PC Gets an Answer to One Question, But Is Bryce Hopkins Headed to the Portal?
The Biz of Sports
PC Gets an Answer to One Question, But Is Bryce Hopkins Headed to the Portal?
On Sunday, Friars Coach Kim English announced that Hopkins, a pre-season All-Big East first-team selection, will be redshirted this season. It was first reported by WPRI.
Hopkins tore his ACL last season, returned this season for just three games, and then reportedly injured his knee again. Hopkins in previous years was seen on NBA draft boards; that is no longer.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTWhile English’s announcement answers some questions, it also sparks new ones.
Kevin Stacom, GoLocal’s Sports Analyst, says, “Now there is no more ambiguity for the team. They know who will be playing and won’t be waiting for his return anymore.”
“The Friars played well Saturday [a 78-68 win over Georgetown], and everyone played their roles. [Jabri] Abdur-Rahim made big contributions. Justyn Fernandez - he is very efficient. Very talented coming off the bench. It was like a wolf pack defensively. Oswin [Erhunmwunse] is finishing better and improving in every game,” said Stacom.
But, Stacom said there are new factors that may influence whether Hopkins will ever wear a PC uniform again. The collective that is associated with the Providence College basketball program has honored payments this season to the injured Hopkins.
What is not known is the timing of the schedule of those payments made by the collective.
Another factor, said Stacom, is that this is a high-stakes business now, and Hopkins' family is “very involved” in the decision-making. Hopkins may have just one more season for a significant payday in his basketball career, and is likely to be paid $750,000 to $900,000 for this season, according to those close to the program.
In the past two seasons combined, Hopkins has played in just 17 games.
The Transfer Portal
Now, in just under two months, the transfer portal will open.
The NCAA basketball transfer portal for the 2024–2025 academic year will open on Monday, March 24, 2025, and close on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. The portal opens after the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Of note:
- The portal is open for 30 days.
- Athletes can enter the portal while still playing and before their season ends.
- Athletes who enter the portal give up their scholarship and roster spot.
Hopkins’ Stats By Season
2021-2022 Season (Kentucky)
Games played: 28
Games started: 0
Minutes per game: 6.5
Points per game: 2.1
Rebounds per game: 1.4
Field goal percentage: 42.9%
Three-point percentage: 31.3%
Free throw percentage: 53.8%
2022-2023 Season (Providence)
Games played: 33
Games started: 33
Minutes per game: 34.9
Points per game: 15.8
Rebounds per game: 8.5
Assists per game: 2.3
Field goal percentage: 45.2%
Three-point percentage: 36.4%
Free throw percentage: 75.9%
2023-2024 Season (Providence)
Games played: 14
Games started: 14
Minutes per game: 33.4
Points per game: 15.5
Rebounds per game: 8.6
Assists per game: 1.4
Field goal percentage: 42.9%
Three-point percentage: 18.9%
Free throw percentage: 65.5%
2024-2025 Season (Providence) - Current Season
Games played: 3
Games started: 3
Minutes per game: 30.3
Points per game: 17.0
Rebounds per game: 7.7
Assists per game: 3.0