Providence prepares for BC exhibition without Pate, Pinion and Simpson

Providence’s weekend exhibition will test a group missing three players. October 6 reporting identifies Dink Pate, Joe Pinion and Derek Simpson as unavailable for Boston College while Bryan Hodgson awaits more information.

Providence coach Bryan Hodgson said on October 6 that paperwork concerning Dink Pate’s NCAA eligibility was still being completed, according to WPRI’s report from Tuesday’s practice. The broadcaster reported that the NCAA was reviewing Pate’s eligibility after his professional G League experience.

Separately, reporter Kevin McNamara said Pate, Joe Pinion and Derek Simpson would not play in the Friars’ weekend exhibition against Boston College. McNamara reported Hodgson’s expectation that he might have news on fifth-year players Pinion and Simpson in the following week.

Paperwork remains pending

WPRI’s account described remaining documentation for Pate rather than a completed eligibility ruling. McNamara’s report likewise sets out the three players’ exhibition status without establishing that they have been cleared for the regular season.

The distinction affects Providence’s first preparations under Hodgson: the three players are unavailable for that exhibition, while their eventual regular-season roles remain tied to further decisions.

Providence’s official schedule lists the regular-season opener against Maine on November 2 at 7 p.m. The school’s current roster lists Pate, but a roster entry does not itself resolve the eligibility process described by the coach.

For the exhibition, the immediate consequence is three fewer players available to participate. Providence has yet to announce the regular-season outcome described as pending in Tuesday’s reports.