Providence’s Bryce Hopkins is in charge of the game in the opening game of Battle 4 Atlantis

Providence College men’s basketball coach Kim English didn’t say whether or not his team would bring in a major reinforcement for the Battle 4 Atlantis opener.

Bryce Hopkins (left knee) will be a game decision for Wednesday’s game against Oklahoma in the Bahamas, scheduled for 5 p.m. The Friars have waited 11 long months for him to return after a serious injury last January against Seton Hall, and his return to the field could come in a tropical paradise.

Hopkins would save Providence from its toughest test yet. The Sooners beat the Friars in the Big East-Big 12 battle last season and are easily their best opponent in November, according to KenPom.com, with no idea who might be next in this challenging eight-team field.

“It’s a game-time decision,” English said. “He trained today – had a good training session. We’ll see what happens when he wakes up tomorrow.

“It was a process. We’re not rushing it.”

Hopkins suffered a torn ACL in the second half against the Pirates in a Jan. 3 match at Amica Mutual Pavilion. He underwent surgery in his native Chicago and has missed Providence’s last 26 games, including five at the start of the 2024-25 season. The Friars could finally put the numerous physical issues that emerged from summer and pre-season training in the rearview mirror.