Upon hearing the whistle for a technical foul, Jayden Pierre immediately understood the message Kim English aimed to convey to his team.
“That was his way of telling us to wake up,” Pierre remarked.
Early in the Big East Tournament quarterfinal between 7th-seeded Providence and 2nd-seeded Creighton, a contentious foul call against Devin Carter prompted English to express his discontent, resulting in a technical foul. This led to a quick five-point surge by Creighton, shifting the score to 13-6.
English’s bold move had the desired effect. Over the next ten minutes, Providence stifled Creighton’s formidable offense, initiating a commanding 25-9 run culminating in a Pierre jump shot.
Although the 8th-ranked Bluejays staged a formidable comeback, erasing a 13-point deficit in the second half to seize the lead with five minutes remaining, it was the Friars who exhibited greater resilience and determination in the crucial moments.
Outscoring Creighton 15-9 down the stretch, Providence secured a hard-fought 78-73 victory, marking their sixth Quad 1 win and potentially bolstering their prospects for Selection Sunday.
The impact of English’s technical foul extended beyond its immediate consequences. It symbolized the fervor of the Providence supporters who packed Madison Square Garden, reflecting the fiery spirit of English, the youngest head coach in high-major college basketball at 35.
His prior experience, including being named the 2012 Big 12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player and a stint with the Detroit Pistons, underscores his understanding of what it takes to win.
English’s players mirrored his intensity, signaling his successful integration into the Providence program. However, English’s influence extends beyond mere passion; he approaches coaching with a meticulous analytical approach, evident in his use of detailed statistics beyond traditional box scores.
Seeking wisdom and guidance, English turned to Jim Calhoun, a seven-time Big East Tournament champion and three-time national champion with UConn, whose advice resonated deeply with the Friars’ head coach and was later shared with the team.
The Friars’ journey to a 21-12 overall record and contention for an NCAA Tournament bid, despite losing key player Bryce Hopkins to injury, highlights their resilience and tenacity. English emphasizes the importance of toughness in navigating the challenges of the competitive Big East conference, a sentiment echoed by his players.
Devin Carter’s standout performance, including a remarkable block reminiscent of Michael Jordan’s style, and Josh Oduro’s contributions underscore the team’s collective effort and determination. With their sights set on both tournament success and a Big East championship, Providence approaches each game with a determined mindset, exemplifying their readiness to compete at the highest level.
As the first 7-seed in seven years to advance to the Big East Tournament semifinals, Providence looks to capitalize on their momentum, striving to convince the selection committee of their deserving spot in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
