Transfer Portal season has only just begun and we already have two Providence Friars who have entered their respective names into the Portal so far. Justyn Fernandez was the first player to dip his toes into the portal.
If I was going to rank the players on the roster who I definitively want to stay with the team, Justyn Fernandez would have been in my Top 5. The top 5 would have broken down to Oswin, Mela, Hopkins, Floyd, & Fernandez.
Fernandez, a highly touted 4-star recruit, originally committed to Kim English at George Mason before transferring to Providence alongside Josh Oduro, Ticket Gaines, and Rich Barron following his freshman season with the Patriots. Unfortunately, his time with the Friars got off to a tough start, as he suffered a torn ACL before his first season even began, forcing him to sit out the year with a medical redshirt. Despite making a determined comeback from the injury this season, he struggled to secure a consistent role in the rotation, even amidst numerous injuries across the roster.
When given extended minutes, Fernandez made the most of his opportunities. After playing just 68 total minutes across 10 games, he was thrust into the starting lineup at Villanova, where he delivered an impressive performance—scoring 17 points on 6-of-13 shooting, including 5-of-10 from three, while adding 5 rebounds and 4 assists in 27 minutes.
Despite proving his ability to contribute in multiple ways, he was relegated back to the bench for the next five games, logging fewer than 10 minutes in three of them. However, as injuries continued to plague the roster, Fernandez earned another opportunity, starting the next three games (Xavier, Villanova, and Georgetown). Once again, he showed great promise, posting double-digit scoring efforts against Xavier and Georgetown.
Just take a look at his numbers over these four games as a starter, when he finally got meaningful playing time:
24.3 mpg, 16/34 FG, 12/24 3-Pt FG (50%), 2/2 FT (100%), 11.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.3 apg
Despite performing well when given the chance, Fernandez saw just 33 total minutes over the final five games of the season. As the year progressed, his athleticism noticeably returned, and he showcased his ability to defend at a high level. Given his impact when on the floor, his limited playing time down the stretch was puzzling. It’s no surprise, then, that he’s exploring the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining, seeking a more defined role after proving he can contribute.
Bryce Hopkins has also entered his name into the Transfer Portal albeit with a “Do Not Contact” stipulation.
What does that mean exactly? Well, he pretty much has a decision already in place with where he’ll be going next season, he just can’t officially announce where yet, and thus doesn’t want other teams trying to get involved. Hopkins’ tenure with the Friars had some extreme highs and lows but hopefully for him, a change of scenery will serve him well for wherever he ends up next season (as long as it’s not Georgetown). I could see him replacing Kadary Richmond at St. John’s pretty seamlessly if I’m being honest.
The Morning Hangover 
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