Eye On College Basketball: Kim English says Providence will have the DEEPEST team in the Big East

Date: October 26, 2025
Guest: Kim English (Head Coach, Providence Friars)
Hosts: Gary Parrish & Matt Norlander

Episode Overview

In this episode, Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander welcome Providence Friars’ head coach, Kim English, for a candid and insightful conversation ahead of the 2025–26 college basketball season. The discussion covers Providence's preseason ranking, how Kim has rebuilt his roster through the transfer portal, reflections on last season’s struggles, the impact of injuries and depth, and philosophical takes on program-building and the evolving financial landscape of the Big East. English confidently predicts that his Friars will be the deepest team in the league and gives listeners a peek into the team's culture and expectations for the year.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Providence’s Preseason Ranking & Early-Season Preparation

• [01:37] The Big East preseason poll just released with Providence picked 4th.
• Kim English reacts with humility, noting the competitiveness throughout the Big East:

  “Our league is pretty even…just excited to get going.” – Kim English [02:02]

• With Harvard and Holy Cross upcoming, Providence is aiming to set the tone early.

2. Takeaways from Preseason Exhibition vs. Pittsburgh

• [02:17] Coaches use exhibitions to test principles, not necessarily scout specifics.
• Kim English:

  “Those games are good…You purposely go in blind. You really want to see how your principles hold out and it’s good to get it on film, to watch it, and get back to work.” – Kim English [02:33]

3. Depth & Roster Construction Philosophy

• [03:13] English highlights the depth of his 2025–26 team as a major strength:

  “Our depth is real this year…10, 11 really good players…very competitive, very tough group of guys.” – Kim English [03:37]

• Providence plans to play a faster style to unlock the advantages of depth.

4. Strategic Portal & Recruiting Moves

• [04:15] English’s approach to the transfer portal:
  • Sought proven college players—Jason Edwards, Jalen Sellers, Duncan Powell, Daquan Davis, Cole Hargrove, Stefan Vox—with known track records.
  • Prioritized familiarity and certainty, even discovering talent through unusual scouting (e.g., watching film on other prospects).

  “It was guys we felt like we knew...Excited about our group.” – Kim English [04:31]

5. How and When is “10-deep” Real?

• [05:31] The test for depth is in how the season unfolds and, critically, maintaining health:

  “I couldn’t fathom not playing any of them…Number 11, whoever number 11 is, can help you win Big East games.” – Kim English [05:46]

6. Lessons from a Tough Season & Off-Season Adjustments

• [06:17] Kim English is candid about last season’s struggles:

  “Yeah, no, it was, you know, probably the worst year of my life…self-reflection, absolutely.” – Kim English [06:33]

• He examined everything, including practice intensity and injury causes, consulting widely and even bringing in outside medical experts.

7. Keeping Players Healthy: Medical Innovations & Consulting

• [07:44] Sought advice from both close contacts and top professionals, notably Arnie Kander (Orlando Magic medical director):

  “His teams…consistently had the highest participation rate in the league. So a real talk about what we can do to keep our guys healthy.” – Kim English [08:01]

8. Big East Financial “Advantage” & Future of the League

• [08:27] The hosts probe the narrative around Big East’s financial edge in the new era of college sports economics:

  “If it is a thing, it won’t be for long...we need to be real rapidly constantly thinking of how we can stay on the cutting edge.” – Kim English [09:00]

• English is skeptical that the advantage will persist as other leagues will rapidly adapt.

9. Team Culture & Defining a Successful Season

• [09:48] What will define Providence’s season?

  “If we stay healthy...get a unity and a togetherness amongst this group…because minutes may go down with the depth, but the value, the impact and the efficiency can’t.” – Kim English [09:53]

• He emphasizes selflessness and team focus, noting no player is likely to average 30 minutes—a collective mentality is paramount.

10. Predictions and Perspective on Polls

• [10:40] The hosts note the rarity of a team bouncing back so fast after a down year.
• English throws cold water on preseason hype:

  “Marquette was ninth. They swept the league.” – Kim English [10:58]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Depth:

  “10, 11 really good players…very competitive, very tough group of guys.” – Kim English [03:37]

• On Team Success:

  “If we stay healthy…get a unity and a togetherness amongst this group…the value, the impact and the efficiency can’t [drop].” – Kim English [09:53]

• On Perspective:

  “Marquette was ninth. They swept the league.” – Kim English [10:58]

• On Professional Development:

  “I brought in medical teams, consulted, flew all over the country talking to different…people on player wellness and availability.” – Kim English [06:33]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:37 – Providence picked 4th in Big East preseason poll; Coach reacts
• 02:33 – Exhibition vs. Pittsburgh: philosophy & takeaways
• 03:37 – The team’s depth and competitiveness discussed
• 04:31 – Portal and recruiting strategy; key new faces
• 05:46 – On maximizing a deep rotation
• 06:33 – Reflecting on last season and making changes
• 08:01 – Innovating for player health (Arnie Kander mention)
• 09:00 – Big East finances: real advantage or temporary
• 09:53 – Keys to a successful season for Providence
• 10:58 – Preseason polls perspective (Marquette reference)

Episode Tone and Takeaways

The conversation was honest, focused, and forward-looking. Kim English balanced optimism about his revamped, deep Providence roster with humility and a strong emphasis on health, unity, and adaptability. Listeners heard a coach determined to reshape his program—learning from the past, maximizing new opportunities, and staying ahead of structural changes in college basketball.