Providence Star Bryce Hopkins to Transfer to Conference Rival

Providence Star Bryce Hopkins to Transfer to St. John’s

Why Hopkins Was a Top Transfer

Hopkins is an elite forward. In each of the past three seasons, he has averaged more than 15 points per game and more than seven rebounds per game. He may not be an elite three-point shooter, but he shoots 30% from three in his career. After originally committing to Kentucky, where he saw only sparing minutes, he starred for Providence. When healthy, Hopkins was one of the best players in the Big East, earning first-team All-Big East honors in 2022-23. He was named to the Wooden Award watch list in each of the past two seasons. Hopkins will bring St. John’s some of the elite talent they are losing, but not without controversy.

Hopkins’ Injury Concerns

Hopkins has only played in 17 games throughout his last two seasons. After tearing his ACL in January of 2024, he came back in December for the Friars. After playing in three games, he injured his knee again. He missed the remainder of the season with that injury. Freak injuries happen, and it’s possible that his knee never fully recovered from the ACL tear, leading to a bone bruise in the knee. Hopkins may never have another injury ever again, playing the rest of his college and professional career in full health.

However, horror stories haunt players for the rest of their lives. Professional athletes often never have injury issues until one major injury causes issues. Hopkins hasn’t proven himself to be healthy since the ACL tear. Hopefully, the time off will benefit him, and he will come back as strong as ever. But he undoubtedly had some schools shy away from giving him an NIL deal he may prefer.

Does Bryce Hopkins Raise St. John’s Championship Hopes?

St. John’s lost because their worst nightmare came true. Throughout the season, the Red Storm dealt with games where they couldn’t throw the ball in the ocean. Their defense kept them in every game, but their offensive struggles were on full display. Those nightmares came back in the NCAA Tournament. Hopkins helps solve one of those problems. One player doesn’t solve every offensive woe, but he fills in for all the lost players in the portal or to graduation. If Hopkins stays healthy throughout the whole season, St. John’s should have more offensive success with a good team around him. He also could give St. John’s their second Big East Player of the Year award in a row. As long as he stays healthy, it could be the most impactful transfer in the country and could lead the Red Strom to a Final Four run.