'He's building something great': Bryce Hopkins confirms return to Providence College
PROVIDENCE — Bryce Hopkins will make his return to basketball in about eight months. And with Providence College.
Hopkins, who tore his ACL in the second half against Seton Hall on Jan. 3, spoke to media at the Ruane Friar Development Center on Friday afternoon.
“I believe that [doctors] said my process will be about six-to-eight months when I'll be fully back,” Hopkins said. “And it’s great that it's happening during the offseason, to have that time to regroup my body as well and let me get back on the court.”
The Providence star confirmed his desire, when asked pointedly, to return to the Friars next winter after rehabbing the injury.
“I feel like [Kim] English has done a great job here,” Hopkins said. “I feel like he's building something great here and I'm glad to be a part of it.”
Hopkins, who said he knew the injury was significant immediately, has leaned on Justyn Fernandez during the rehab process. Fernandez also suffered a knee injury and is redshirting for the 2023-24 season.
“It's just been great to have a teammate that's going through it and basically has the blueprint on what to do to get back,” Hopkins said.
Providence, which hosts DePaul on Saturday night, has welcomed Hopkins’ return to Providence after a successful surgery in Chicago in mid-January.
“I appreciate him being around because he's a great kid, great teammate, great brother that I will have for the rest of my life,” Ticket Gaines said. “Good to see him back out smiling and getting ready for his time in rehab.”
Said English: “I know it's tough, but I think he's been incredible. His voice, his presence in our shootarounds at practices and obviously, at the [Amica Mutual Pavilion] on game day.”
Hopkins has begun shooting drills, from a chair, and has been lifting with Fernandez.
“I'm excited about his process and really excited about the work we're going to continue to do to improve his jumper,” English said. “He gets to improve his jump shot without the pressure of performing in games.”
Hopkins said his return to the Amica Mutual Pavilion floor was difficult.
“My first game back after my surgery, when I was sitting behind the bench and was watching the intros and all that stuff it was a little emotional,” Hopkins said. “I started tearing up a little bit I just miss being out there with the guys.”
jrousseau@providencejournal.com
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This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Bryce Hopkins confirms return to PC and injury rehab
