| Team | 1st Qtr | 2nd Qtr | 3rd Qtr | 4th Qtr | FINAL |
| Providence Friars | 23 | 14 | 28 | 22 | 87 |
| Valencia All-Stars | 16 | 18 | 12 | 20 | 66 |
During the Friars, I’m sorry, I mean Los Friars, first game against the Madrid All-Stars, we got to see a glimpse of what the ideal version of Kim English’s offense would look like. Great three-point shooting (14/31 – 45.2%), ball distribution (23 assists on 37 buckets), and crashing the boards (47-25 rebounding advantage) were all on display. However, it does make you wonder what the team would look like if the three-point shots weren’t dropping. We got to get a little taste of that against the Valencia All-Stars.
Providence was just 7/34 (20.6%) from deep but were still able to put their opponent away by doing damage inside the arc, to the tune of 69.2% shooting on 2-point field goals (27/39). That’s why the depth of this year’s team is so important. They’re going to be able to beat opposing teams in a variety of ways. When the three isn’t falling, Josh Oduro, Will McNair Jr., and Rafael Castro can do damage in the paint. The frontcourt trio were a combined 12/17 on two-point field goals and I caught a line-up out there with the twin towers of Oduro and McNair in the game at the same time. Kim English will be able to pivot with his lineups based on the personnel of this year’s squad. I do see Hopkins getting minutes at the 3 during games this season and Castro is more naturally a 4 than a 5 anyway, so he’ll excel when put in positions that utilize his strengths.
Some quick notes on some other observations from the game.
- Garwey Dual looks so much bigger than I initially expected. His length is going to a be a problem. Also, he got his first start in this one and proceeded to dish out 5 assists to 1 turnover.
- Jayden Pierre’s body looks more mature and he’s visibly added some muscle and definition. Not to be outdone by Dual, he handed out 6 assists to just 1 turnover.
- Both Corey Floyd Jr. and Rafael Castro look like they’ve made the Sophomore leap in a big way.
- I think Ticket Gaines is going to be my favorite player this year. I just have that feeling. Just imagine if Jimmy Nichols Jr. reached his full potential and you have Ticket Gaines…but with cool nicknames. He also scored 17 points in this one.
- With all the new faces, let’s not forget that Bryce Hopkins is that dude. Hopkins led the team in scoring with 18 and despite his leaner body, showed that he can still out-tough guys going to the rim.
- I can’t wait for Devin Carter to get in the mix.
- I did notice the ‘C’ next to Hopkins name too. Much like their Soccer, I guess European basketball clubs also have Captains.
- Pssst…hey Luke, I saw you buddy. And I loved it.
Here are some post-game comments from Kim English and Bryce Hopkins.
And some additional photos to get your Friar fill on a Monday.
Los Friars will take on the Cataluna All-Stars on Wednesday at 6:30 P.M. for their last game of their Spain trip.
The Morning Hangover 
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