Former UNLV forward Jacob Bannarbie is taking his talents to the East Coast. The 6-foot-9 redshirt sophomore has committed to Providence, becoming the latest addition to the Friars' revamped roster under new head coach Bryan Hodgson.
Bannarbie made the announcement on Instagram late Friday night, choosing Providence over a recent visit to North Carolina State. He's the 10th player to join the Friars since Hodgson was formally introduced in late March—a clear sign that the program is building something special for the 2026-27 season.
And there's plenty of reason for excitement. Bannarbie showed tremendous growth this past season at UNLV, starting in 15 of his 30 appearances and improving across the board. His scoring jumped from 1.6 to 5.4 points per game, his rebounding climbed from 1.8 to 4.8 boards, and his block percentage more than doubled from 1.0% to 2.4%. He's a career 52% shooter who does his damage almost exclusively from inside the arc—the kind of efficient, physical presence that can anchor a frontcourt.
His defensive rebounding rate, per KenPom.com, skyrocketed from 14.4% to 22.9%, ranking first on his team. That kind of improvement doesn't happen by accident—it's the result of hard work and a growing understanding of positioning and timing.
Bannarbie also flashed his potential on the Nike grassroots circuit before college, averaging 8.8 points and 6.1 rebounds on 58.8% shooting with the Oakland Soldiers in 2023. That same versatility showed up in big moments last season: he scored 15 points in an overtime win over Nevada, posted a double-double (12 points, 11 boards) against Saint Joseph's, and pulled down a career-high 15 rebounds in a home victory over Grand Canyon.
An Alaska native, Bannarbie committed to UNLV out of Hillcrest Prep in Phoenix—a powerhouse program that has produced NBA talent like Deandre Ayton and Dalen Terry. He chose the Runnin' Rebels over offers from Washington State, UC Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and others. Now he's ready to make his mark in the Big East.
For Friars fans, this is another piece of a promising puzzle. Bannarbie brings size, rebounding, and a developing offensive game—exactly the kind of player who can thrive in a conference known for its physical play. And with Hodgson's track record of developing talent, the best may be yet to come.