EDITORIAL: Thank You PC Friars — You Were Just What We Needed

EDITORIAL: Thank You PC Friars — You Were Just What We Needed

The Providence College men’s basketball run for a national championship is over. It seemed as though almost everyone in Rhode Island was hoping that this team was going to take the state on a ride right to the Final Four and a National Championship.

A painful first half and a talented bunch of Jayhawks ended that dream Friday night. 

But, oh what a ride it was.

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The Friars team featured no “superstar.” No NBA lottery pick. It was a team that featured five seniors and grad students and a junior off the bench.

This collection of Friars was coached up all season by Providence’s own Ed Cooley. The Central High School grad is a true Rhode Island success story.

The team finished 27-6 — a record number of wins. It was a season of comebacks, late-minute heroics, and gritty wins.

But, most importantly, these Friars, young men named Nate, Al, Jared, and the rest of the team gave an entire state a wonderful reprieve from a pandemic and economic uncertainty.

This coach and this team served as an inspiration.

At a time when college sports can feel too “big time,” dominated by money, and one-and-done players, this team was authentic. Add in that Nate Watson and A.J. Reeves seemed to grow up before our eyes and have enjoyably been with us for years.

Rhode Island owes these student-athletes a big thank you for a wonderful run to the Sweet Sixteen — a ride that entertained us, healed us, and united us.

Thank you.