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5 questions with Providence’s Kim English

Kim English is trying to lead Providence back to the NCAA Tournament. The 36-year old head coach has revamped the Friars’ roster and is aiming to lead this program back to March Madness in 2026. I caught up with English on this week in Providence to discuss last season’s struggles, the Friars’ offseason additions, and much more.

Jon Rothstein: Where does last season rank among the toughest seasons you’ve endured in all of your years in basketball?

Kim English: It was rough. It was up there for sure.

Rothstein: When you evaluated what you wanted to add during the offseason, what were the biggest priorities for you and your staff?

English: The biggest thing was getting guys that have done it at the high-major level. We felt like we did that and right there with the importance of the guys that we added was getting a core back that we felt great about — Ryan (Mela), Rich (Barron), Oswin (Erhunmwunse), and Corey (Floyd).

Rothstein: Which one of those returning guys will make the biggest jump this season?

English: They’ve all had moments, but Corey (Floyd) has had a great offseason. He’s improved his game in a lot of areas. He’s a linchpin. His father wore this jersey. He’s wearing this jersey and it means a lot to him. I’m just really, really happy to still have him.

Rothstein: In terms of newcomers, you’re adding a guy in Jason Edwards from Vanderbilt who was a part of a team that went to the NCAA Tournament last season. How big is it to add a guy who’s coming from that type of winning environment?

English: He’s been great. He’s obviously a very talented scorer. Getting him, Jaylin (Sellers), Duncan (Powell), Daquan (Davis), and Cole Hargrove was very big for us.

Rothstein: What’s the biggest key for this group to get to the NCAA Tournament in 2026?

English: I’ll start with health. If we’re healthy, I like our chances.

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