Photo courtesy of Carl Rizzo @GameOne_Photography on IG

The always under-appreciated rim protector. For many programs in college basketball today, the vision for their five-man is more like Josh Oduro than friend of The Friar Podcast Carson Desrosiers. And in many cases, you can’t blame that strategy, as having a five that can draw the defense out on the perimeter and score and pass like Oduro creates offensive flow that can be hard to contain.

Call me old-fashioned, but there’s just something about the defensive capability of a team that can be created with a true rim protector at the back of the defense that is so appealing. And since Desrosiers, Providence has not had a true rim protector – opting more for the Nate Watson and Ed Croswell interior scorers in recent years.

As I recently posted on X, Oswin Erhunmwunse was top 50 in the country in blocks per game as a freshman. In the heart of Big East play last year in a month’s timeframe (from Jan. 5 to Feb. 1) he had at least three blocks seven times! That included five blocks against the Hall at home on Jan. 11. Erhunmwunse was 30th in the country last season with an 8.8% Block Percentage.

For reference, in 2003-2004 Marcus Douthit averaged 3.2 blocks per game — good for first all-time in Friar history in the Big East era — so there is some room to grow for the Big O.

With a bigger and more talented core around him in ‘25-26, seeing Erhunmwunse eclipse two blocks per game almost seems certain. His timing and ability to almost go for the volleyball-style block seems so natural, it’s hard to think of a comparison in the Big East currently who has his ability to deflect shots.

Erhunmwunse has put in some impressive work in the offseason on his physique. Listed at 235 pounds, he has added at least fifteen pounds of muscle to his frame — much needed to keep him out of foul trouble when battling against the likes of Zuby Ejiofor or Tarris Reed. There were times when Erhunmwunse’s then skinnier frame was creating fouls and tiring him out against some of the Big East’s best.

When it comes to Erhunmwunse though, his defense may unfairly get all the press when it comes to his game. Many forget he shot an impressive 72% from the field in his freshman season, good for what would have been first in the country if enough attempts were reached. He showed impressive touch around the rim. A solid hook shot was a nice surprise from Erhunmwunse last year.

What was most impressive was his ability to dunk over people as a true freshman. In Oswin’s freshman year highlights, you will notice he finished over many in Big East play rather than just converting on easy looks.

He even scored over, and around, Ryan Kalkbrenner at Creighton.

Some room for improvement lies first at the free throw line – 47% from the line is almost in “Hack-a-Shaq” territory if you’re an opposing team. Also, his passing ability out of the post could see some improvement with a better supporting cast this year. Erhunmwunse has discussed wanting to extend his offensive game, but that remains to be seen.

So, what are the ceiling and floor in 2025-2026? The floor should be around nine points and seven rebounds per game, with the ceiling looking more like 12 points per game and nearly ten boards. Erhunmwunse should be much better suited to stay on the floor this year, and with a scoring big like Duncan Powell opposite him, Erhunmwunse can focus on doing what he does best this season, which is being physical and scoring around the rim.

With performances like his 16 points and 11 rebounds in PC’s Big East Tournament loss to end the season, the upside for Erhunmwunse’s sophomore season can’t be overstated. And his decision to stay at Providence was perhaps the most important decision of any player last offseason.

Erhunmwunse has continued to show loyalty to PC and the coaching staff, but most recently his acts of kindness in the Providence community (including paying for a family’s items at the Walmart in Providence) just makes you want to root for the big guy. With a bigger frame and a year of Big East experience at an All-Freshman level — I like the prospects of a big step forward for #55 in 2025-26.