Providence College’s men’s basketball team is dealing with a major loss as standout forward Bryce Hopkins has decided to transfer to Big East rival St. John’s University. Hopkins, who initially played for Kentucky before transferring to Providence, has now committed to St. John’s for his final collegiate season, making a significant move within the conference.
During his time with the Friars, Hopkins established himself as a crucial player. Over 50 starts, he averaged 15.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. His impressive performance earned him a spot on the All-Big East First Team during the 2022-23 season, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top talents in the conference.
However, Hopkins’ career has been plagued by injuries, particularly a knee issue that severely limited his playing time. Over the past two seasons, he was only able to participate in 17 games. Despite these setbacks, he remained determined and worked hard to regain his form, showing resilience throughout his time with the Friars.
St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino has expressed excitement about Hopkins joining the Red Storm, emphasizing his energy, skill, and dedication to the game. Hopkins becomes the second major transfer to St. John’s this offseason, following the addition of Arizona State guard Joson Sanon. Pitino is focused on strengthening the team’s roster, and Hopkins’ arrival is expected to make a significant impact.
For Providence, losing Hopkins to a conference rival is a considerable blow. His contributions on both ends of the court were vital to the Friars’ success, and replacing him will be a tough challenge. The coaching staff will need to adapt their strategy and make adjustments to the roster in preparation for the upcoming season.
The Friars now face a period of transition as they look to fill the void left by Hopkins’ departure. With his move to St. John’s, Providence will have to rely on emerging talent and new recruits to maintain competitiveness in the highly challenging Big East Conference. Meanwhile, Hopkins will aim to make the most of his final collegiate season, hoping to showcase his skills and prepare for potential professional opportunities beyond college basketball.
