Ex-UNLV forward Bannarbie commits to Providence basketball

Bannarbie is an Alaska native who committed to UNLV out of Hillcrest Prep, a Phoenix power that includes alums like Deandre Ayton, Dalen Terry, former Villanova forward Duke Brennan and former University of Rhode Island wing Brandon Weston. He selected the Runnin’ Rebels ahead of offers from Washington State, UC Santa Barbara, San Francisco, San Jose State, Southern Utah, Portland and Sacramento State. Bannarbie used a redshirt in 2023-24 and debuted by coming off the bench in 16 of his 19 appearances the following season.

Bannarbie should work alongside Yale transfer Samson Aletan and Northwestern transfer Arrinten Page in the frontcourt. The Friars secured pledges from those two veterans as part of a two-week period in April that saw nine players commit to the program. Providence was without a new addition since Georgetown guard Malik Mack announced his move to a Big East rival on April 21.

Bannarbie, Aletan, Page, Mack and the returning Ryan Mela join newcomers Miles Byrd (San Diego State), Dink Pate (Westchester Knicks), Gavin Hightower (South Florida), Devin Vanterpool (Florida Atlantic), Ryan Sabol (Buffalo) and Leonardo Marangon (Italy). The Friars still have Daquan Davis and Jason Edwards – possibly pending an NCAA waiver – in the portal and looking likely to leave the program. Stefan Vaaks (Illinois), Rich Barron (Toledo), Jaylen Harrell (Washington State), Oswin Erhunmwunse (Creighton), Jamier Jones (Missouri), Nilavan Daniels (William & Mary) and Peteris Pinnis (Oregon State) have all committed elsewhere for 2026-27.

Providence still has open scholarships remaining for next season and could pursue multiple avenues to fill them. The Friars could continue picking through what is now a considerably thinner portal class than a month ago, opt for the international route as they did with Marangon, or bring in a couple of developmental freshmen with an eye on the future. Players they were connected with early in the process who remain uncommitted include Stephen F. Austin forward Jerald Colonel, Missouri State guard Kobi Williams and St. Thomas guard Isaiah Johnson-Arigu.

bkoch@providencejournal.com

On X: @BillKoch25

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Former UNLV forward Jacob Bannarbie commits to Providence basketball