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Will they be healthy for 2024-25?
Providence star Bryce Hopkins might miss the start of the season. He's not the only key player to monitor. Plus, takeaways from Louisville's exhibitions, a regional rivalry resumes, talking with Ohio State's Jake Diebler, and more.
Tristan Freeman
August 02, 2024
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As the season nears, expect to see names of players who might not play to start the season. A big name that has emerged is Tyon Grant-Foster, who reportedly is facing academic eligibility issues at Grand Canyon.
That’s related to Grant-Foster’s NBA draft decisions. More common would be player recovering from injuries who aren’t quite ready. Let’s dive into that in today’s Daily.
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1. Providence prepping to not have Hopkins (at first). Who’s doing the same?
One of the biggest injuries from last season involved Providence forward Bryce Hopkins, who averaged 15.5 ppg and 8.6 rpg before suffering a season-ending knee injury. The Friars were 11-2 before the injury, and 10-12 after, which cost them an NCAA Tournament berth.
Hopkins is back for his senior season, but has yet to be cleared. The expectations are that he won’t play the opener on Nov. 4. However, the hope is that Hopkins will be good to go soon after. (Whether he’s ever 100% physically is TBD.)
He’s not the only notable — and essential — player returning from a serious injury. Here are five players to watch:
Zach Freemantle, Xavier
The biggest individual injury from last season may have been Freemantle, who averaged 15.2 ppg and 8.1 rpg in the previous season. The Musketeers’ frontcourt never really clicked. They also dearly missed Jerome Hunter, whose health issues plus a torn Achilles caused him to miss the season. Though the team added a number of key transfers this offseason, the most important “newcomer” might be the guy(s) already on the team.
Ty Berry, Northwestern
Before his a season-ending knee injury, Berry was averaging a career-high 11.6 ppg and 43% shooting from deep. He’s reportedly not cleared yet to play, but the Wildcats will need him back to help replace the massive production left behind by star guard Boo Buie.
Mark Freeman, James Madison
Freeman was a former OVC Player of the Year at Morehead State who averaged 15.0 ppg and 3.7 apg en route to a regular-season title. He missed all of last season after a wrist injury suffered a week before the season began. He’s now at James Madison, and playing for his former Eagles coach, Preston Spradlin. A healthy Freeman would be key to keeping the Dukes in Sun Belt contention.
Caleb Grill, Missouri
The sharpshooting guard was limited to just nine games for the Tigers and missed all of SEC play. He never really found his groove (29% from beyond the arc), but shot 37% from deep in the year prior at Iowa State. If he can provide needed spacing on Mizzou’s new-look roster, they’ll avoid another 0-18 SEC season.
Steele Venters, Gonzaga
The Zags added wings Michael Ajayi and Khalif Battle, which overshadows that former Big Sky POY Venters missed all last season. He’s on track to play all of 2024-25. Wing depth won’t be an issue this time around with Venters, who averaged 15.0 ppg at Eastern Washington.
2. Four takeaways from Louisville’s Bahamas trip
It’s only August … but Louisville might want the season to start next week.