2014 Providence Friars = 2011 Uconn Huskies?

[kryza]

Both these teams are incredibly similar. Both have a great coach, a high scoring PG, a lackluster regular season, and a BE championship. Am I that crazy to believe that the friars have a chance at a NC?

[🏀]

They don't have a Kemba Walker, so no chance.

[drewm88]

Yes. Connecticut was a 3 seed, Providence is an 11 seed. Equating them is as crazy as implying Ed Cooley is as good as Jim Calhoun.

That being said, I wouldn't be shocked to see Providence beat UNC.

[chapman]

UConn was 9-9 in the greatest single season for a conference ever, a 16 team, 11 bid league.  Providence was 10-8 in an ok four bid league.  UConn also didn't lose to a non-BE team the entire season.  I really like this team, but I don't think they're going anywhere.

[bilsu]

Providence will not get by North Carolina. Providence's weakness is not having any depth, so they have to worry about foul trouble. North Carolina has a lot of depth and plays a fast pace, which will get Providence in foul trouble. However, the one advantage Providence has is that they are a great free throw shooting team and North Carolina is a poor free throw shooting team. However, as soon as Batts fouls out Providence is done against North Carolina.

[LloydMooresLegs]

Like UConn, Providence's Academic Progress Rate score now is below NCAA standards, according to a blurb in the WSJ today.  That is too bad.  Academics is one area where you don't want to follow UConn.