PC News: Friars Land Miami Point Guard and College Extends English’s Contract

Saturday, April 06, 2024

GoLocalProv Sports Team

 

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Kim English PHOTO: GoLocal

It's Final Four weekend, and there is a lot of college basketball news coming out of Providence College.

First, the Friars extended Kim English's contract.

PC President Fr. Kenneth Sicard, O.P. and Vice President/Athletics Director Steve Napolillo Friday announced that English has agreed to a contract extension to remain head coach of the men's basketball program for the next six years.

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"I'm very thankful to Father Sicard and Steve Napolillo for extending and deepening our connection to each other and the College," said Men's Basketball Head Coach Kim English. "I'm incredibly committed to our student-athletes and all of Freetown. The support from our fans, the donors, and the community was overwhelming this past season, and that support is one of the many reasons that I believe our program can have success moving forward. I look forward to the exciting times ahead as we work to compete for championships."

Arthur Parks, PC’s senior associate athletic director, declined to disclose the financial side of the deal.

And, it is important to remember that Ed Cooley was working under a "lifetime contract" when he bolted for Georgetown University and tried to recruit both players and recruits to leave with him.
  
In his first season at Providence, English led the Friars to a 21-14 record and a 10-10 in Big East play. English became the first Friar head coach to win 20 games in his first season at PC.  The Friars earned six quad-one victories and advanced to the NIT. Junior Devin Carter became just the second Friar ever to be named Big East Player of the Year, and Josh Oduro was named All-Big East Honorable Mention.

"Coach English has done an outstanding job leading our men's basketball team in his inaugural year," said Father Sicard. "Given the challenges from last season, he has shown an innate ability to inspire his players to persevere with confidence. We appreciate his commitment to our program, and we look forward to him doing so for many years to come."

"I have always felt that Coach English is a perfect fit for Providence College," said Napolillo. "Watching Kim during his first season as the head coach at Providence College, it became even more evident that we have the right coach to guide our program. His ability to lead and teach our student-athletes is special. I am excited that we are able to strengthen our commitment to Kim and his staff with this contract extension and look forward to competing for BIG EAST Championships moving forward."

English, who is entering his second season at Providence, has posted a 55-43 mark in three seasons as a head coach. He has posted 20 or more victories in each of his last two seasons. Prior to coming to Providence in 2023, he spent two seasons as the head coach at George Mason.

 

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Bensley Joseph PHOTO: University of Miami

Miami Transfer

Then, the Friars landed Bensley Joseph, a junior guard who played this season at the University of Miami. He entered the transfer portal last week and was widely recruited.

According to reports, St. John's, Rutgers, and others were pursuing him. It is not known what his NIL deal is to play in Providence.

He is a 6-2 guard from Arlington, MA. He averaged 9.7 ppg and shot 37% from behind the 3-point line.

He gives the Friars a floor leader and, with returning Jayden Pierre and Cory Floyd, a solid backcourt for the 2024-25 season.

This story was first published 4/5/24 4:18 PM

 

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