What Emmitt Holt’s absence means for Providence

Earlier this week, the Providence Friars announced that Emmitt Holt would be out for the remainder of the season. This news was inevitable, but it still stings to hear the official release. On the bright side, the senior forward hopes to return to campus in January.

So, now that we know Holt is 100 percent shelved following abdominal surgery, let’s take a look at the impact this has on the next four months, in addition to next year’s Friars.

2017-18

Friar fans were already under the assumption that Holt would be out for most, if not all of this season. So yes, it’s not like Ed Cooley was unprepared for this.

Post announcement, the pressure still remains on Kalif Young and Nate Watson to step up their efforts on the glass, as they’ve been rather inconsistent during Providence’s 6-1 start. Losing Holt from the starting lineup leaves plenty of rebounds to be had, but Cooley and his staff would like to see more from their young frontcourt, instead of relying on Alpha Diallo to have 11 rebounds like he did against Rider on Wednesday.

No Holt also summons a need for the emergence of Rodney Bullock, Kyron Cartwright, and Jalen Lindsey as leaders on and off the court. Cooley has referred to Holt as the “heart and soul” of his team, so this experienced bunch will need to step up in his absence. They’ve already done so throughout the first seven games of the season, however this will be extremely important once they hit conference play.

Providence is optimistic that Holt will be returning to campus in January, which means he’ll be around the team and oftentimes on the bench at games. His influence around of simply being around the Friars can only help them as they begin Big East play.

2018-19

Holt will use the current season as a medical redshirt year, which means he’ll be eligible to return and play in 2018-19. Providence will be one of the younger teams in the Big East next year, as they welcome in a stellar 2018 recruiting class.

If you’re Ed Cooley, you have to be thrilled to have Emmitt Holt be around guys like AJ Reeves and David Duke during their first collegiate season. Both players are set up for extremely successful careers, but being able to learn from a great player and person like Holt will certainly help them down the road.

Plus, a front court consisting of a seasoned Nate Watson and Kalif Young to play alongside Holt sounds like a nice set up to me. Dajour Dickens will certainly benefit a lot as well thanks to Holt’s return.

For now, here’s some Emmitt Holt highlights to hold you over until Providence faces off against URI on Saturday at 5 p.m.

And of course, the best for last: