Last week, former Providence forward and Fayetteville, N.C., native Greg Gantt announced that he was transferring to NC State.

Bill Koch covers college basketball for the Providence Journal, and Gantt’s move made some sense for Koch.

Gantt, while a consistent member of the rotation, faced a potential uphill climb to increase his playing time next season. He started seven of 26 games and averaged 21.4 minutes a contest in 2020-21. Gantt averaged 4.0 points and 3.1 rebounds per game.

Providence head coach Ed Cooley utilized a three-guard lineup and has veteran forwards Nate Watson and Noah Horchler, a pair of fifth-year seniors, returning. Watson averaged 16.9 points and 6.7 boards and Horchler contributed 6.7 points and 5.7 rebounds.

Without knowing was said between Gantt and Cooley in their exit meeting, Koch suspects that subject of Gantt’s likely role was a topic.

“I think his conversations with Ed Cooley were, ‘Look, we’d love to have you come back, you’re a really physically talented kid, but I can’t necessarily guarantee you’re going to start or play 25-30 minutes a game,’" Koch speculated.

“If you are two years in and you’re a four-star, top-100 kid and had some of the options that Greg had I think it’s only natural that you start looking elsewhere.”

Physically, Koch noted it’s easy to see why Gantt was highly touted when he signed with Providence. Rivals.com ranked Gantt the No. 55 prospect in the country in the 2019 class. He chose the Friars over Clemson, Florida, Texas and Vanderbilt.