Providence, Oklahoma hope key players are back in Bahamas

Both Oklahoma and Providence are hoping they'll have key pieces back in place when the two undefeated teams square off in the first round of the Battle 4 Atlantis on Wednesday in Paradise Island, Bahamas.

The Friars (5-0) are expected to have Bryce Hopkins available, according to a report from Field of 68.

Hopkins was averaging 15.5 points and 8.6 rebounds last season before suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament Jan. 3.

He returned to full-go practices last week, and Tuesday, Providence coach Kim English said Hopkins would be a "game-time decision" against the Sooners.

"It's been a process," English said. "We're not rushing it."

But English praised Hopkins' progress since the Friars' last game, Nov. 19, when Hopkins went through pregame warmups.

"I thought he looked better than I remembered," English said. "He's been in our system for the past year. His patience, his understanding, his versatility on offense and defense ... it's been great to see him in practice."

The Sooners (4-0) are hopeful that they'll get Brycen Goodine back.

Goodine played for the Friars for two seasons from 2020-22 before transferring to Fairfield for two seasons and then to Oklahoma this offseason.

Goodine suffered an ankle injury in the Sooners' opener Nov. 4 and has not played since.

"He's a really tough kid and trying to push through it," Oklahoma coach Porter Moser said. "It will truly be one of those game-time decisions. He hasn't gone a full practice yet, just been pieces of practices."

Playing with Goodine and Jadon Jones, expected to be two of the Sooners' top outside shooters, Moser said he's learned plenty about his team's offense.

"When you're down those shooters, it's really a great weapon to know that a lot of other guys can knock down the open shot," Moser said. "It's been a huge takeaway."

The Sooners have been led by Jalon Moore, who is averaging 18.8 points per game, and freshman Jeremiah Fears, who is averaging 15.5.

Providence has been led by senior guard Bensley Joseph, who is averaging 11.8 points and 4.0 assists per game.

Oklahoma has not played a game closer than 16 points yet this season, with an average margin of victory of 24 points.

Providence has won its five games by an average of nearly 17 points per game.

The teams will square off against either Davidson or No. 24 Arizona in the second round Thursday, with the winners playing each other in one semifinal while the losers play in a consolation semifinal.

--Field Level Media