Jaylin Sellers leadership role continues to grow heading into Big East play

The term “big guard” is thrown out a lot in today’s college basketball landscape to describe a sizable one or two that isn’t afraid to take contact when heading to the rack or has the size to guard multiple positions.

Jaylin Sellers is the big guard Providence had been missing of late. Whether it was Noah Locke, Jared Bynum, Jayden Pierre, or Bensley Joseph — all four players were certainly talented — but there is something about having Sellers’ 6’5, 205-pound frame on the perimeter that brings me peace.

The work Sellers has put into his body to come back from a back injury is certainly paying off thus far. His non-conference stats have been impressive efficiency-wise. Sellers is currently at 50% from the field and 42% from three through 11 games. He’s been a massive part of PC ranking #18 in the nation at 90 points per game.

But it’s not just been the scoring recently that’s caught my eye — it’s been the intensity and desire to improve the defense that has me, and others close to the program, seeing him become a clear leader as we head into Big East play.

The intensity Sellers has played with cannot be understated. It’s hard to compare him to other all‑time great Friars, but in terms of fire, the closest comparison is Kris Dunn.

In terms of a better player comparison though, I immediately think of fellow Jalen: Jalen Lindsey — thanks to Lindsey’s ability to score out on the perimeter but also finish above the rim.

In the past four games, Sellers is 13 of 17 from three and 8-10 from the line. Those numbers have me thinking of Stefan Vaaks looking to continue to grow as a facilitator — their synergy playing in the same lineup may create an opportunity to be part of one of the more efficient scoring trios (along with Jason Edwards) in the Big East.

I am looking forward to seeing Sellers match up with Chase Ross, Finley Bizjack and Bryce Lindsey just to name a few top scoring guards from the Big East who have seen success so far in the non-conference.

When Sellers was asked recently (on the Kim English Radio Show) for his opinion of the staff and being here so far, he was very complimentary, saying he couldn’t have ended up in a better spot for his senior season.

Sellers is going to be critical for the Friars to keep up scoring-wise in Big East play. If he is able to use his big frame to slow down some of the top two guards in the Big East I think we have a Friar fan favorite in the making, folks.