BRYCE WATCH: Hopkins Reportedly Visiting Georgetown

Cooley, Hoyas would build momentum in portal by quickly signing Hopkins

For two seasons there has been a whisper of a possible reunion for the head coach of your Georgetown Hoyas. The name on everyone’s lips? Bryce Hopkins, the former Providence College star forward, who has reportedly entered the transfer portal—while carrying a “do not contact” tag—and could potentially reunite with his former coach, Ed Cooley. Reports indicate that Hopkins will visit Georgetown this week—and that St. John’s may no longer be in the running. After two years of waiting, the question is whether now is the time Hopkins rejoins Cooley at Georgetown.

While the transfer portal is a landscape filled with uncertainty until pen meets paper, the prospect of adding a player of Hopkins’ caliber is undeniably exciting. Standing at a robust 6-foot-7 and weighing 220 pounds, Hopkins brings the kind of size and physicality that can immediately impact the Big East. A versatile player listed as a forward/guard, he possesses the ability to score, rebound, and create opportunities, as evidenced by his impressive statistics during his time with the Providence Friars.

Let’s not forget what Hopkins has already accomplished in this league. During his breakout sophomore season (2022-23) after transferring from Kentucky, Hopkins was a First Team All-BIG EAST selection. He averaged an impressive 15.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game that season, becoming a dominant force for Providence. This wasn’t just empty stats; Hopkins demonstrated his ability to perform against top competition, even earning BIG EAST Player of the Week honors twice. His performance that year culminated in being named to the NABC All-District 7 First Team and the USBWA All-District 1 First Team.

Beyond his talent, the potential reunion with Ed Cooley is a significant factor. Hopkins thrived under Cooley at Providence, and their established relationship could allow for a seamless transition and immediate impact. Cooley himself recognized Hopkins’ potential, stating he always thought Hopkins was a “prototypical Big East player” due to his versatility and ability to play multiple positions. This familiarity could be crucial in quickly integrating Hopkins into the Hoyas’ system and maximizing his strengths.

However, the narrative surrounding Hopkins is also intertwined with a significant aspect that cannot be ignored: his injury history. After his stellar sophomore campaign, Hopkins suffered a season-ending ACL injury in January 2024 during his junior year, limiting him to just 14 games.

Despite this setback, he opted to return to Providence for the 2024-25 season, but unfortunately, nagging knee injuries resurfaced, restricting him to a mere three games. In those limited appearances, however, he still showcased his talent, averaging 17.0 points and 7.7 rebounds, indicating his potential when healthy. Understanding and managing his health will be paramount if he were to join the Hoyas.

But what if the reunion doesn’t materialize? What if Bryce Hopkins chooses a different path? Should this outcome be interpreted as a broader referendum on the Ed Cooley era at Georgetown? In the NIL world, the situation at Georgetown might not be “the right fit.”

Missing out on Hopkins early could hinder much-needed portal momentum for the staff. Hopkins, having played his most successful college basketball under Cooley, visiting Georgetown and then opting not to follow him to Georgetown could be perceived as a concerning signal for the state of the program.

But Hopkins is entering the portal with a “do not contact” tag, suggesting he likely has a strong inclination towards one specific destination already. It just better be Georgetown.

Adding to the roster uncertainty for the 2025-26 season are the recent developments in the frontcourt. Sophomore forward/center Drew Fielder has reportedly entered the transfer portal, leaving a void in the team’s interior depth.

Furthermore, freshman standout forward/center Thomas Sorber, despite a promising season where he averaged 14.5 points and 8.5 rebounds and earned BIG EAST Freshman of the Week honors seven times, suffered a season-ending foot injury requiring surgery. While a full recovery is expected, Sorber is also expected to dip his toe into the NBA Draft pool, leaving his return to the Hoyas uncertain. A signing like Hopkins would go a long way to help fill a big void that Sorber might leave.

However, let’s focus on the optimistic scenario. Imagine a frontcourt that includes the experience and talent of Bryce Hopkins and Sorber. If Thomas Sorber were to return after exploring his NBA options and recovering fully, the Hoyas would suddenly boast an interior with two all-conference players. They could perhaps become the best frontcourt duo in the nation.

Alongside them, we have the potential of Julius Halaifonua, a 7-foot center who, while sidelined with ankle surgery, represents a significant long-term prospect. Let’s also not forget Seal Diouf, a player who has been redshirting and could be ready to contribute with his size and athleticism. The potential of Hopkins, Sorber, Halaifonua, and Diouf forming a solid frontcourt offers a glimpse of a much brighter season next year.

Bryce Hopkins joining the Georgetown Hoyas is not a guaranteed outcome, but the possibility is undeniably intriguing and exciting. While concerns about his injury history and the timing of such a move are understandable, the potential upside is significant. His size, ability, experience in the Big East, and familiarity with Cooley could provide the immediate impact the Hoyas desperately need. If paired with a healthy Sorber and the development of Halaifonua and Diouf, the Georgetown frontcourt could finally be a position of strength, offering a foundation upon which Coach Cooley can build a more competitive and successful program.

Let’s hope this Friar reunion becomes a reality and sparks a new chapter for Georgetown basketball.