PROVIDENCE COLLEGE MEN’S BASKETBALL

PICKED 13TH IN PRESEASON BIG EAST POLL

NEW YORK, N.Y. – The Providence College men’s basketball team was picked 13th of 16 schools in the 2009-10 BIG EAST Preseason Coaches' Poll, which was released at media day at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Wednesday, October 21. Villanova was picked first with 218 points and 10 first place votes.

Providence, which returns seniors Sharaud Curry (Gainesville, Ga.) and Brian McKenzie (Brooklyn, N.Y.), finished with a 19-14 mark last season and a 10-8 mark (tied for seventh place) in BIG EAST play. The Friars’ roster will feature seven newcomers, including two junior college transfers, juniors Kyle Wright (Hartford, Conn.) and Russ Permenter (Temple, Texas).

Fans can get their first look at Head Coach Keno Davis’ squad on Saturday, October 24 at the annual Fanfest celebration at PC's Mullaney Gymnasium from noon to 3:00 p.m. The team will play its annual Mal Brown intra-squad scrimmage at 1:00 p.m.

2009-10 BIG EAST Preseason Coaches' Poll

1. Villanova (10) 218 points

2. West Virginia (5) 215 points

3. Connecticut (1) 185 points

4. Louisville 179 points

5. Georgetown 161 points

6. Syracuse 152 points

7. Cincinnati 135 points

8. Notre Dame 132 points

9. Pittsburgh 119 points

10. Seton Hall 110 points

11. St. John’s 82 points

12. Marquette 78 points

13. Providence 52 points

14. USF 44 points

15. Rutgers 43 points

16. DePaul 15 points