.
Steve Napolillo Named Athletic Director: It was announced on January 26, 2022 that Steve Napolillo would be the 11th athletic director in the history of Providence College. On July 1, Napolillo replaced Bob Driscoll, who announced his retirement on January 21. Napolillo, who was the senior associate athletic director/assistant vice president for external relations, has worked at the College since 2004.
Ed Cooley Ranks Second On The PC All-Time Win List: With the Friars’ win versus Butler on January 23, 2022, Ed Cooley recorded his 210th victory as the Friar Head Coach and moved into second place on the all-time win list for PC Head Coaches. The the top three all-time winningest Friar head coaches are: Joe Mullaney (319-164), Ed Cooley (224-141, 11 seasons) and Dave Gavitt (209-84).
Friars All-Time Versus Top-25 Teams: The Friars have posted a 127-274 (.317) mark all-time versus top-25 teams, including a 4-3 mark last season.
Friars At The Amica Mutual Pavilion: All-time, the Friars have recorded a 606-236 (.720) mark in 50 seasons of games at the Amica Mutual Pavilion. The AMP, formerly the Providence Civic Center and the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, opened on November 3, 1972. The Friars had played their home games there for 48 consecutive seasons, prior to the 2020-21 season when the team played on campus at Alumni Hall with no fans in attendance due to the pandemic. PC posted a 16-1 mark at the AMP in 2021-22, the team’s best record at home since 1973-74.
Friars Are 82-5 In Non-Conference Home Games Under Ed Cooley: The Friars have posted an 82-5 mark (.943) in 12 seasons under Ed Cooley in non-conference home games.
