The roster for the Providence Friars is shifting again as the program braces for a significant exodus. Following a challenging 15-18 season and a transition in leadership, the Providence Friars to lose more players to the transfer portal is no longer a possibility but a reality, with three more men’s players announcing their intent to seek novel opportunities.
The latest departures include forward Oswin Erhunmwunse, Jamier Jones and Nilavan Daniels. Their announced exits come at a critical juncture for the program as new head coach Bryan Hodgson attempts to stabilize a roster that has seen considerable volatility since taking over for Kim English. Even as the loss of talent is substantial, the program secured a key victory in retention with the announcement that Ryan Mela will return for his junior season.
These moves are part of a wider regional trend across Rhode Island and Massachusetts college basketball. As the official NCAA transfer windows approach, programs including the University of Rhode Island women and the Bryant men are also navigating the complexities of roster management, NIL agreements, and coaching changes.
Analyzing the Impact: Who is Leaving the Friars?
The departure of Oswin Erhunmwunse represents a notable loss in the paint. As a sophomore, Erhunmwunse was a consistent presence, averaging 6.9 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. His efficiency was a highlight of his tenure; according to KenPom.com, he ranked in the national top 90 in several key categories, including 2-point shooting and both offensive and defensive rebound percentages. He started nearly every game he played, recording five double-doubles and providing a defensive anchor with nine games featuring at least four blocked shots.
Friars forward Oswin Erhunmwunse will enter the portal this week after averaging 6.9 points and 8.3 rebounds this season with Providence.
Jamier Jones, a Big East all-rookie team selection, also departs after showing significant offensive promise. Jones averaged 11.9 points and 4.5 rebounds, becoming a reliable starter in the final 19 games of the season. His ability to score in bunches was evident in high-profile matchups, including a 23-point performance against Villanova and 20 points against Connecticut.
Providence Friars forward Jamier Jones announced that he will enter the transfer portal this week.
Rounding out the new departures is Nilavan Daniels. Daniels’ trajectory at Providence was a testament to perseverance; he arrived as a preferred walk-on from St. Louis before earning a scholarship. He provided a spark from the perimeter, shooting 10-for-21 from 3-point range in 20 appearances, including a career-high 24 minutes in a victory over Xavier.
Screen shot of Nilavan Daniels announcement that he’s entering the transfer portal posted to League Ready on X.
A Rebuilding Phase Under Bryan Hodgson
For Coach Bryan Hodgson, the challenge of the 2026-27 season is already taking shape. The current wave of departures adds to a list of players who had already confirmed their intentions to abandon, including Stefan Vaaks, Daquan Davis, Rich Barron, and Jaylen Harrell. This cumulative loss of depth forces the coaching staff into a dual role: re-recruiting the remaining talent while aggressively scouting the portal for replacements.
The return of Ryan Mela provides a necessary foundation of continuity. Mela’s commitment to return for his junior season gives Hodgson a proven perimeter asset to build around. Yet, the overall roster volatility underscores the precarious nature of modern college athletics, where coaching changes often trigger a domino effect of player exits.
| Player | Status | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Mela | Returning | Committed for junior season |
| Oswin Erhunmwunse | Departing | Averaged 8.3 rebounds per game |
| Jamier Jones | Departing | Big East All-Rookie selection |
| Nilavan Daniels | Departing | Former walk-on, scholarship earner |
| Vaaks/Davis/Barron/Harrell | Departing | Previously confirmed portal entry |
Regional Ripple Effects: URI and Bryant
The instability is not limited to the Friars. The University of Rhode Island women’s team is facing its own transition after coach Tammi Reiss was hired away by Florida. Vanessa Harris, the Atlantic 10 Sixth Woman of the Year and an all-rookie selection, is expected to enter the portal. Harris was a pivotal part of URI’s historic 28-5 record and their first NCAA Tournament berth since 1996. She is expected to join Palmire Mbu and Amori Jarrett in seeking new programs as the Rams prepare to introduce new coach Colleen Mullen.
URI’s Vanessa Harris was named Sixth Woman of the Year in the Atlantic 10. She could be set to leave Kingston after one season.
Meanwhile, the Providence women’s team saw Lithuania international Austeja Babraitis depart for Barry University in the Division II ranks. This move follows a season where coach Erin Batth found success in the portal, recruiting Big East first-teamer Sabou Gueye from Florida A&M and Teneisia Brown from Fairleigh Dickinson.
In a positive turn for the local scene, Bryant men’s basketball has secured a commitment from Duane Thompson. A 6-foot-8 forward and Boston native, Thompson returns to Division I after a strong stint at Midland (Texas) in the NJCAA, where he averaged 8.2 points and 3.4 rebounds. Thompson previously spent time with St. Bonaventure, making him a seasoned addition to the Bulldogs’ 2026-27 roster.
The Timeline for the Transfer Window
The official movement of these players will be codified during the upcoming NCAA transfer windows. These periods are strategically timed to follow the national championship games, allowing coaches to finalize their rosters before offseason workouts begin.
- Women’s Game: The portal opens Monday, April 6, and closes April 21.
- Men’s Game: The portal opens Tuesday, April 7, and closes April 22.
For players, this 15-day window is a high-stakes negotiation period. Beyond finding a tactical fit on the court, athletes must navigate the complex landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights to ensure their financial and professional futures are secure.
The next critical checkpoint for Providence fans will be the official opening of the men’s portal on April 7, which will formally trigger the departure of the announced players and potentially open the door for new commitments under Coach Hodgson. We will continue to monitor these developments as the 2026-27 rosters take shape.
Do you think the Friars can recover their depth in time for next season? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
