Providence star Bryce Hopkins has been ruled out for the rest of the college basketball season.
The Providence Friars will be missing one of the Big East’s greatest players for the rest of the 2023-24 season.
The school announced Thursday morning that junior forward Bryce Hopkins, who was named First Team All-Big East last year, will miss the rest of the season due to a torn ACL in his left knee. Hopkins suffered the injury early in the second half of Wednesday night’s game against Seton Hall, when his leg looked to give out while attempting to lead a fast break. Hopkins remained prostrate on the floor for several minutes before being assisted off, with almost no weight on his left leg.
“We all feel for Bryce and his family during this difficult time,” head coach Kim English stated in a press release. “We will be there for him throughout the process to help him come back stronger than before. We urge that everyone in Friartown keep Bryce and his family in their thoughts and prayers.
The loss of Hopkins is a crushing blow for Providence, which had been in the AP Top 25 for the past two weeks and had emerged as a potential dark horse contender for the Big East title in English’s first season as head coach. Hopkins, who came in from Kentucky after the 2021-22 season, is one of the Big East’s most productive players, averaging more than 15 points and eight rebounds per game for the second straight year.
While fellow transfer Devin Carter has emerged as an All-American contender, the Friars are a different squad with Hopkins on the court. According to Hoop Explorer, Providence is roughly 18 points better per 100 possessions against top-100 opponents this season with Hopkins than without him.
Providence appeared stunned as Hopkins departed the game on Wednesday, eventually losing to Seton Hall 61-57. It was only the Friars’ fourth loss in their last 50 home games. The setback also comes as Providence prepares for a challenging stretch of games, with four of their next five on the road.
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