2024 NBA Draft: Why Providence’s Devin Carter sits in the top 15
Providence’s Devin Carter is considered one of the top prospects in the 2024 NBA Draft class. He tells For The Win’s Bryan Kalbrosky what makes him a standout talent.
NEW YORK — Devin Carter posted exactly one message to his X account during Wednesday night’s first round of the NBA Draft.
Providence College’s soon-to-be lottery pick directed it at Amir Jenkins, a Massachusetts native who received a scholarship offer from the Friars earlier in the day. You might imagine the conversation on the Barclays Center floor in front of the stage – Carter and Providence coach Kim English discussing bright futures for all involved, complete with a quick recruiting pitch.
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That’s the next step for the Friars after a night of celebration here. Carter has shown immediately it’s possible for players to leave English’s program for the highest level of professional basketball. Now it’s incumbent upon Providence’s staff to keep the talent flowing – and for postseason success to follow accordingly.
“He’s my first NBA player as a head coach – our staff’s first NBA player as a head coach,” English said. “Really, really excited for Devin. Really excited for his family. Really excited for our program at Providence College.”
Carter was selected No. 13 overall by the Sacramento Kings, the third of four representatives from the Big East to hear his name called. That’s no small number in a draft that saw nine international players and two more from G League Ignite selected. The Pac-12 and ACC each checked in with four while the SEC and Big Ten each produced three.
“A lot of guys still out there,” English said, noting Marquette duo Tyler Kolek and Oso Ighodaro, Connecticut guard Cam Spencer and Creighton guard Trey Alexander. “I think it’s the best basketball league in college basketball.”
Jenkins is a two-time state champion with Worcester North who will reclassify and enter the prep ranks. He’s now a 2026 prospect with Worcester Academy who enjoyed a strong weekend showing at the NEPSAC Showcase. Jenkins reported previous offers from Assumption and Albany – this latest addition should see his interest spike accordingly.
“Draft tweet,” Carter said. “Friar!”
Carter will serve as a strong example of player development under English. His improved shooting from 2-point range and 3-point range, rising assist rate and impressive defensive rebounding were all partly thanks to freedom in an open offensive system and his competitiveness at the other end. Carter took home Big East Player of the Year honors while helping the Friars survive three months without Bryce Hopkins, who suffered a major left knee injury in early January.
More: Previewing the NBA Draft: Where RI’s Devin Carter and Tyler Kolek could be picked
“I could not imagine a player who’s going to respond better to sitting there watching people get picked in front of him,” English said. “But he was calm – he was calm the entire time. Professional.”
Providence has already landed three consensus top-50 prospects under English. Garwey Dual reaffirmed a commitment to the Friars after Cooley left for Georgetown and English flew to Los Angeles on an immediate rescue mission. Big man Oswin Erhunmwunse will join Providence next season after leaving the 2025 class – Florida wing Jamier Jones remains among the projected newcomers for the 2025-26 campaign.
“It’s a great lesson for all our guys and for future guys,” English said. “Play hard, play the right way and compete. You can reach your wildest dreams.”
The Friars were regular NCAA Tournament qualifiers under Ed Cooley. They captured a Big East tournament crown in 2013 and the school’s first regular season championship in 2021-22. That second memorable season saw Providence reach a first Sweet 16 in 25 years.
That success on the floor didn’t extend routinely to these stages. Kris Dunn and Ben Bentil were the program’s last draft picks in 2016 – Dunn in the lottery at No. 5 overall, Bentil in the second round. David Duke Jr. and Justin Minaya are on two-way contracts with NBA organizations and multiple alums are enjoying strong careers overseas, but this is a different level of recognition entirely.
“We’ve had quite a few NBA players when I was an assistant coach at Colorado and Tennessee and Tulsa,” English said. “But now our first as a staff as a head coach – it’s great for our guys.
“We want to be here every year. It’s something we’re going to try to make happen.”
On X: @BillKoch25
